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If you love taking photos and want a career that combines your creative and technical skills, becoming a professional photographer could be for you

Photographers create compelling visual images that tell a story or communicate a message. You'll usually work to a brief set by the client, agency or employer and will ensure that your images meet specific artistic or commercial goals. Examples of content you could work on include weddings, portraits, family and baby photography, fashion, food, architecture, landscapes or events.

Increasingly, photographers work with digital platforms, and you'll usually be involved in post-production editing and content management.

A large proportion of professional photographers are self-employed, managing their own clients and workload. However, it's also possible to find work with media and publishing companies, creative and photographic agencies, and in the education and public sectors, for example.

To succeed in this competitive field, you'll need a strong portfolio and professional network.

Types of photographer

You'll usually specialise in one area of photography, such as:

• commercial
• events
• editorial and press
• fashion
• fine art
• landscape
• portraiture
• product
• school/education
• sports
• real estate
• weddings
• wildlife.

For a list of photography specialisms, see .

See what becoming a specialist, such as a press photographer or medical illustrator, involves.

Responsibilities

Tasks vary according to the specialism you choose, but you'll typically need to:

• meet with clients beforehand to discuss the images they require and how they want to use them
• identify appropriate photographic subjects, settings and opportunities
• carry out research and preparation for a shoot, including visiting locations and selecting appropriate equipment
• work in different environments and conditions to capture the right image
• use a range of technical equipment, including cameras, lenses, lighting setups and editing software
• engage with photographic subjects to put them at ease
• arrange still life objects, products, scenes, props and backgrounds
• develop relationships with other professionals such as graphic designers, writers, curators, gallery managers, picture researchers and editors, commissioning editors and art directors
• manage the processing, editing and use of images, address technical issues, check for quality and respond to client feedback
• digitally enhance images using editing software by, for example, cropping pictures, changing emphasis, correcting flaws, moving objects around and refining details
• prepare image proofs for review and approval
• compile finished products for sale in different formats, such as digital galleries, albums, photobooks or framed prints
• understand both traditional film and digital photography techniques and keep up to date with industry trends and technical developments through networking and attending events and courses
• manage the business aspects of the work, including administration, marketing, scheduling work, invoicing, basic accounting and website maintenance
• develop a strong portfolio, build a network of contacts and establish a reputation for quality and reliability in order to secure future assignments.

As a graduate, you may start out as a photographer's assistant, supporting shoots and handling routine administration either in the studio or on location.

Salary

As with other creative professions, salaries vary widely. As a freelance photographer, your earnings are linked to what you can charge and how much work you can secure. For this reason, income is likely to vary from year to year.

• Many entrants to the profession start as assistants, where salaries can be set at the national minimum wage.
• Salaries for photographers can be in the region of £21,000 to £35,000, depending on your experience and type of photography you specialise in. Photographers who have a strong reputation and are highly sought after may earn up to around £65,000. It usually takes years of experience to reach this type of salary.
• Salaries for medical and clinical photographers working for the NHS typically follow the .

Freelance and self-employed photographers often supplement their income with other work until they're able to earn a living solely from their photography.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Hours vary and are often led by demand. For example, wedding photography will typically be at its busiest in the peak spring/summer wedding season and sports photography will require you to work weekends and evenings to cover fixtures and events.

You'll need to be flexible as work may include early starts or late finishes.

Freelance photographers may have periods of working at maximum capacity followed by times when there is little or no work.

What to expect

• Taking photographs will only take up part of your time. The rest is split between editing and delivering the photos for your client, and the administration and marketing activities required to run a successful business.
• Working conditions vary depending on your assignment. You may work in a studio or out on location, some of which may be remote. You may have to deal with adverse weather conditions and issues such as poor lighting. Certain fields of photography, such as documentary work, may be dangerous, particularly when on assignment in war zones or unstable countries.
• Work in some areas of photography, like fashion, may be concentrated in London and other key cities across the UK and overseas. Corporate and social photography work is available across the UK.
• You may need an extra income, especially in the early days of your career when you're establishing your business, reputation and client base.
• Travel is an integral part of many specialist photographers' lives and may include travel within the UK and overseas.

Qualifications

You don't need a degree to become a photographer. However, having a degree in photography or another equivalent professional qualification can be an advantage as it enables you to develop key photographic skills, build a network of contacts and take on a range of projects.

The Association of Photographers (AOP) accredits a number of degree, Masters and BTEC/HND courses that have met their criteria for ensuring students have the correct tools and knowledge to work in the industry. Search the list of .

Other relevant degree subjects include:

• art and design
• digital imaging
• fine art
• graphics
• media studies.

The content of photography courses varies considerably. Some have a strong emphasis on fine art and the study of photography as an artistic endeavour, whereas others have a more commercial focus and cover managing a business, professional ethics and marketing.

Digital imaging and other technological developments now form a significant part of many courses. Those that offer work placements and promote contact with industry can be particularly useful in helping you to secure a future job.

You don't need a postgraduate qualification, although some photographers undertake postgraduate study to further develop their skills, particularly for specialist areas, such as fashion, advertising and photojournalism, which can be challenging to enter. Research any courses you're interested in carefully to ensure they meet your career aims.

Search postgraduate courses in photography.

