A photographic stylist, or media stylist, helps the photographer set the scene for a photograph or shoot (set of photographs) to capture the mood, style and atmosphere that the photographer wants. They normally specialise in a particular area such as fashion, food or interior design.
The Work
You could be:
studying the brief (instructions) which the photographer provides – the brief might be very specific or provide a lot of scope for ideas
doing research for a shoot: this could be for an advert in a catalogue, a magazine feature on home interiors, a range of different meals for a cookery book, a publicity shot for a fashion show
sketching your ideas, either by hand or using a computer, to show others such as the art director and scene builders
choosing props and finding out where you can hire, borrow or buy them – including clothes for models or unusual items such as fake snow
keeping a stock of regularly-used items such as vases, cushions, sunglasses and other common accessories
in food photography, preparing and displaying meals so they look fresh and appetising, using tools such as water sprays, tweezers and a blow torch
arranging the set and discussing lighting effects with the lighting technicians, and making sure everything is in the right place
keeping up to date with the latest trends.
Pay
Freelance stylists earn a fee for each project, and nothing between projects. Pay rates for employed stylists vary, depending on the size of company or agency.
Hourly rates may average around £25 an hour.
Rates for a photographic stylist would start at around £200 a day for creating photographic displays, rising to around £400.
Salaries in general can range from between £20,000 to 30,000 a year.
Conditions
You would work both indoors and outdoors.
When indoors, you could be working in a studio, office or on a stage or set. Outdoors you could be anywhere as required by the project.
You might have to travel a lot and spend overnights away from home.
If you work for a large employer you may work regular office hours.
In other cases, you would arrange working hours to suit the client, and they are often irregular and long, including evenings and weekends.
You may have short intensive periods of work, with unemployment in between.
You have to climb ladders, shift furniture, bend and carry props around and work with paint and glue.
Entry to junior posts is very competitive and you need sound artistic training.
There is a wide range of courses, at different levels, in art and design subjects, including NC/NQ (SCQF Level 4-6), HNC (SCQF Level 7), HND (SCQF Level 8) and degrees (SCQF Levels 9-10). Courses in fashion, clothing or textile design or photography or visual merchandising may be particularly relevant.
For food photography, you should take a cookery or home economics course first, since you need cooking skills.
You do not always need formal qualifications to get onto an NC or NQ, although some courses may require up to 4-5 subjects at National 4 or 5. For an HNC or HND you need a minimum of 1-2 Highers or NC or NQ, and for a degree, usually 4 Highers. Other subjects may also be specified for particular courses.
For art and design courses, you also need to present a portfolio of work.
Studying for a relevant Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6, such as Creative and Digital Media, can provide work experience and may be accepted in place of a non-essential Higher for entry to a degree course. Entry requirements vary between colleges, but you usually require some subjects at National 5 including English and Maths.
Afterwards, the main thing is to make contacts and to get existing or previous customers to recommend you to others. You might start by helping on a voluntary basis in projects at college, and go on to working as an assistant to a photographer.
A driving licence is useful and may be necessary.
For art school courses you need to apply through UCAS.
What Does it Take?
You need to be:
artistic, creative and imaginative
knowledgeable about photography and lighting
well organised and able to work calmly under pressure
practical and good with your hands
patient, with good concentration
good at negotiation and networking
good at communicating with people at all levels
able to meet deadlines and manage a budget
confident, determined and self-motivated.
Training
Training is mostly through experience, on the job.
Getting On
Personal contacts are important in building up your reputation and getting work.
You must have a strong portfolio to show to prospective employers and clients.
Most photographic stylists work freelance; progress means getting bigger contracts, through building up your reputation and developing your portfolio.
If you work for an agency you might get promotion to head stylist, art director or designer.
You could move into consultancy work.
After you have experience, you might want to move into a related job such as display, merchandising or exhibition work.
Creative and Cultural Skills is the Sector Skills Council for advertising, crafts, cultural heritage, design, music, performing, literary and visual arts.
