Roles in Photography

In photography, due to the variety of genres, there are a vast range of different roles and opportunities within the industry. Some of the more obvious roles include; wedding photographer, fashion photographer and advertising. However, here are some of the less obvious examples:

Picture Library Assistant

What does a Picture Library Assistant do?

Picture Library Assistants help with the day-to-day running of a picture library. Work typically includes the receiving, scanning, captioning, keywording and the metatagging of images so that they can be digitally archived and catalogued for easy retrieval by Researchers or Image Sales Executives. The precise nature and title of the Picture Library Assistant's role will depend on the size of the picture library and whether the library is attached to a museum, gallery, publication, government agency, large corporation, professional body, university or picture agency. In all cases, as well as the cataloguing duties described above, the Picture Library Assistant will respond to requests for images and enquiries about image licensing. They also assess the quality of images, ensuring colour balance, composition and exposures are correct. They assist in the physical upkeep of the archives and general clerical and administrative duties. Depending on the nature of the picture library and their level of experience and seniority, Picture Library Assistants may also be asked to assist with customer sales, picture research, digital imaging, archive duties and the maintenance of the company website.

Will I need a qualification?

You won’t need to have a specific qualification to be a Picture Library Assistant. However, it would benefit you to have a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject. Once in post, you can improve your promotion prospects by taking a postgraduate course in archiving or records management or by training in a specialist area of photo restoration or digital imaging. For more information about postgraduate courses in archiving, visit the Archives and Records Association.

Digital Imaging Specialist (Photographic laboratories)

What does a Digital Imaging Specialist do?

The Digital Imaging Specialist's role involves colour correction and digital manipulation of images for printing or archiving. The images are sourced from scanned film or prints, or from digital originals. Digital Imaging Specialists must first agree the format and finish of the image with the client. They then use image manipulation software such as Photoshop to resize, reformat, colour correct, adjust contrast, remove unwanted background, or combine features from different photographs. Images are then output as digital files or printed using a variety of printing equipment. While most images are now from digital cameras, scanning negatives, transparencies and prints is still likely to form part of the job. There is also a lot of work in the restoration of old photographs. Digital Imaging Specialists may be involved in the archiving and cataloguing of images. The Digital Imaging Specialist needs to be able to assess the colour, density and contrast level of images. They also need to calibrate the digital manipulation and printing equipment regularly to ensure the best results. Digital Imaging Specialists may also be expected to carry out some design and layout work using programmes like Quark, Illustrator and InDesign. They may need to operate some of the specialised printing equipment when required (see Machine Print Operator).

Will I need a qualification?

You don't need a formal qualification to be a Digital Imaging Specialist. However, many colleges now offer NVQ and SVQ qualifications in Digital Imaging, so you could get an excellent grounding and then apply for this kind of work directly from college.

The Advanced Apprenticeship in Photo Imaging would give you an excellent grounding in this role, along with professional experience. You will be expected to have good computing skills and a working knowledge of image manipulation software, such as Photoshop. Experience with software such as Quark, Illustrator or InDesign will also be a bonus. Some image producers may advertise for personnel with a BTEC National Diploma in Art & Design (Photography) or a BTEC Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Art & Design (Photography). Your employer may also support work-based qualifications, such as Apprenticeships and NVQ/SVQs.

Forensic Photographer

What does a Forensic Photographer do?

