Picture researchers select specific photographs or illustrations for use in a wide range of media such as books, magazines, websites and television. Their employers include media or advertising companies, picture agencies or libraries, and museums or art galleries.

The Work

You could be:

• meeting with clients to discuss their requirements and agree on a suitable fee
• reading briefs provided by clients on the subject they want illustrated
• considering the format, colour and dimensions for the image, as well as target audience and number of copies to be printed
• deciding where to look for images, including searching online image banks, picture library databases or gallery catalogues
• selecting pictures gathered from your research which are most suitable to your client’s requirements and meet quality requirements
• negotiating with suppliers for the best loan or purchase price for images, including their terms and conditions of use or return
• arranging for a photographer to take any new images needed
• preparing captions (descriptions) or credits for images and possibly editing images using software
• storing pictures, maintaining files or arranging the payment of invoices.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Salaries may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting salaries for picture researchers are between £15,000 and £24,000 per year.

With experience, this could rise to around £30,000 per year. Picture editors can earn around £35,000 a year.

Freelance rates vary according to the area you are working in. For example, freelance rates are usually per day and vary depending on the medium — for books it can be £150, broadcasting up to £190, magazines up to £125 and national newspapers up to £130. (The National Union of Journalists' freelance pay rates guide).

Conditions

• You will work at a computer in an office, or from home if you work freelance.
• You work normal office hours, Monday to Friday, but may have to work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines.
• You will spend a lot of time speaking to suppliers or other agents by telephone.
• You might have to visit companies to search their picture collections.
• You may have regular deadlines to meet and work under pressure.

Getting In

• Entry is competitive.
• Employers usually ask for a degree. Relevant degree subjects include art history, history, science, photography and languages.
• For entry to an HND course you normally require 1-2 Highers plus some subjects at National 5. For entry to a degree course you need 4-5 Highers.
• The London School of Publishing (LSP) runs a 10-week course in Picture Research for new entrants. There are no formal entry requirements.
• It is common for new entrants to undertake some unpaid work to strengthen their CV and improve their employment prospects.
• You will need knowledge of photo editing software, spreadsheets and online content management systems.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2018

2935

2.4 %

RISE

2023

3005

  United Kingdom

2018

40505

2.6 %

RISE

2023

41553

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need to have:

• a good visual memory and imagination
• excellent research skills
• good IT skills and knowledge of imaging software
• excellent communication skills
• persistence and good negotiation skills
• knowledge of copyright law and licensing issues
• good admin and organisation skills
• knowledge of data storage and management.

You need to be:

• able to multitask
• accurate and methodical
• able to work within a budget
• interested in photography
• well organised and able to meet deadlines.

Training

• Training is through experience, on the job.
• The British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies (BAPLA) accredit several short courses available on specialising in picture research, at the London School of Publishing, London College of Communication and the Publishing Training Centre.
• The London School of Publishing’s 2-day picture research workshop builds on your existing skills and experience.

Getting On

• You can move between organisations to gain a wider range of experience.
• You could work on a freelance basis once you build up a network of contacts and clients.
• With enough experience, you could gain promotion to senior picture researcher or picture editor.

More Information

BAPLA lists job vacancies on their website as well as individual employers such as picture libraries or art galleries.

BBC Scotland runs an apprenticeship scheme for people who are keen to get into a career in the media industry. The closing date for applications is usually sometime in April or May. The one-year apprenticeship is based in Glasgow and pays £12,500 a year. Training takes place at Glasgow Kelvin College, BBC Scotland at Pacific Quay and on the job in various departments. It leads to a Level 3 Diploma in Creative and Digital Media. Applicants must have National 5 English and Maths, good IT skills and a keen interest in media. You must be at least 18 at the start date of the apprenticeship. There are usually only around ten places available, so entry is very competitive. The selection process includes an assessment day and tests in English and Maths. If you would like to find out more or check on application deadline dates visit BBC Scotland Apprenticeships.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.