Hero image for Photography

Finding a job

Photography

Photography is a competitive area so use your degree to build up your work portfolio, enter competitions and make industry contacts. Vacancies in Photography sector are not always officially advertised, so it is essential to use speculative approaches and contacts to tap into this hidden jobs market.

Photography graduate employers

  • Media organisations such as newspapers, magazines, film and television
  • Wedding photographers or high street photography companies
  • Large organisations such as universities, hospitals or airports
  • The police ('scene of the crime') photography
  • Advertising companies

What can I do with my Photography degree - A Prospects article with a comprehensive list of employers.

Press & Media; Portsmouth locations; 15th July 2019

Useful websites to help you start your job search

Going freelance

Freelancers use a variety of means to generate work: some rely on their portfolio, self-promotion and a good contact network, while others use a photographic agent.

  • Student StartUp Team – Advice and support to students and graduates at the University of Portsmouth to develop their enterprise skills and set up their own business.
  • Creativepool – Online networking site for people working within the creative industries. Provides a platform from which to research and network with relevant companies as well as finding advertised vacancies.
  • Artquest – Sharing the resources, networks and opportunities you need to develop your visual arts practice including a range of ‘How to’ guides
  • a-n.co.uk – Supporting contemporary visual arts practice including a knowledge bank with expert resources and toolkits.
Perpetual licence held. Please provide credit to photographer if possible. Available for Print, Web and Social Media. Not for Third Party.
Not For Large Format Printing.

Speculative applications

Speculative applications involve sending a CV and cover letter to an employer to ask if they have any vacancies, even if the company is not currently advertising for a role. They're a great way to access "hidden jobs" that go unadvertised.

Submitting a speculative application shows your interest in a specific company and your willingness to go above and beyond to develop your skills and understanding of the industry. 

Learn how to send a speculative application

Are you looking for a role in Hampshire? Our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy can help!

If you're in the final year of your degree, you can register for support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy. They work with over 3,000 employers in the local area to place our students into fantastic graduate careers.

Learn more about the Graduate Recruitment Consultancy

Graduate Recruitment Consultancy

Explore the Photography Career Guide

Photography career guide

Take the first steps to beginning your career in photography.

Graphic designer Magazine editor Medical illustrator Photographer Press Television camera operator Advertising art Digital marketer Film/video editor Media planner VFX artist Visual merchandiser Web designer Creative Freelance Self-employed Self-employment

photography students setting up for a shoot
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Getting started in photography

Take the first steps to beginning your career in photography.

Student being taught how to use camera
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Gaining experience in photography

Find out how to build your experience in photography while you study. 

Student editing image
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