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Photographic stylist

Alternative titles for this job include

Photographic stylists prepare clothes, accessories and models on set to create the right 'look' for photo and video shoots.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£32,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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 subject like:

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

Most photographic stylists come from a fashion, photography or design background.

Entry requirements

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

More Information

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. 

Examples include:

  • photography
  • fashion
  • art and design
  • photographic make-up

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Photographer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, which may help you to secure a job in a studio as an assistant or stylist.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

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

More Information

Volunteering

You should try and get as much work experience as possible. It will help you to make contacts in the industry and allow you to learn on the job.

You could approach photographers and stylists about possible work placements. You could also try media production companies that create content for retailers, magazines and advertisers.

More Information

Career tips

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'. They show how your styling was used in the final published images.

Having a website and social media accounts where you can show your work can also be important.

Professional and industry bodies

The Association of Photographers and British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP) offer membership for anyone with an interest in professional photography.

Further information

You'll find more details about working in photography from The Association of Photographers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • design skills and knowledge
  • the ability to work well with others
  • 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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a photographic stylist, you could:

  • follow a photographer or art director's guidelines - the ‘brief’
  • suggest ideas to the creative team that will appeal to customers
  • choose clothes, props and backgrounds to achieve the desired look
  • prepare the studio set ready for the photo shoot or filming
  • work with make-up artists and dress models
  • maintain a stock of wardrobe items and home accessories
  • build good relationships with shops, prop suppliers, PR agencies, photographers and models
  • keep up to date with trends and branding

Working environment

You could work on a film set, in a creative studio or in an office.

Your working environment may be physically active, you'll travel often and you may spend nights away from home.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could work for larger advertising and PR agencies, creative studios and design houses.

You might also develop your skills and move into fashion design, interior design or photography.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a photographic stylist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a photographic stylist?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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