Photographic stylist
Photographic stylists prepare clothes, accessories and models on set to create the right 'look' for photo and video shoots.
- Starter salary£23,000 a year
- Experienced£32,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
What you'll do
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.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
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
How to become a photographic stylist
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Guides for this industry
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