Getting into photography

Maggie Danquah
The Careers and Employment Service
B Block-Ground Floor
Margaret.Danquah@uwl.ac.uk
0208 231 2702
www.uwl.ac.uk/careers


25/07/2014 1
How can the careers service help me?
We can notify you about job vacancies via e-mail
(Register online www.uwl.ac.uk/work
Careers advice: CVs, job hunting, cover letters etc
1-4pm careers drop-in Mon-Thurs, helpdesk (10am-4pm)
Evening drop 5-7pm (1
st
Tuesday of every month-term time only)
Workshops, careers information
Volunteering opportunities: V Team:
http://www.uwl.ac.uk/volunteering/Welcome.jsp
Check out our Facebook and Twitter pages:
http://twitter.com/#!/UWLCareers
http://www.facebook.com/pages/University-of-West-London-
Careers-Employment-Service/180664805314784
Graduates can use the Careers and Employment Service for up to 3
years on completion of their course.

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Skills required in the photo imaging industry

Motivated, self sufficient, enthusiastic,
commercial awareness/adaptability to new technology ,
flexibility, understanding of intellectual property

How have you demonstrated these skills?

http://www.creativeskillset.org/photo/industry/article_6769
_1.asp
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Intellectual property advice
http://www.ipo.gov.uk/
IP Health Check-protecting your IP :
http://www.ipo.gov.uk/iphealthcheck.htm
http://www.ipo.gov.uk/whyuse/events/events
-calendar.htm
Business start-up workshops:
City Business Library and
http://www.bl.uk/bipc/

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What goes into a CV for photography jobs?
Name, contact details, website/social media links (Twitter, Linkedin
etc (should be relevant, demonstrate best work)
E-mail address and answering messages should be professional
Profile (optional) demonstrate your unique selling points
Education
Skills: studio skills, camera knowledge, graphic design/technical skills,
office & photography software, customer service skills,
administration/business i.e. invoicing, marketing/sales/accounting,
communication.
Employment history/relevant experience
Achievements (exhibitions, competitions, published work)
Interests (i.e. photography interests/influences, other interests, art,
film, sports, travelling etc (which add character to CV) not watching
TV!
Some are not required i.e. age, nationality
Can move things around..
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Skills based, chronological, combination
or creative?

Choose a structure that best highlights your skills
Creative CV tips/samples:
http://www.careers-creative-living.co.uk/contents
http://www.careers-creative-living.co.uk/cv_gallery
http://www.creativetoolkit.org.uk/your-career/here-to-help (Tips on
freelancing, CV writing, interviews etc)
Creative CV Guide (available in careers service)
http://www.pinterest.com/rtkrum/infographic-visual-resumes/
Traditional and skills based CVs
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/example_cvs.htm






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People who tried something
different

http://careers.guardian.co.uk/careers-blog/stand-
out-applying-work-infographic/print


http://www.coolinfographics.com/blog/2012/
6/15/200-infographic-resumes-an-escalating-
trend.html

25/07/2014

7
and theres more
http://daisywarejarrett.com/2011/11/10/exampl
es-of-photography-cvs/

http://workawesome.com/your-job/25-
examples-of-super-creative-resume-design/

25/07/2014 8
Creative CVs-tips
Ensure it reflects your personality and is clear
Show your creativity, but not distract the employer
If in doubt have a traditional CV as back-up, check companys style
Get the information right, then think about the design
E-mail attachments: ensure they are compatible with the employers
software
Get feedback from people in the industry i.e. your contacts, tutors etc.
Send separate e-mail to each employer not a blanket e-mail
E-mail addresses: should be professional i.e. not giveusajob@hotmail.com!
Websites/blogs: Easy to navigate, presentable, reflect you and your work
positively : check content first!
For photography careers your portfolio is an extension of your CV
Alternative to creative CV: include your website/showreel links on the CV
Print the CV to see what it looks like on paper too.



