Photographer : Employers and vacancy sources

The photo imaging industry is made up of nearly 14,000 companies, almost half of which are sole trading or freelance photographers. Across the industry as a whole, around 90% of companies employ five people or fewer.

In addition to employers in the fields of press and medical photography, permanent employment is offered by a variety of organisations.

• The police employ photographers to take 'scene of crime' and forensic photographs. This work may also 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 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, but there are a few in other large cities.
• Many large organisations, such as businesses, universities, local authorities and charities, employ staff photographers, who may also be involved in audiovisual or marketing work. There is a low level of staff turnover in these types of posts, so vacancies appear infrequently.
• 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 are likely to work for yourself, either as a freelance, running a business or in partnership.

Freelancers use a variety of means to generate work: some rely on their portfolio, self-promotion and a good contact network, while others use a photographic agent.

An increasingly influential market within the industry is the growing number of picture libraries and stock agencies. The British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies (BAPLA)  gives further details on its website.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• The Association of Photographers (AOP)  job board is updated weekly.
• British Journal of Photography  
• Photoassist  
• Photographers.co.uk  

Many vacancies in this sector are never advertised, so it is essential to use speculative approaches and contacts. Useful resources for this purpose include:

• The Creative Review Handbook  
• Freelance Photographer's Market Handbook 
• Le Book   

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.