Commercial Photography
Commercial photography is the practice of producing images for professional and commercial purposes, spanning fashion, editorial, advertising, heritage, cultural documentation, and creative production. It is a discipline that combines technical mastery of the camera and lighting with visual intelligence, an understanding of audience and purpose, and the professional skills needed to work effectively within the creative industries. Commercial photographers are not simply people who take pictures; they are image-makers who understand briefs, manage productions, and deliver work that serves real communication needs.
At Arts University Plymouth this three-year full-time BA (Hons) Photography specialises in the creative and professional possibilities of lens-based image-making in the creative industries. You will explore contemporary photography across the specialisms of fashion, editorial, heritage and culture, and commercial production, developing both technical proficiency and a distinctive creative vision. The course includes a sandwich placement year and a work placement component, giving you structured professional experience in the photography industry before you graduate.
Plymouth's arts university environment, with its strong community of creative practitioners and strong industry links, provides a rich context for developing your practice. The typical entry tariff of 152 points reflects the mixed academic and portfolio-based nature of the programme.
You will build skills in studio and location lighting, post-production, art direction, client communication, and the professional management of photographic projects. You will also develop a portfolio that demonstrates your range and commercial capability.
Graduates go on to work as commercial photographers, editorial photographers, fashion photographers, photo editors, art directors, and creative producers. Many also work in visual content creation, photography education, and the wider creative industries. Postgraduate study in photography or visual arts is a natural next step for those wanting to specialise or pursue academic research.