Photographer
Also advertised as: Commercial Photographer, Event Photographer, Freelance Photographer, Photographer, Portrait Photographer, Studio Photographer
Plans and shoots photography for clients, ranging from products and events to portraits.
What the job involves
Photographers work across commercial, event and editorial briefs, planning shoots, directing subjects and editing the final images. Most build a career through freelance or self-employed work, building a portfolio and client base over several years. Business and marketing skills matter as much as technical camera skill.
Typical responsibilities
- Plan and set up photography shoots
- Direct subjects and manage lighting
- Edit and retouch final images
- Liaise with clients on briefs and deliverables
- Manage bookings, invoicing and equipment
Common employers
- Self-employment
- Photography studios
- Newspapers and magazines
- Event and wedding companies
- Advertising agencies
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£18,000 – £24,000 a year
With experience
£28,000 – £45,000 a year
Typical hours
Irregular, including evenings and weekends for events
Working environment
Studio, on location or self-employed
Remote working
on_site
Demand for this work
competitive
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Camera technique
- Lighting
- Photo editing software
- Client communication
- Self-employment business skills
Transferable skills you may already have
- Hobby or freelance photography
- Running a small business
- Visual composition
Requirements employers ask for
- Camera technique
- Lighting
- Photo editing software
- Client communication
- Self-employment business skills
- No formal qualification required; a portfolio is essential
Useful but not essential
- Hobby or freelance photography
- Running a small business
- Visual composition
- Degree or diploma in photography
- Assisting experience with an established photographer
Helpful qualifications
- Degree or diploma in photography
- Assisting experience with an established photographer
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Photographic Assistant (Level 3)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Photography
- Related subject: Art and design
- Related subject: Media studies
Where this career can lead
next
Senior Studio Photographer
next
Photography Business Owner
next
Picture Editor
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Creative control over your own business
- No fixed qualification barrier to entry
- Wide variety of clients and subjects
What people find hard
- Income can be unpredictable, especially early on
- Highly competitive market with many self-taught entrants
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a photographer?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. not_required
- How much does a photographer earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £18,000 to £24,000 a year, rising towards £45,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Hobby or freelance photography, Running a small business, Visual composition.
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Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 14 September 2026.
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