Career outlook for photographer
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£29,640
Currently employed in Scotland
10,400
Average UK salary
£29,640
Currently employed in Scotland
10,400
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would use your artistic and technical skills to take still photographs at special events or to be used in magazines, books or adverts.
You would normally specialise in one area of photography, such as:
- General or social, like weddings and portraits
- Advertising and editorial, for adverts, magazines and photo libraries
- Press and photojournalism, for newspapers and other news publications
- Fashion - photographing models and clothing for magazines and catalogues
- Corporate, producing promotional material for industrial and commercial companies
- Scientific or medical, recording scientific research, or medical conditions and treatments
You’d use your creativity to visualise and compose the images. People might be nervous so you’d help them to relax so they look good in the photos.
What ever type of photography you do, you would:
- Discuss the project with your client, or get instructions from them (known as a brief)
- Choose locations and get them ready for the photography session (the shoot)
- Select the right cameras, film and accessories
- Set up lighting and equipment
- Compose and take the photos
- Check the quality of the images
- Retouch images by hand or with digital software such as Photoshop
- Process and print photos
If you are self employed you would need to promote and run your business.
In some cases you might employ an assistant to help a shoot run smoothly. Assistants set up equipment, prepare sets and props, look after clients, keep records and help with printing and administration.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
42%
Part-time
18%
Self employed
40%
Create a qualification route
We’ve found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Time management
- Developing a plan
- Attention to detail
- Working with technology
- Verbal communication
- Building relationships
- Researching
- Innovative
- Creative
Skills Explorer
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To understand more, have a look at What are my skills?
Our Skills Explorer tool will help you understand what skills you have and match them to jobs that might suit you.
Use the Skills Explorer toolGetting in
Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.
Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Qualifications
You do not need formal qualifications to pursue this career. Most professional photographers have taken a college or university course to develop their technical skills.
You can enter some Photography National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF level 5) with no formal qualifications but most courses require National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 6).
You can enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCFQ level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of 4 Higher or a relevant HNC/HND.
To enter a postgraduate qualification (SCFQ level 11) will usually require a relevant degree.
Useful subjects
- English (often required by courses)
- Maths (often required by courses)
- Art and design (often required by courses)
- Photography (often required by courses)
- Media (often required by courses)
- Social studies
- Creative subjects
- ICT-centred subjects
You will also need
A portfolio of your work when applying to courses and to jobs.
Experience and personal contacts in the industry are also important for building a successful career.
Helpful to have
Qualifications that show photographic, creative, digital and visual communication skills such as:
- Skills for Work Creative Digital Media (SCFQ level 4)
- Creative Industries (SCFQ level 5)
Work-based qualifications such as a Diploma in Creative and Digital Media (SCQF level 7).
Related industries
