Job roles in art and design-Advertising and editorial photographer

This job consists of taking advertising photos that are used to help describe and sell a product or idea. Taking editorial photographs that are used to illustrate and enhance a story or report, used widely in newspapers, magazines, newspapers, books and websites.

 

Attributes of the job. 

•enjoy travel, meeting people and solving visual challenges.

•be able to interpret ideas and stories through original and emotive photographic images.

•understand the principles of composition, and have an appreciation of shape, form, colour and tone

•be organised, practical and creative

•have a clam, friendly attitude, coping well with busy and stressful situations

•be highly motivated and self-confident in order to promote yourself 

•have good communication skills 

•be skilled in image-manipulation and image-management software 

What do they do? 

Produce advertising photos that support a marketing idea which will answer and support a brief given by a client, a designer or an advertising agency. 

This can involve any subject matter, but is often split up into different areas. For example, still life, portraiture and landscape. You will be working in multiple environments using a variety of props and accessories. 

Some advertising photographers specialise in producing well-lit product shots for use on packaging and in catalogues. These are called 'pack' or 'pack shot' photographers. 

Other advertising photographers may choose to be self-employed and often operate their own studios. They are commissioned to produce high-quality photographs that sell the benefits of a product or better the awareness of a brand. They secure new work on the strength of past campaigns. Their original  original outlook on the subject matter is based on a thorough knowledge of the history of visual arts and advertising photography. 

They often specialise in a specific area such as, food, furniture, cars and engineering. They they continually market themselves, through agents (who take a percentage commission in favour of getting you the work), personal contacts and other forms of networking. 

Qualifications?

There isn't a set qualification to be a advertising or editorial photographer. Your career is pretty much lead by having a strong portfolio, track record and reputation. 

There are many college courses around the uk which could provide you with a sound technical grounding, as well as a work placement in the field. 

If you are thinking of taking a higher educational course in photography, the following courses have been rigorously assessed by the photo imaging industry.