Photo Imaging
The total Photo Imaging workforce comprises around 43,100 people. Just over half of these are based in the south of England, with the largest proportion in London and the South East. The rest of the workforce is spread throughout Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the remaining regions of England, with the highest concentrations in the South West and the East of England.The Photo Imaging industry is made up of 8,700 companies, two thirdsof which are sole trading or freelance photographers.
People who are involved
- Image producers (including laboratories and minilabs)
- Photo retail
- Picture libraries and agencies
- Manufacturers
- Support services (e.g. equipment hire and repair)
The photo imaging industry increasingly requires a workforce with a wide ranging skill set, combining technical proficiency with creativity, visual awareness and business acumen.
With higher education now providing a significant route into the sector, it is essential to build collaborative partnerships between industry and educators, to ensure that courses reflect current industry practice. Looking to the future, the rapid pace of technological change means that businesses and individuals must develop strong market awareness and demonstrate flexibility to adapt rapidly to new business opportunities.
Across the industry as a whole, the most significant specialist skills gaps continue to be around the use of digital technology, knowledge of digital workflow and management of digital assets.
With such a large proportion of the sector made up of freelancers/sole
traders, micro businesses and SMEs, basic business skills are essential,
as managing the different stages of growth of a business and being
aware of how best to exploit opportunities as they arise are key factors
in a long term survival strategy.
