You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• photography
• art and design
• photography, video and digital imaging

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could do a college course to learn some of the skills you need in this job. Courses include:

• photography
• art and design - photography option
• creative digital media

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply to do a Photographer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship to get into this role.

This apprenticeship takes between 1 and 2 years to complete, and is a mix of training in the workplace and off-the-job study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You could apply directly to companies to work as a photographic technician. You'll need to be well organised, able to use image editing software and have a keen interest in photography.

Some employers may prefer you to have GCSEs, A levels or equivalent qualifications in a subject like photography, desktop publishing or art and design.

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work on your own
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with others
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As a photographic technician, you could:

• scan, restore and catalogue pictures in archive collections
• make adjustments to pictures, using image editing software
• print images on photographic paper, canvas or other materials
• carry out quality checks on prints
• advise customers on how best to achieve the results they want
• help photographers during photo shoots
• set up equipment and assist art teachers in schools, colleges and universities
• check and maintain equipment like cameras and printers

You could work at a store, in a creative studio or at an art gallery.