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Photographic stylist apprenticeships

Creative and media

Photographic stylist apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship


    • University

    You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a relevant subject like: 

    • fashion promotion 
    • fashion styling 
    • interior styling and design 
    • visual merchandising or display photography 

    Most photographic stylists come from a fashion, photography or design background. As a food stylist your background would usually be in catering or home economics.

    You'll usually need: 

    • 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma 
    • 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree
    College

    You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job, like a Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Photography. You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent. 

    Apprenticeship

    You could do an apprenticeship in a related field to help you to get into this role, for example: a Level 3 apprenticeship as an assistant photographer a fashion studio assistant Level 3 apprenticeship These may teach you some of the skills and knowledge needed. You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.

    Volunteering

    You should try and get as much work experience as possible. It'll help you to make contacts in the industry and allow you to learn on the job. You could approach photographers and stylists and offer to help them, or contact magazines and newspapers about possible work placements. 

    Work experience in fashion retail, visual design or interior design can be useful. You'll need a portfolio with examples of your styling work to show to potential employers. These are known as 'tear sheets' and include photos or published magazine pages.

    Professional and industry bodies

    The Association of Photographers offers membership for anyone with an interest in professional photography.


    Photographic stylist apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need:

    • the ability to work well with others 
    • sensitivity and understanding 
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • knowledge of the fine arts 
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • design skills and knowledge 
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

    Photographic stylist apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In your day-to-day duties may: 

    • receive instructions (the ‘brief’) from the photographer or art director and come up with ideas 
    • decide on the best clothes, accessories and backgrounds to achieve the desired look
    • buy, borrow or hire props, clothing and accessories 
    • arrange a set 
    • dress models and make any adjustments 
    • keep a stock of fashion or home accessories 
    • build good relationships with shops, prop suppliers, PR agencies, photographers and models
    • keep up to date with trends
    Working environment
    You could work in a creative studio, from home or in an office. Your working environment may be at height and you'll travel often.

    Career path and progression - Photographic stylist apprenticeships

    With experience, you could work with bigger advertising and PR agencies, stores and design houses.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

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    • Paid Training
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    • Range of career opportunities
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    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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