Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Selling or Influencing Others Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
•   Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Working Life

Every photographer’s main tool is their camera. They need to have the technical skills to use it and to understand how natural or artificial light effects their work. But the day-to-day work activities will vary depending on the area they specialise in. The two areas of fashion and press/sport are outlined here:

Fashion/Advertising Photographer:
Typical work activities include: taking photographs of models, on location and in studios; building up good relationships with models, helping them to relax and work well for the camera; working well with natural bright light - location shoots often take place in sunny places - and with studio lighting, e.g. to bring out the best in skin tones and sheens from different fabrics; working with film or digital technology, or both; establishing good relationships with stylists, art directors, agencies and fashion editors; securing future assignments; developing a personal, recognisable style.  
 
Through its multiple uses in fashion, advertising/publicity, digital media and contemporary art practice, photography has come to hold a central position in an increasingly visual society. As the profile of photography continues to change and adapt to a broad spectrum of possibilities in both the photographic industry and the wider cultural industries as a whole, the need has arisen for creative image makers to have a deeper understanding of photography's role as a 'visual communication' and how this role impacts and/or adapts to the new developments taking place within it. 

Press / Sports Photographers:
Press photographers/photojournalists work for local, regional and national newspapers, magasines, periodicals, technical journals or news agencies. They often start their careers by working for local newspapers, covering items of local interest, before moving on to either national publications, specialist publications, or freelance work.  
 
Press photographers/photojournalists constantly work to deadlines and may find that their schedules change to keep up with events happening throughout the day. They may be required to travel locally, nationally and even internationally. 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
• Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
• Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
• Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
• Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
• Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialised software.
• Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.
• Enhance, retouch, and resise photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.
• Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.
• Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas.

Further Information

• Photographic Stylist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Press photographer- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Photography jobs rarely appear in the regular online job listings as many jobs are found through word of mouth. That means that you need to build up a reputation and track record and you need to get to know people in the industry.

To get a first paid photographer job, you need a good and high quality portfolio. A photography course will not only teach you the technical skills you need, such as studio lighting, digital photography, image manipulation and possibly traditional darkroom skills; it will also provide an opportunity to develop your portfolio.

Training can also help you progress, depending if you plan to go into teaching, journalism, fashion, or arts in photography.

There are no photography / journalism apprenticeships at present. A photographer may take you on as an in-company trainee, to build your skills.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: digital media, group facilitation, training.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: digital media, photography, journalism, arts, portfolio prep, photographic studies, film and photography production, photography and new media.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: photography with new media, photographic media, photography.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: arts, photography, education, further education, teaching, journalism, media.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

It is often useful to be a member of a professional organisation, such as the Irish Professional Photographers Association (IPPA), as they may list members on their website, organise professional awards and events, or recommend training opportunities.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €17k - €53k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed/ Glassdoor

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Artists; Authors; writers; translators; Actors; entertainers; presenters; Dancers; choreographers; Musicians Arts officers; producers; directors; Photographers; audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators; Graphic designers Product; clothing and related designers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022, with an additional 7,300 persons employed. As illustrated in the CSO Census data below, employment is spread across a number of roles; since 2016, the strongest growth, in absolute terms, was for graphic designers and authors, writers and translators.

New employment permits issued for this occupation in 2022 were primarily for film/TV and animation/visual effects (VFX) roles but also for linguistics experts in the ICT sector. There was also a high volume of recent job hires in line with the recent employment increase. The data does not point to overall issues with recruitment for these roles.

• Irish Professional Photographers & Videographers Association (IPPVA)

  • Unit 5, Naas Rd Business Park, Muirfield Drive, Dublin 12
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• National Union of Journalists

  • Irish Office, Spencer House, Spencer Row, off Store Street, Dublin 1.
  • (01) 8170340
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here