Building a career in photography
PhotoAssist started as a place for photographers to find crew. It still is — but it's also becoming the honest UK guide to building a career in photography, from your first day on set to running your own business. Everything here is free.
Getting in — assisting
Photography's apprenticeship. What the roles are, how to break in, how to find work, and what to charge. This is also where the PhotoAssist directory and jobs board come in.
What is a Photo Assistant?
A comprehensive guide to the role of a photo assistant - from basic tasks to becoming an indispensable part of the team.
What is a Digi Tech (or Digi Op)?
The digital technician on a photo shoot — what a digi tech (or digi op) does, the kit they need, and what they typically earn in the UK.
What is a Photo Retoucher?
The retoucher's role in commercial photography — what a photo retoucher does, the software and skills they need, the different specialisms, and what they typically earn in the UK.
How to Become a Photography Assistant
A practical guide to breaking into photo assisting — what the role involves, what you need to get started, and how to land your first jobs.
How to Become a Digi Tech in the UK
A practical guide to breaking into digital tech work on commercial and editorial shoots — the kit, the software, the skills, and how to get your first jobs.
Should I Try to Find Work as an Assistant?
Why spending time as a photo assistant can give you invaluable experience and contacts that will help launch your photography career.
How to Find Assisting Work in UK Photography
Nine practical ways to find assisting work in UK photography — networking, social media, studio hire, and building contacts. Where the jobs really come from.
Finding Photo Assistant Jobs in the UK
Where to find photo assisting work in the UK — from online platforms to direct outreach, networking, and building a sustainable freelance career.
Photo Assistant Day Rates in the UK
What do photo assistants and digital techs charge in 2026? A breakdown of typical day rates by role, experience, and location across the UK.
Going pro — making the leap
The transition from assistant to working photographer. When you’re ready, the two routes out, and how each one actually works.
From Assistant to Photographer: Making the Leap
How to make the transition from photographic assistant to working photographer — knowing when you're ready, the two main routes, and what actually changes.
The Agency Route: Getting Repped and Landing Commercial Work
How the high-end route into professional photography works — building a specialist book, getting an agent, and winning editorial and advertising work off the back of an assisting career.
Going Direct to Client: Building Your Own Photography Business
The self-motivated route into professional photography — winning your own corporate, event, product and portrait clients, and building a steady, sustainable living.
A Portfolio That Gets You Hired as a Photographer
Building a photographer's book — how it differs from an assistant's portfolio, what clients and art buyers actually look for, and how to edit ruthlessly.
The genres — what the work is
What each area of photography actually involves, who hires, what it pays, and how you break in — from corporate and events to editorial and advertising.
Guides to the genres are being written — corporate and event photography first.
The business
The cross-cutting stuff every working photographer needs: pricing, copyright and licensing, marketing yourself, and the practicalities of running the business.
An Introduction to Copyright and Licensing
Understanding copyright law for photographers - from ownership rights to licensing agreements and protecting your work.
Photographing in Public Places
Know your rights when photographing in public - from police powers to private property and everything in between.
Putting Together a Portfolio
Essential advice on building a photography portfolio - from choosing the right format to curating your best work.
The Importance of Personal Photography Projects
Why personal projects are essential for photographers - from building your portfolio to developing your unique style.
The Increasing Importance of Internet Marketing for Photographers
How to leverage the web to increase your exposure as a photographer - from SEO basics to social media and blogging.
Starting out as an assistant?
List yourself on PhotoAssist so photographers can find you for work. It's free.
Create your free profile