Annual Salary
£18,000 to £30,000
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
Swap to Arts & crafts or Design or go back to all job sectors
Swap to Arts & crafts or Design or go back to all job sectors
Photographic stylists use clothes, props and accessories to stage sets and create the right 'look' and mood for a photo shoot.
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; away from home
There will be
1.5% fewer Photographic stylist jobs in 2027.
In your day-to-day duties may:
You could work on a film set, in a creative studio, from home or in an office.
Your working environment may be physically active, you'll travel often and you may spend nights away from home.
You can get into this job through:
You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a relevant subject like:
Most photographic stylists come from a fashion, photography or design background. As a food stylist your background would usually be in catering or food science.
You'll usually need:
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Examples include:
You'll usually need:
You could apply to do an apprenticeship in a commercial field to help you get into this role, for example, a Fashion Studio Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
You might also be able to do a Photographer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, which could help you to secure a job in a studio.
You should try and get as much work experience as possible. It'll help you to make contacts in the industry and allow you to learn on the job.
You could approach photographers and stylists and offer to help them, or contact magazines and newspapers about possible work placements.
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 images.
Having a website and social media accounts where you can advertise your work will also be important.
The Association of Photographers and British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP) offer membership for anyone with an interest in professional photography.
You'll find more details about working in careers in photography from The Association of Photographers.
With experience, you could work with bigger advertising and PR agencies, stores and design houses.
You'll need: