There’s a lot more to a photography apprenticeship than what meets the eye. It’s not just 1, 2, 3, say CHEESE. You don’t just take a photograph you make it.

What will you be doing?

Life is often compared to a camera, focus on what’s important and you’ll capture it perfectly. As a photography apprentice you will experience first hand what a typical day in the photography world is like whilst also working towards a qualification. You will assist your employer in all aspects of their work. There are many routes you can go down in the photography profession. They range from taking photographs to client specification in various settings, taking photographs for the business who employ you for promotional material, taking photographs for official investigations as a crime scene photographer.

Photography is a culture in the here and now it often means capturing the intersection of the present and the past.

What skills will I need?

As a photographer apprentice you must behave professionally at all times. Be punctual, polite, and ready to help. Make sure you dress appropriately, particularly for an external shoot. If the photographer is recording a wedding or a fund raising dinner, the client is not going to want you to be hanging around in jeans. Ask the photographer who will supervise you what the dress code is and make sure you adhere to it. You will assist in ensuring that every shoot runs smoothly. Talk to the professional photographer in advance to make sure that you understand the purpose of the shoot, the format for the day and what equipment you will need. You may need to rent equipment or scout locations in advance. Then you will help prepare and check the set or location and make sure that all equipment is available, clean and working. You will be required to carry and set up equipment as well as making lighting adjustments and holding reflectors. No two days will ever be the same.

A photograph can take an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still. If you think photography is just pointing a camera and clicking a button then think again. If you want to find out more about flash starting a profession within the photography industry check out the British Institute of Professional Photography.