Qualifications improve your chances; they do not gate the job. Level 4 is the most recognised.
Pay range: National Careers Service.
Your route in
You can start without qualifications - direct entry/volunteering; a qualification improves your chances
Qualifications employers recognise (Level 4)
Any of these strengthens your application.
- BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Art and Design Practice L34 courses
- HNC Photography (Level 4) L41 course
Where this can take you
Freelance work is common and you may decide to set up your own business. There are opportunities to work in different areas, for example: product advertising, property marketing and aerial photography. With extra training, you could work as a press, police or armed forces photographer. You might also move into specialist fields, such as medical photography and illustration or astrophotography. Photography is very competitive, so you'll need creativity and technical skills to make a living. You'll also need finance for equipment, a space to work in and business, marketing and admin skills. You could increase your income by selling your images independently.
Courses for this career
Level 3