Skills

You'll need to have:

• excellent technical skills, using digital and non-digital cameras and industry-standard editing software, such as Lightroom, Photoshop and Capture One
• creativity and an eye for composition
• attention to detail for ensuring high-quality, well-executed images and accurate editing
• communication and interpersonal skills, especially for social photography when you'll need to build a rapport with clients, so they feel at ease during photoshoots
• organisational skills for working on several projects and briefs at the same time
• time management skills and the ability to perform well under pressure when meeting project deadlines
• adaptability and problem-solving skills to handle challenges such as poor lighting, bad weather or technical issues
• patience as it can take time and effort to get the right shot
• self-motivation, perseverance and dedication as it can take time to build up your reputation and business
• a proactive approach to work and networking
• the ability to follow a brief and take creative direction
• the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues and other businesses
• business, administration and marketing skills to manage your finances, promote your work and attract clients.

You'll usually need a full driving licence.

If you're working with children, you will need to pass a criminal records check.

Work experience

When applying for photography work, you'll need a strong portfolio of your best work. This is often produced online and typically includes a mix of single shots, series and projects. Whatever the format, your portfolio must be:

• relevant to your chosen area
• well-organised and well-presented
• up to date with your latest work.

To build your portfolio, you'll need work experience. Take any opportunity to have your work published or enter competitions to gain recognition. Volunteering, work shadowing and project work with photographers or relevant employers are great ways to gain skills and contacts. Charities, for example, advertise for volunteers to photograph their products or services. There are also some voluntary opportunities to photograph charity fundraising events.

Working as a photographic assistant is a common entry route, providing technical experience and insight into professional shoots. You could also work as a second shoot - working alongside a lead photographer to capture alternative angles and provide support. Second photographers are often used in social photography, such as weddings and events.

Gaining experience of working to a brief, through personal work, student projects or real commissions, will help demonstrate that you can meet client expectations. Creating self-initiated projects also shows creativity and commitment.

Having a strong online presence, such as a website or curated social media feed, is also useful for showcasing your work and attracting clients. Joining photographic societies, visiting exhibitions, studying others' work and researching your areas of interest will help develop your knowledge and style. Student membership of the or offers access to a network of professionals.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Press and medical photography are two of the main fields of employment for photographers, but other organisations also offer permanent work:

• The police employs forensic photographers to take 'scene of crime' and forensic photographs. This work may incorporate videography and is not for the squeamish. Further details are available from individual police forces. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) also employs qualified photographers.
• Some museums, galleries and other cultural organisations have permanent photographers who catalogue exhibits and contribute to educational materials.
• High street photographers and wedding/social photographers may take on trainees and assistants.
• Commercial studios, which are a significant employer in the industry, are based mainly in London and a few other major UK cities.
• Many large organisations, such as businesses, estate agents and property companies, universities, local authorities, and sporting venues and clubs, employ staff photographers, who may also be involved in audiovisual or marketing work.
• Cruise liners, holiday companies and theme parks employ photographers to provide a social photography service. Work is usually offered on a short-term contract and recruitment is generally handled through an agency.
• Although magazines mainly commission freelance photographers, some also employ permanent staff photographers.

In all other work, whether you specialise in advertising, aerial, architectural, corporate, documentary, editorial, fashion, fine art, food, portraiture, scientific and technical, sport, sub-aqua or wildlife photography, you're likely to work for yourself - either as a freelancer, running a business or in a partnership.

As a freelancer, you can use a variety of means to generate work. Self-promotion and having an excellent contact network are key, but you could also use a photographic agent to source opportunities.

Picture libraries and stock agencies are an increasingly influential market within the industry. Further details are available from the .

Look for job vacancies at:

• and - for clinical and medical photography jobs.

Many vacancies in this sector are never advertised, so using speculative approaches and your contacts is essential. If you're a member of a professional body such as the AOP or The BIPP, you can have a listing in their online searchable directories of photographers.

Professional development

Professional development is an essential part of a photographer's career, especially in a field where self-employment and freelance work are so common. Much of the learning is self-directed and takes place on the job, but continuing professional development (CPD) is vital to keep up with new techniques, technologies and industry trends.

CPD can take many forms, including online courses, practical workshops, seminars, mentoring, online discussions and industry events. Topics might include studio lighting, image editing, AI, business skills, copyright law or managing digital workflow.

There are several professional bodies that support their members' development, including:

• - offers workshops, talks, mentoring schemes, student awards and online exhibitions, as well as advice and support on business and legal matters
• - provides qualifications and certificated courses and offers three levels of distinction - Licentiate (LRPS), Associate (ARPS) and Fellowship (FRPS)
• - also offers qualifications at three levels - Licentiate (LBIPP), Associate (ABIPP) and Fellowship (FBIPP) - and provides access to networking, mentoring, awards, training and support.

If you're thinking of setting up your own photography business, it's a good idea to take relevant business courses, especially those that cover marketing and promotion, copyright and contracts, and basic bookkeeping and financial management.

Career prospects

There are many types of photography, so there's no single, structured career path. Many photographers start out as studio assistants or assistant photographers, gaining hands-on experience, learning how shoots are run and developing a professional portfolio over time. You'll have opportunities to meet other photographers and stylists and may be allowed to use studio equipment or space during downtime to work on your own projects.

As you progress, you may choose to specialise in a particular area of photography, such as fashion, product, wedding or portrait photography. It's possible to move between specialisms if your portfolio reflects the necessary skills and style.

Entering competitions, exhibiting your work in galleries or online, and building a strong personal brand will help raise your profile and expand your client base. As your reputation grows, opportunities may arise to take on more senior roles such as studio manager. You might also diversify into working as an agent promoting other photographers or moving into teaching or lecturing, often alongside other work.

For many photographers, especially those working in areas like weddings or events, freelance or self-employed work is the norm. You'll typically build your career through a mix of commissioned work, self-initiated projects and client referrals. To be successful, you'll need business and marketing skills, as well as a clear personal style, strong online presence and the ability to build lasting client relationships.