Some Photographers specialise in one or more fields, such as promotional and advertising photography, weddings and events, photography for law firms and insurers, clinical photography, fashion photography, landscapes and portraits.

Many photographers start up on a part-time basis, having previously developed photography skills as a hobby. Some run their business from a home base, while others trade from studio premises where they both take and edit photographs, as well as preparing finished images for presentation to clients, for example in wedding albums or on DVDs. Although the sector is increasingly dominated by digital photography, some photographers continue to use 35mm film.

The photographic services market is extremely competitive due to the number of photographers who are trading in the UK, and also because developments in digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera and smartphone technology have led to people being able to take high-quality pictures themselves, without the need to engage the services of a photographer.

This profile provides information about starting up and trading as a freelance photographer. It describes the skills required, the training available, the current market trends and the key trading issues. It also explains the legislation that must be complied with and provides sources of further information and support.