Placement Overview

James Potter specialises in weddings and portraits throughout the Southern Counties. He uses his artist's eye to create a combination of relaxed informal reportage photographs and elegant formal photographs, which capture the essence of any occasion.

Generic Job Description for a Photographer

Photographers produce photographic images for a range of purposes using camera equipment. They work in many fields including commercial, portrait, editorial and industrial.

Photographs are now usually produced using digital equipment and computers. This makes the process more immediate and flexible.

Much of a photographer’s time is spent choosing locations and subjects, adjusting lighting and composing images.

Skills:

• A high level of creativity
• Commercial awareness
• Good problem solving skills
• Patience
• Good technical understanding
• The ability to meet deadlines

Pay:

• Entry £10,000 - £12,000
• £16,000 - £20,000 with experience
• £40,000 or more for specialist photographers

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• Hours can often include evenings and weekends depending on project
• Irregular hours and overtime are common 

Environment:

• Often Photographers work in studios
• Working locations can vary depending on type of project
• Locations can be outdoors and in all conditions

Qualifications:

• A degree is required for most job opportunities
• Degrees are available in Art and Design, Photography, Media and Electronic Imaging
• Most degree courses require five GCSE’s grades A – C and two A-Levels

Training:

• Training to develop skills is usually on-the-job
• Specialist photography such as press and medical offer structured training schemes

Opportunities:

• The majority of photographers are self-employed
• Photography is a very competitive occupation
• There are around 25,000 professional photographers in the UK

Links:

www.the-aop.org - Association of Photographers

www.bipp.com - British Institute of Professional Photography

www.rps.org - Royal Photographic Society