Forensic Photographers produce a permanent visual record of accidents and crime scenes for use as evidence in court. Forensic photographs are used for measurement or analysis, to accompany forensic reports, articles or research papers. They must be able to produce detailed recordings of all the available evidence at the scene, including overview photographs as well as accurate images of tyre marks, fingerprints, footprints, blood spatters, bullet holes and other unique evidence. They must also be able to take detailed photographs of injuries sustained through accidents or assaults and may be required to photograph dead bodies. Much of the work is routine, but it can be emotionally distressing. Forensic photography is an integral part of criminal investigation procedures throughout the world. Photographers must therefore follow a standard methodology and produce images to a rigorous technical standard so that they can be used as evidence in hearings, tribunals and court proceedings. Forensic Photographers are expected to work efficiently in distressing and challenging environments, without disturbing evidence or interfering with the work of other investigators. Many Forensic Photographers are forensic scientists employed directly by the police or a specialist forensic services company. They work pre-defined shifts, are part of an on-call rota and enjoy the benefits of a salaried post. There are also other independent Forensic Photographers who provide services to lawyers, insurance companies and some police forces. However, most of these will have worked as Forensic Photographers with a police force or the Forensic Science Service before branching out on their own.

Will I need a qualification?

To become a Forensic Photographer, you will normally start out as a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) or a Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO). The qualifications you will need to gain work as a CSI or SOCO are good passes at GCSE or Standard Grade, including English and either science or maths, and at least one A-level or Higher in a science subject.

If you are considering taking a photo imaging course in higher education, the following courses have been rigorously assessed by the photo imaging industry and awarded the Creative Skillset Tick for the high standard of education they provide and the extent to which they prepare you for a photo imaging career:

Photo imaging courses awarded the Creative Skillset Tick

The LBIPP offered by the BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photography) has a good reputation with employers. Employers may support work-based qualifications, such as Apprenticeships and NVQ/SVQs. In smaller forces, CSIs cover their own forensic photography requirements after an intensive training course in forensic photography, which is often conducted at Centrex, the Central Police Training and Development Authority centre. You could also take a specialist course dealing with forensic photography and forensic imaging, or a forensic science degree course that includes a photo imaging module. More specialised training in fingerprints, footwear, vehicle examination, lighting and documents is often conducted within the photographic units of the police forces or forensic science companies. You are likely to be subject to physical stresses from carrying heavy camera gear indoors and out, in all seasons, come rain or shine. You should therefore seek training about appropriate techniques for lifting and moving equipment. You would also need to understand Health & Safety legislation and manage the risks associated with the use of electrical lighting, equipment and props.

Image Sales Executive

What does an Image Sales Executive do?

It is the job of the Image Sales Executives to increase the sales of the images owned or managed by a picture library, picture agency or publication. They license images to a variety of buyers, including newspapers, magazines, advertising agencies, designers, broadcasters and websites. Companies that sell images come in all sizes, from global picture agencies that sell tens of thousands of stock images each day, to individual collections that provide access to a specialised range of images. Whatever the size and focus of the agency or collection, the role of the Image Sales Executive is to sell images and to meet or exceed predefined sales targets. To achieve this they will be expected to fulfil the needs of existing clients and actively seek out new buyers. This can involve actively seeking out new images in response to customer requirements, and suggesting relevant products and services to customers, determining and in some

cases predicting their needs. The Image Sales Executive will negotiate rates for the images with customers and handle the sale from the original phone call right through to delivery, invoicing and follow-up. They may help the company develop its image sales strategy and marketing plan by working with the Business Development Manager to spot trends and identify new niche markets and promotional strategies. In larger picture libraries and agencies, the image sales functions may be split into a variety of grades from telesales staff, through Image Sales Executives, Senior Image Sales Executives, to Account Managers. Responsibilities for different types of clients may also be split, with separate Sales Executives serving different market sectors such as publishing, corporate, digital and broadcasting.

Will I need a qualification?

You don’t need a prior qualification to work as an Image Sales Executive. Experience will in many cases count over academic qualifications, though a background and qualifications in photography, art and design, or English would be useful. For senior sales positions, you’ll find that some employers will specify that they are looking for graduates. Also, if the picture agency or picture library provides a highly specialised range of images, you may need to have a qualification in that specialist field.

Creativeskillset.org. (2018). Job roles - Photo Imaging Industry Industry - Creative Skillset. [online] Available at: http://creativeskillset.org/creative_industries/photo_imaging/job_roles/p2 [Accessed 27 Mar. 2018].