Photographic stylist

Entry Requirements:

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 photography and promotion
• fashion styling and communication
• interior design
• visual merchandising
• photography

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

Entry requirements:

• 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. Examples include:

• Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Photography
• Level 3 Diploma in Fashion

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship in a commercial field to help you get into this role, for example, a Fashion Studio Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

You might also be able to do a Photographer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, which could help you to secure a job in a studio.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• design skills and knowledge
• leadership skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• knowledge of the fine arts
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of maths
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• sensitivity and understanding
• active listening skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to read English
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• concentration skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Photographic stylists use clothes, props and accessories to stage sets and create the right 'look' and mood for a photo shoot.

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

Location : You could work on a film set, in a creative studio, from home or in an office.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically active, you'll travel often and you may spend nights away from home.

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

36 - 38 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Career Path:

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