At a Glance
- Tasks: Capture stunning photographs for a world-renowned museum and support exciting projects.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a cultural icon with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and discounts on exhibitions.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative team that shapes heritage imaging in a major institution.
- Qualifications: Professional photography experience and skills in Adobe Photoshop required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 24600 - 31300 £ per year.
Role Summary
- Department: Collection, Documentation and Registration
- Hours: Full-time, 41 hours per week (including one hour paid lunch break)
- Contract: Permanent / Fixed-term for 6 months with the possibility for extension
- Working Type: On-site
- Salary: £29,642 per annum
- Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Monday, 1 December 2025
Important Information: Please submit a link to a portfolio of 25 photographs or a website link to material that demonstrates professional skills, in your personal statement. We will not be able to consider your application if we do not receive this. You may at times be required to work outside normal working hours, for example at weekends and evenings and/or at various locations across the UK and abroad.
About the role: This is an exciting opportunity to join the Photography and Imaging team as a Photographer. You will work under the guidance of the Head of Photography and Imaging and Senior Photographers to produce high quality photographs of objects in the collection to meet client briefs and complete general photographic requests in support of the Museum. This role is designed to introduce a junior photographer to the photographic and imaging demands of a major cultural institution, while also providing a developmental environment in the field of heritage imaging.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Produce professional quality photography and deliver assignments to deadline
- Support the service provided by the Photography and Imaging department
- Process images as per Photography and Imaging workflow procedures and apply professional digital standards
- Uploading images and entering data into the Museum image database
About you: You will have experience of professional photographic practice, preferably in a similar organisation. A formal professional qualification in photography, degree or equivalent. Practical use of professional camera systems. Experience with Adobe Photoshop and other professional imaging software. Work effectively as part of a team and have a flexible approach with excellent communication skills.
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after long service) plus 2.5 privilege days, in addition to bank holidays
- Generous civil service pension scheme
- Complimentary exhibition tickets
- Free entry at paid national museum and gallery exhibitions
- Free and discounted entry to international cultural organisations
- Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans
- Employee Assistance Programme for mental health support
- 1 hour paid lunch break
- Subsidised staff canteen
- Discounts on gift shop purchases
Our Values: Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered. These are: Care Deeply, Embrace the Unknown, Spark Curiosity, Value Many Voices.
Additional details: If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details. The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all employees and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated in line with their relevant knowledge, skills and experience.
*Unfortunately, for this role we are unable to offer Sponsorship to applicants.* The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Photographer - London employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Contact Detail:
THE BRITISH MUSEUM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Photographer - London
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure your portfolio is top-notch! We want to see your best 25 photographs that showcase your skills. Don’t just throw in random shots; curate a collection that tells a story and highlights your unique style.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow photographers or industry professionals on social media. We can’t stress enough how important it is to connect with others in the field; you never know who might have a lead on a job or collaboration.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the British Museum and its photography department. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in the role and understand the institution’s mission. Bring some thoughtful questions to show you’re engaged!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love when candidates take the time to follow the process. Don’t forget to double-check your submission before hitting send!
We think you need these skills to ace Photographer - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Best Work: Make sure to include a link to your portfolio with 25 of your best photographs. This is your chance to shine, so pick images that really demonstrate your skills and creativity!
Tailor Your Personal Statement: When writing your personal statement, connect your experience directly to the role. Highlight how your background in photography aligns with the Museum's needs and values. We want to see your passion for the job!
Follow the Application Guidelines: Don’t forget to follow all the application instructions carefully. If we don’t receive your portfolio link, we won’t be able to consider your application, so double-check everything before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE BRITISH MUSEUM
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to have a link to your portfolio ready, featuring at least 25 of your best photographs. This is crucial as they won't consider your application without it. Choose images that highlight your skills and versatility, especially those that align with the museum's focus on heritage imaging.
✨Know Your Equipment
Be prepared to discuss your experience with professional camera systems and imaging software like Adobe Photoshop. Brush up on technical details and be ready to explain how you use these tools to achieve high-quality results in your photography.
✨Understand the Museum's Values
Familiarise yourself with the museum's values: Care Deeply, Embrace the Unknown, Spark Curiosity, and Value Many Voices. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to share examples of how you've embodied these principles in your work.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Questions
Since this role involves working closely with a team, expect questions about collaboration and communication. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a team setting, showcasing your flexibility and problem-solving skills.