Photographer
Use your artistic and technical skills to take photos at special events or for magazines, books or adverts.
About the job
A day in the life – Photographer
What it's like
In this job you'd use your artistic and technical skills to take still photographs. You'd work with camera equipment and technology such as photo-editing software.
There are different areas that you could specialise in, such as:
social events or family, for example weddings or newborn portraits
advertising and editorial, for adverts, magazines and photo libraries
press and photojournalism, for news publications
fashion, for magazines and catalogues
corporate, producing promotional material for companies
scientific or medical, recording research or medical conditions and treatments
You might also specialise in a specific technique, such as 360-degree photography. This is where you take and edit images that present a 360-degree panoramic view. You could be showing off a street view or leading people on virtual tours through buildings with your images.
People might be nervous in front of a camera. Having social skills to chat to them and help them relax would be another part of your job.
Whatever type of photography you do, you'd:
discuss the project with your client and get instructions (known as a brief)
choose locations and prepare them for the session (the shoot)
select the right cameras, film and accessories
set up lighting and equipment
compose and take photos
check the quality of images
retouch images by hand or with digital software such as Photoshop
process and print photos
If you are self-employed you'd need to promote and run your business. In some cases you might hire an assistant to help with the different tasks you'd carry out at a shoot.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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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.
Tourism 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.
Here are some of the 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:
Art and Design
Creative Arts
Media
Photography
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
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.
You won't need formal qualifications for some National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF Level 5). For most courses, you'll need National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF Level 6).
To enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF Level 8), you'll need both:
National 4/5 qualifications
one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications
To enter a degree (SCFQ Level 9/10), you'll need both:
National 5 qualifications
at least 4 Higher or a relevant HNC or HND
To enter a postgraduate qualification (SCFQ Level 11), you'll usually need a relevant degree.
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).
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.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Photographer'