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Positive language
Implemented
Organised
Developed
Managed
Coordinated
Devised
Prepared
use thesaurus- i.e. more than one way to describe achieve
attain accomplish gain

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The power of language
Vague
I have 2 years photography experience

Descriptive
A second year photography and digital imaging undergraduate who
has 2 years experience as an assistant photographer including setting
up equipment for photo shoots, photo editing, researching
appropriate locations and completing administrative tasks such as
processing invoices and client enquiries.
Quantify achievements
Exceeded individual sales targets when promoting new product offers
to customers which led to being promoted supervising 5 members of
staff
Won student photographer of the year for the Guardian Student
Media Awards
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What makes a poor CV?
Errors and negative language
Too brief or too long
Generalised and convoluted statements
Missing vital/relevant information i.e. relevant
skills, detail about course content, evidence of
creative work etc
Not tailored to the role
Poor presentation
Relevant information at the end of the CV



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What the employers say.
Candidates who make errors run the risk of missing
out on being short-listed for a job for which they may
have the right experience and qualifications. The
findings show that jobseekers should first pay more
attention to getting the basics right
Source: Marcia Roberts: Recruitment and
Employment Confederation Chief Executive
50% of CVs have errors and 80% are not well laid
out
(Source-Advertising employer-Antidote)

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http://www.agr.org.uk/ 83% of employers
would disregard an application that has basic
grammar and spelling mistakes (Association of
Graduate Recruiters)

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Who would you call for an interview?

http://www.hemaphotography.com/pdf/cv.pdf

http://www.katyachilingiri.com/katyaChilingiriPhotogr
aphy-CV.pdf

http://host.joshmurfitt.co.uk/cv/josh-murfitt-
photography-cv-2013.pdf








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The cover letter
Customise the covering letter
to each job/employer
Extract relevant
skills/experience mentioned
in the CV.
Ensure that it is well-
structured and
encourages the reader to
look at your CV
Write to a named person
If you are writing on spec
make sure you provide an
opportunity to follow-up
Show why you would like to
work for the employer
How would you research the
company?
If you have had previous
contact use this as an ice-
breaker i.e. Following our
telephone conversation
on..

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Mackney Photography-studio assistant vacancy
Jot down examples of the skills you have for
this position-swap your examples with your
neighbour-who has closely matched their
skills to the advert?

How would you research the company?
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Mackney: We are a creative family portrait photography studio based in
Derby. As we expand our business, we are now looking to take on an
assistant photographer to join our happy family
www.mackney.com

Candidates will be required to have a varied portfolio which shows evidence
of a strong natural eye for composition, design and technical ability. You
will have excellent communication and people skills. A professional qualification
i.e. national diploma, HND, or degree in photography design, Photoshop and
IT skills would be essential.

You will be required to work with a varied aged group from babies, children to
teenagers so a portfolio that can reflect this ability would be advisable.

This is a varied position requiring a flexible and confident individual with a
'can-do' work ethic with a 'friendly' personality. Must also have an
abundance of drive and ambition with a clear ability to motivate both self
and others, capable of creating a vibrant atmosphere and delivering an
exciting and unique client experience.
Source:
http://www.photographers.co.uk/html/photography-jobs-details.cfm?recid=7118



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Researching companies/photographers

Company website (Caution! Everyone will do the same!)
Company blog
www.linkedin.com
Twitter #followed by type of job/placement you are looking for
www.pinterest.com (Use it to showcase your portfolio too!)
www.flickr.com/ www.instagram.com
Google!
Events; galleries, AOP career talks
Trade press: British Journal of Photography, AOPs Image magazine,
http://home.the-aop.org/IMAGE_Magazine
http://www.pixelmagazine.co.uk/



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Job roles
Photography assistant roles: good way to learn from a
photographer, develop new contacts and gain an
understanding of the business side of photography

Contact photographers that you admire for work
experience i.e. by checking credits etc.

