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The photo imaging industry
It is estimated that around 50,000 people work in photo imaging in the UK and that over 90% of businesses employ ten or fewer people. Demand for jobs in all the audio visual industries is high, reflecting their general perception as “cool” industries in which to work. However, much of the photo imaging industry is largely felt to be a hidden one, with low awareness amongst many new entrants of its different sub-sectors and the opportunities they offer.
The photo imaging industry can be broadly divided into the following main areas:
- Photographers, including assistants
- Picture libraries and agencies
- Laboratories and other image producers and bureaux
- Manufacturers and support services
- Photo retail
More detailed information about the different photo imaging job roles is available on the Skillset website.
The sector has recently undergone the biggest revolution since the invention of colour photography. The digitisation of images is affecting all parts of the photography and photographic processing supply chain, from image origination, through to production, storage and archiving, distribution and sales. New skills are required to support this change and this is impacting on all parts of the sector.
Photo imaging is widely used across all sections of industry and society. There has been a huge growth in access to cameras and it is now commonplace to exchange images via mobile phone, email and the web. Digital technology has created opportunities, in the form of new markets, products and services, but also threats, in particular:
- the cost of keeping equipment up-to-date
- the time and cost involved in acquiring new skills
- the ease with which intellectual property rights can be abused
- increasing reliance on technical support services; and
- a reduction in the perceived value and quality of photo imaging amongst some end-users.
While traditional methods of image capture and reproduction are changing due to digital innovations and new technology, picture making and image production and reproduction are still vibrant and viable activities.
Source: Produced by Skillset 2007
For more information on the photo-imaging industry go to the Skillset website. Click here for demographic data on the photo imaging workforce.
Further research will be carried out by Skillset over the next year and will be available here. This will provide further insight into the photo imaging industry.
What range of skills and personal attributes are employers looking for?
The photo imaging industry increasingly requires practitioners with combinations of skills, often across several disciplines, typically combining technical proficiency, creativity, visual awareness, business acumen and general work-life skills. These need to be supported by knowledge and awareness of the industry and framed by certain attitudes and personality traits.
Practitioners across the industry generally need to be well motivated and self-sufficient, committed and enthusiastic. In an industry where low wages, long hours and hard work are often the norm, career success typically requires a strong passion for the subject and a high level of entrepreneurial ability. For freelancers in particular, an absolute drive to succeed is essential, along with the understanding that first and foremost, they are running a business.
Employers continue to stress the importance of striking the right balance between the need for new skills to support digital technology and the need for underpinning knowledge of film-based imaging skills.
Looking to the future, the rapid pace of technological change means that businesses and individuals must develop market awareness and the flexibility to adapt rapidly to new business opportunities and apply skills to new equipment and processes. Widespread access to the Internet and the opportunity it presents to quickly and easily share images, makes an understanding of intellectual property rights and how to protect them increasingly important.
Employers identified a range of specialist Photo Imaging skills and knowledge that should be covered in a vocational qualification. These skills are required at varying levels in different sub-sectors but are broadly useful across the industry. Employers would expect graduates with a vocational qualification to:
- Understand and apply photographic principles, including those of printing
- Understand and apply the principles of light and colour values
- Understand and apply the principles of digital workflow and colour management
- Use studio and flash lighting
- Accurately colour correct images
- Originate, develop and realise creative and challenging visual solutions
- Develop visual literacy (i.e. how to look at, interpret and select images, cultural contexts etc.)
- Develop knowledge and understanding of intellectual property rights, legal frameworks and relevant codes of practice
- Appreciate the impact of ongoing technological developments on the sector
- Understand and apply the principles of digital pre-press
- Print to exhibition standard
- Understand the characteristics of different imaging materials
- Understand the business models in use in the photo imaging industry
- Understand studio and location management
- Understand and apply the principles of digital asset management
- Demonstrate advanced photography skills
- Understand and apply specific digital skills such as profiling
- Understand the politics of image usage (i.e. how images are used to influence and convey messages)
- Develop an understanding of the history of photography
- Compile and present a professional portfolio
- Plan and manage effectively a range of photographic assignments
For further information about recent employer research see: Skillset’s Foundation Degree framework and Skillset’s Blueprint for Preparatory Qualifications.
Source: Provided by Skillset 2007
Last cached: 2008-05-12 04:42 AM