Carrying out skilled work in the photographic industry utilising common photographic knowledge and skills.
This occupation is found in multiple sectors including government, scientific, crime, social, commercial, cultural heritage, media, journalism and advertising.
Photographic companies and studios vary in size and the number of employees they have, and are described as small, medium, or large companies. A large proportion of photographers are freelance or self-employed, operating their own studio or supplying multiple clients. They are to be found across England and the UK.
The output and remit of a Photographic studio is varied, and they will produce work for a range of clients across subject areas. Some studios may specialise in one subject area, e.g. wedding or portrait photography.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to work autonomously and with customers or clients collaborating with other departments as required to produce, manage and deliver photographic assets to meet agreed requirements.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with clients, subjects, retouchers and other stakeholders involved in the production of images. They will set up and operate photographic equipment in a manner to obtain the best image in accordance with the customer/client brief.
They will need to be aware of the activities of their occupation which contribute to their “professional carbon footprint” and steps to reduce this.
This is a junior level role, and the line management and reporting structure of the team will vary according to the size of the employer, this could involve working to a supervisory photographer. Learners must be able to take direction and feedback, to create the photographic images required, according to the brief.
They can work in indoor studios as well as outside locations using digital or film cameras; producing stills or video imagery of a variety of subjects and objects for a wide range of uses. Photographers tend to work in digital formats with DSLR or mirrorless cameras. A very small number of specialist photographers may use analogue equipment with silver-based imaging but this is not mainstream. Photographers offering video imaging services to customers/clients is increasing. Use of associated technology such as drones is also becoming more common.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for, carrying out skilled work in the photographic industry to generate, print or publish a photographic image. Some staff working in specialist areas will be responsible for processing and printing imagery from photographic films using non-digital equipment.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, the individual may move into further and higher education, or secure employment or self-employment in the respective sector of the photographic industry they have worked in.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 18 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
A project with a output
You will be asked to complete a output. The title and scope will be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway. As part of the project, you need to write a output and submit this to the EPAO. The output should be a maximum of 1500 (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 8 weeks to complete the project and submit the output to the EPAO.
You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the project output. The presentation with questions will last at least 60 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 8 questions about the project and presentation.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | End-point assessment plan revised | 06/03/2024 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 29/08/2023 | 05/03/2024 |
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