Photographic Stylist
What is the work like?
As a photographic stylist, you would work closely with photographers to create the right ‘look’ and mood for a photo shoot. It would be your job to find props, dress the set and organise behind the scenes.
You would usually specialise in one area, such as fashion, interiors, food, advertising or editorial photography. On some jobs you might have plenty of creative freedom, on others you may work to a very strict ‘brief’.
Your key tasks might include:
- receiving a ‘brief’ (an idea or instructions) from the photographer or art director
- discussing the brief and coming up with ideas
- deciding on the clothes, accessories and backgrounds to achieve the look
- buying, borrowing or hiring props, clothing and accessories
- arranging the set
- dressing models, making any adjustments so that clothes fit and look good
- keeping a stock of fashion or home accessories – you would often contribute your own items to a shoot
- building good relationships with shops, prop suppliers, PR agencies, photographers and models
- keeping up to date with trends.
In food styling, you would buy ingredients, cook the food (before or during the shoot, as necessary), and display it in an appetising way.
As a fashion stylist, you might work on fashion shows, music videos and TV shows as well as doing photographic work.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would normally come to photographic styling from a fashion, photography or design background. As a food stylist your background would usually be in catering or home economics.
Design-related courses are available at all levels from beginners to postgraduate, at colleges and universities all over the UK. In particular, you may have an advantage with a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree in one of the following subjects:
- fashion styling (available at a small number of colleges)
- fashion promotion
- fashion journalism
- fashion business
- visual merchandising or display
- photography
- interior or exhibition design (for interiors and lifestyle styling)
- home economics (for food styling).
You can search for relevant courses through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) website. You should check entry requirements with course providers.
A relevant qualification on its own will not guarantee you work. Whatever your background, the key is to get as much work experience as possible, so that you can make contacts in the industry and learn on the job.
To find work experience, you could approach photographers and stylists and offer to assist them, and contact magazines and newspapers for work placements. Competition for work experience is fierce so you will need to be determined and proactive. Work experience in fashion retail, visual design or interior design can also be useful.
You will also need a portfolio with examples of your styling work – such as photos or published magazine pages (known as ‘tear sheets’) – to show to potential employers.
What further training and development can I do?
You will mainly learn on the job, usually after starting as a freelance assistant to a stylist or photographer, or as a fashion/editorial assistant on a magazine.
Formal training is very rare – some universities and colleges specialising in fashion offer short courses in fashion styling, but learning on the job is usually seen as the best way to develop.
If you plan to go into journalism, photography or design, you may find it useful to take some formal training, although your experience, reputation and contacts as a stylist may be enough to help you move into these areas.
Where can I go for more information?
12 Cliff AvenueChalkwell
Leigh-on-Sea
Essex
SS9 1HF
Tel: 020 8856 2030
London
EC2A 4QS
Tel: 020 7739 6669
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
Oxford Road
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP19 8EY
Tel: 01296 336367
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Salaries can be between £12,000 and £35,000 a year, although some top stylists can earn much more. Daily rates are typically between £200 and £400.
As a freelance stylist, your income would depend on the amount of work you do, your experience and the type of job. You may have to work for free or for little pay when starting out.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would need to be flexible about your working hours. Days are often long and pressurised, as deadlines are tight and models, props and locations may only be available for a limited time.
You may have a home or office base, but much of your work would take place in photographic studios. You may also need to work on location, depending on the type of shoot.
The work can involve climbing ladders, lifting, carrying and using glue, paint and hand tools. You may spend a lot of time travelling to shoots, either in your local area, or around the UK and possibly overseas.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- creativity and a good eye for shape and colour
- excellent attention to detail
- an understanding of photography and lighting
- good communication and ‘people skills’
- patience and concentration
- calmness under pressure and the ability to ‘think on your feet’
- an organised and practical approach
- the ability to work well in a team and take instructions
- keen interest in and knowledge of fashion and trends
- willingness to work long hours when necessary
- determination and resilience
- commercial awareness.
What opportunities are there?
Many stylists are self-employed and work freelance, but you could also find opportunities with magazines, style consultancies, photography studios, advertising and PR agencies, stores and design houses. Competition for work is strong.
As a freelance you would usually find work through agents or your own contacts. You could contact photographers, editors and agents (and advertise yourself) through a number of directories for creative professionals.
You may find the following links useful for further reading and making contacts (links open new window):
Styling World (directory)
Creative Handbook (directory)
Contact a Creative (directory)
British Journal of Photography
Fashion Monitor (subscription fashion news service and directory)
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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