Photographer | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Photographers take and process pictures of people, places, products and events.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as

Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff.
Review sets of photographs to select the best work.
Perform general office duties, such as scheduling appointments, keeping books, and ordering supplies.
Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas.
Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.
Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras.
Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions.
Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.
Direct activities of workers setting up photographic equipment.
Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly.
Produce computer-readable, digital images from film, using flatbed scanners and photofinishing laboratories.
Develop and print exposed film, using chemicals, touch-up tools, and developing and printing equipment.
Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.
Develop visual aids and charts for use in lectures or to present evidence in court.
Load and unload film.
Employ a variety of specialized photographic materials and techniques, including infrared and ultraviolet films, macro photography, photogrammetry and sensitometry.
Engage in research to develop new photographic procedures and materials.
Write photograph captions.

Average salary
31,440 GBP *
per year

Average salary for Photographer

Big gender gap

32,868 GBP
25,348 GBP

Average salary for full-time Photographer

Showing:

31,440 GBP
25,348 GBP
32,868 GBP

Salary over time for Photographer

Salary for this role has increased over time

28,769 GBP
28,048 GBP
29,032 GBP
29,011 GBP
31,117 GBP
29,573 GBP
31,440 GBP
26,822 GBP
34,264 GBP

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Future outlook for Photographers

Balanced outlook

13 000+ jobs available

Balanced outlook

2% yearly wage growth (on average)

Very good outlook

37% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Photographer and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

28% of people in this role have a High school diploma or equivalent
20% of people in this role have a Associate's degree
18% of people in this role have a Less than high school diploma

You could take a Level 3 Diploma in Photography, which may help you to find a job as a photographer's assistant in a studio.

You'll need:

customer service skills
excellent verbal communication skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
knowledge of the fine arts
to be flexible and open to change
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to work well with your hands
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Photographer

Photography

Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Analytical Thinking Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

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Photographer | Average UK Salary & Outlook

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