The AOP has a database of photographers by specialism.
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Job roles
Picture library staff find the right image for clients to use. Check
www.bapla.org.uk for vacancies and placements.

Some picture libraries take on people for work experience.
Archival skills and knowledge of Photoshop are useful:-
Mary Evans Picture Library.

Contact picture libraries directly for further details about work experience


Roles: sales, photo editing, research etc

Film/television: www.skillset.org/photo i.e. Unit stills , camera roles, colourist

Provides an overview of photography careers in media, i.e. how to get experience
and where to look for vacancies etc).
www.picture-research.org.uk/ (Photo library links) and freelance register
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As of 30
th
October 2013..

2, 795 results for photography including
photography jobs and assignments
http://www.linkedin.com/vsearch/g?keywords=pho
tography&trk=tyah&trkInfo=tas%3Aphotography%2
Cidx%3A2-2-3

18,390 UK photographers on LinkedIn

http://university.linkedin.com/university/global/en_
us/index/linkedin-for-students.html
LinkedIn resources for students

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The portfolio
The Portfolio: (get feedback from contacts, tutors, online i.e. Flickr, Vimeo, your
blog). Include your best work-start and end with a striking piece that will make you
stand out as a candidate.

Attend events/be on forums where you can get critique on portfolios etc (i.e.
Photo net, photography trade press, photography clubs. www.meetup.com,
http://www.networkstudentphotographers.co.uk/posting

Think about your audience and target your work i.e. categorising work

Choose work that you are confident talking about at an interview/meeting-shows
the diversity of your skills

Portfolio/industry advice: Gallery , museum talks, Association of Photographers
offers a free monthly careers talk including portfolio advice.

Collaborate (i.e. other creative students i.e. fashion, interior design etc)

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Check www.skillset.org for details about forthcoming events.

Promoting yourself: Participation means more publicity for your work
80% of jobs are not advertised:
68% of photo imaging industry are freelancers
Source: Skillsets Photo Imaging-Labour Market Intelligence Profile
http://www.creativeskillset.org/uploads/pdf/asset_13234.pdf?5

Competitions/commissions .
(check trade press) i.e. The Photographer, Photographer Monthly, British Journal of
Photography etc.
Also useful for keeping up to date with current news within the industry

Some photography organisations have a database of photographers, i.e. BIPP (British
Institute of Professional Photographers), The Association of Photographers

AOP Student Awards: http://www.the-awards.com/ & Guardian Student Media Awards
http://www.guardian.co.uk/student-media-awards-2012/winners UWL winner!

Getting a photographers agent http://www.photoagentslondon.co.uk/ (List of members)
Useful for work experience/contacting companies directly


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Self promotion continued
Check www.artquest.org.uk (website for visual artists) for opportunities, residencies, competitions, list
of galleries etc. (Includes a self promotion guide) http://www.artquest.org.uk/building-a-career/self-
promotion-guide.htm

Contact (curators) local and national galleries for details about competitions/exhibitions/to pitch your
work for an exhibition.

Are there any artist led groups in your local area?
Ask curators/organisers what type of work they are looking for
Joining a local photography club/ one at University will also help you find out about photography
exhibitions and is a good way to network.
Contact your local arts officer for information regarding local exhibitions/events.

Organise your own or group exhibition and invite curators/gallery owners
Peer support: i.e. setting up a portfolio review group

Stay connected Check trade press/directories for dates when projects, collaborations, exhibitions
occur each year and who was chosen. (Gives you an idea of the type of work/skills organisations are
looking for).
Check: http://www.a-n.co.uk/jobs_and_opps

Venues: contact local councils or check www.popupspace.com (a database of available buildings







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Self promotion continued
www.blogger.com https://wordpress.com
https://www.tumblr.com/
www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking Opportunity for artists to network,
share ideas/obtain feedback etc
Other methods of self promotion: business cards,(i.e.Vistaprint,
moo.com etc) website, online galleries i.e. Photonet
(www.photo.net) (photography community website)
Saatchi and Saatchi http://www.saatchi-
gallery.co.uk/yourgallery/register/
A platform for artists to showcase their work/upload work
http://www.saatchionline.com/upload/why
http://www.axisweb.org



