Photographer
Use your artistic and technical skills to take photos at special events or for magazines, books and adverts.
About the job
A day in the life – Photographer
What it's like
Fancy a career behind the camera? In this role, you'll use your artistic and technical skills to take still photographs.
As a photographer, you'll work with camera equipment and a range of different photo-editing software. There are different areas you could specialise in, such as:
social events and family photography: for example, you may take photos at weddings or birthday parties
advertising and editorial: your work would feature in adverts, magazines and photo libraries
press and photojournalism: news publications will include your work on their pages
fashion: you'll take photographs for magazines and catalogues
corporate: your photographs will help companies create promotional material
scientific or medical: for example, you may work as a medical illustrator
contract work: you could get booked to work at activity holiday centres, theme parks or on cruise ships
You could specialise in a specific technique, such as 360-degree photography. This is where you take and edit photos that present a panoramic view. Your images could show off a street view or lead people on virtual tours through buildings.
Some people feel nervous in front of a camera. So, you'll need strong social skills to help them relax and feel at ease.
Your tasks might include:
discussing the photography project with your client and getting clear instructions (known as a brief)
choosing locations and preparing them ahead of the session
selecting the right cameras, film and accessories
setting up lighting and equipment
composing and taking photos, then checking their quality
retouching images by hand or with digital software such as Photoshop
If you're self-employed, you'll need to promote and run your business. Although, you might hire a photography assistant to help with the different tasks you'll do at a shoot.
Nowadays, photographers must have strong digital skills. After all, you'll likely run your own website, manage an online portfolio and use social media to market your services.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
The British Institute for Photography – explore an institute exclusively for professionals in the photographic industry
Screen Skills – learn about working in the creative industries
Royal Photographic Society – find out about this membership organisation for anyone who enjoys photography
Institute of Medical Illustrators – discover careers in medical illustration
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Photographer'
Select qualification level(s)
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Tourism and hospitality -
Digital technologies -
Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- innovative
- creative
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Art and Design
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Creative Arts
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Media
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Photography
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Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
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Business
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You don't need formal qualifications to pursue this career. Most professional photographers have taken a course to develop their skills. You could do this at college or university – use the My World of Work course search to find opportunities.
University
A degree could be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
Photography
Fine Art
Art and Design
Visual Communication
Film and Media or Broadcast Production
Journalism or Photojournalism
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job. Useful subjects include:
Photography
Visual Communication
Film and Television
Creative Industries: Television
Art and Design
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Creative Media.
Work
Sometimes, you may see job adverts for a photographer's assistant. You could start in this role and work your way up to become a photographer.
Volunteering in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a photographer. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
You'll need to have a portfolio of work when applying for jobs and courses.
Experience and personal contacts in the industry can help you build a successful career.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Photographer'
