Photographer apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this role
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- photography
- visual arts
- commercial photography
- art and design
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could take a college course, such as:
- NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Photography
- A Level Photography
- Level 3 Diploma in Photography
These may help you to find a job as a photographer's assistant in a studio.
You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and a creative subject for a Level 3 course.
Apprenticeship
The following apprenticeship may be relevant:
- Level 3 Photographic assistant
You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship.
Work
You could start as a photographer's assistant and work your way up. It's usual to specialise in one kind of photography, like fashion, advertising, wildlife or photojournalism. You'll need a portfolio of your work to show your skills, interests and experience in photography. It'll also help you to get noticed if you post examples of your work online.
Photographer apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- knowledge of the fine arts
- to be flexible and open to change
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Photographer apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In your daily tasks you may:
- discuss a project with the client and agree the 'brief'
- find and prepare the location for the photo session
- choose the right equipment and set up lighting
- compose and take photos
- use industry software to edit and process images
- check accurate colour match and image quality
- choose the best images for the client to use online or in print
- promote and run your business
Working environment
You could work in a creative studio.
Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
Career path and progression - Photographer apprenticeships
Many photographers are freelance and you could do a mix of contract work and following your own interests. You could extend your range into other areas of photography like product, property, aerial or corporate work. With training, you could also work as a press or police photographer.
There are opportunities for photographers in the armed forces.
If you do specialist qualifications, you could find jobs in medical photography or illustration.
You may decide to become self-employed and set up your own business.
Photography is very competitive, so you'll need creativity and technical skills to make money. You'll also need finance for equipment, a space to work in, and some business and admin skills.
You could increase your income by selling your images independently.