The Role
JS Photography is looking for between one and three photographers to join our team for the busy autumn school photography season.
Following a full training week at the end of August, you will work as part of a photography team visiting schools and nurseries each day.
From the beginning of the contract, you will be expected to set up your own photography studio and photograph pupils yourself.
However, you will not initially be working alone. An experienced member of the JS Photography team will be on-site with you, operating their own photography setup and available to provide guidance, support and feedback throughout the day.
As your confidence and ability develop, there may be opportunities to take greater responsibility and, where appropriate, attend and photograph schools independently.
About JS Photography
JS Photography Ltd is an established school and nursery photography company based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
We work with schools and nurseries throughout the Midlands and across other areas of the UK. We pride ourselves on producing high-quality, consistent photographs while providing schools, pupils and parents with a friendly and professional service.
What You’ll Be Doing
Your responsibilities will include:
- Travelling to schools and nurseries as part of the photography team
- Setting up and operating your own photography station
- Photographing pupils, staff and family groups
- Engaging positively with children and helping them feel relaxed
- Posing and presenting pupils in line with our photography standards
- Working efficiently to photograph large numbers of pupils within the school timetable
- Maintaining consistent lighting, framing, focus and image quality
- Checking pupils’ appearance and presentation before taking photographs
- Working alongside an experienced photographer who will provide support and guidance
- Unloading, setting up and packing away photography equipment
- Downloading and checking images where required
- Assisting with Lightroom and Photoshop work where your experience allows
All cameras, lighting and other photography equipment required for the role will be provided.
What We’re Looking For
The successful candidates will be:
- Confident, friendly and professional
- Comfortable taking responsibility for their own photography setup
- Energetic and able to work at a fast pace
- Able to engage naturally with children of different ages
- Calm and organised in busy school environments
- Reliable, punctual and willing to learn
- Comfortable receiving feedback and applying it quickly
- Able to follow established photography methods consistently
- Comfortable with early starts and regular travel
- Able to work independently while remaining part of a wider team
The ability to quickly build a rapport with children and put them at ease is one of the most important parts of the role.
Photography Experience
Previous photography experience is highly desirable. This may include professional experience, a photography qualification or a strong personal interest supported by examples of your own work.
You should be comfortable using a DSLR or mirrorless camera and have a basic understanding of:
- Manual camera settings
- Exposure
- Portrait lighting
- Composition
- Focus and image sharpness
- Posing and directing subjects
Experience using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop would be an advantage but is not essential.
The primary focus of the role is taking photographs in schools. However, applicants who can also confidently download, organise and process images will be particularly valuable to the team.
Driving and Travel
You must hold a full UK driving licence and be a confident driver.
The role involves travelling to different schools and nurseries, often with early starts. Start and finish times will vary depending on the location and requirements of each school.
There may occasionally be longer-distance journeys or overnight stays. Any necessary travel arrangements will be discussed in advance.
Working Hours
Working weeks will vary according to the photography schedule but are expected to average approximately 40 hours per week.
Many days will begin early so that the photography team can arrive, unload and set up before pupils begin their school day. This is not a standard 9:00am to 5:00pm position, and flexibility throughout the autumn season is essential.
Training
Successful candidates must be available to attend our training week during the final week of August 2026.
The training will cover:
- Setting up and operating our camera and lighting equipment
- School portrait photography techniques
- Posing and pupil presentation
- Maintaining consistent image quality
- Working efficiently within a school timetable
- Engaging with pupils of different ages
- Safeguarding and professional conduct in schools
- Downloading and checking images
- Our Lightroom and Photoshop processes
The main fixed-term contract will begin on 1 September 2026 and run until 30 November 2026.
Safeguarding and DBS
Successful candidates will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check as part of our safer recruitment procedures.
Employment will be subject to satisfactory background, reference and safeguarding checks.
Applying
Please apply with your CV and a short covering note outlining:
- Your photography experience
- The cameras and photography equipment you have used
- Any experience using Lightroom or Photoshop
- Any experience working with children, schools or members of the public
- Your availability for the final week of August and throughout September to November
Please also provide examples or a portfolio of photographs you have taken where possible.
Location: Based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, with daily travel to schools
Contract: Seasonal, fixed-term contract
Contract period: 1 September 2026 to 30 November 2026
Training: Compulsory paid training week during the final week of August
Hours: Variable working weeks, averaging approximately 40 hours
Equipment: All photography equipment provided
Job Type: Temporary
Pay: £14.00 per hour
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Derbyshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Tell me about your relevant experience
Experience:
- Photography: 2 years (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