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Success stories:
Roycin DSouza-Tweeted a photograph a day
http://roycin.com/blog/tweeter-a-day-365/

Sarah Chong created the Telegramme Magazine
showcasing photography work
25,650 photos on Flickr page
http://hellotelegramme.co.uk/about-telegramme/

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Festivals/events
http://www.rencontres-arles.com/A11/Home
South of France-portfolio reviews, discuss projects, keep up to date
with industry trends.
I always return from Arles with a renewed enthusiasm for
photography and its possibilities
Kate Edwards, picture editor, Guardians Weekend magazine
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/photography/6495066/Photograph
y-events-listings-Telephoto-diary.html

http://www.lfph.org/ London Photo Festival 22-24
th
May 2014, The
Crypt, London
http://www.photographyshow.com/ 14
th
March 2014, The NEC,
Birmingham



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Looking for jobs/photographers:

www.the-aop.org vacancies, members portfolios, an assistant search
database, student area, directories (agents, assistants, photographers etc)
Industry talks/events (dont miss out!), AOP student awards etc
http://awards.the-aop.org/SA-latest-news

Also try: www.photoassist.co.uk for photography assistant roles

Marketing and Creative Handbook: www.mch.co.uk photographers agents,
photo libraries, studio hire etc.

http://www.napa.org.uk/users/directory.php National Association of Press
Agencies
List of news agencies including picture libraries and photography agencies

Local high street photographers: www.yell.com (Yellow Pages)
Local press for press photography



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Looking for jobs

www.lgjobs.com Jobs in local councils.

http://www.starnow.co.uk/Casting-Calls/United-Kingdom/Crew-wanted/

http://jobs.guardian.co.uk

www.photographyjobsfinder.com (free for job seekers)


www.bapla.org British Association of Picture Libraries & Agencies

Check credits in magazines for photographers that you may wish to contact for work or if interested in
magazine/newspaper photography contact magazines, newspapers, news agencies for work
experience/employment opportunities.

www.mediauk.com (includes a media directory of magazines, newspapers etc)

www.artsjobs.org.uk Jobs advertised by the Arts Council-free to register.


Refer to photography leaflet for further organisations.

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Organisations that support photographers in
their practice/networking
http://www.photoworksuk.org:
Commissions and curates new photography, produces exhibitions and portfolio
sessions. (focuses on South East artists & photographers)

The Disabled Photographers Society: www.disabledphotographers.co.uk
(information on exhibitions, events etc)
http://redeye.org.uk/ A photography network; search for exhibitions/events by
region, news & opportunities.
http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/apply-for-funding/national-portfolio-
organisations-map/?artform=5
http://www.fourcornersfilm.co.uk/ London based film and photography centre
Includes space hire, gallery, events, workshops etc) Useful links.
The National Photographic Society: http://www.thenps.co.uk















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Organisations that support photographers in
their practice/networking
www.artquest.org.uk Opportunities including residencies , exhibitions,
commissions etc. Videos, practical guides for artists i.e. artists CVs, arts directory
etc. https://www.facebook.com/londonartquest
http://www.a-n.co.uk The Artists Information Company (Online resource for artists
i.e. jobs and opportunities, an employer index, artist toolkits).
http://www.creativeskillset.org/photo/news/ Current news and events.
http://www.theartcollective.com Supports emerging artists including
photographers, painters and illustrators.
www.axisweb.org/ Online resource for contemporary
artists
www.photofusion.org Exhibitions, workshops, networking
http://www.ted.com/topics/photography







25/07/2014 37

You can use the service up to 3 years after graduating
2010/11 graduates: 44% self employed photographers.

Other roles: Retail, photography researcher, trainee
visual merchandiser, front of house manager
photography production assistant (Debenhams)








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