Photo Stylist Job Description
When a photographer sets up a shoot, he normally has a distinct idea in his mind of what reaction he wants to elicit from his audience. He may conjure up this vision on his own or base it on the desires of the customer or art director for whom he works. While he concentrates on the technical aspects of the photograph, he typically enlists the aid of a photo stylist to embellish the set with accessories and objects to create the masterpiece he envisions.
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Skill Requirements
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Thinking outside of the box is a skill that is imperative to the success of a photo stylist. She needs to attentively listen to the artistic intent of the photographer and let her creativity devise several approaches to achieving his vision. Good organizational skills are required to gather props for the shoot and methodically lay out each shot for the session. Her eye for detail should be sharp and consistent. Accounting acumen is necessary to calculate her billing hours and expenses.
Job Duties
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A significant part of a photo stylist’s job involves sourcing, picking up and returning props for his clients. While seasoned photo stylists may have an inventory of accessories and objects they have acquired over the years, they must still have resources from which they can borrow unusual or exotic items to enhance the atmosphere and moods of photographs. Accessing these resources may be a local task or require long distance travel or online purchases. To have as many sources as possible at her disposal, part of her job is to establish and maintain rapports with a wide range of people.
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Work Conditions
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The environment in which a photo stylist works varies greatly depending on the subject and the photographer with whom he is working. He may be in a studio one day, on a beach the next and in the lobby of a museum the next. His working hours are usually long and irregular and include occasional nights and weekends. Local or long-distance travel may be required. The preferred attire is usually business casual.
Educational Requirements
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A four-year degree is generally required for this position, preferably with concentration in art, photography or a related field. Knowledge gained through working with props or in the area of set design is desirable. Expertise in basic photography techniques is helpful.
Salary and Advancement Opportunities
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In large, commercial photo studios, a photo stylist may have opportunities to advance to management or supervisory positions. If she works for herself or for independent photographers, chances for advancement are limited. Based on information provided at Salarylist.com, in 2009 the average annual salary was $29,200 for a photo stylist working in the United States.
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References
- Photo Credit candle image by peter Hires Images from Fotolia.com
