Photographic stylist

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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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.

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

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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.

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.

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

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.