Picture editor

Responsibilities

The picture researcher/editor is briefed on the image needed, the format, the target audience and the budget available. Tasks then include:

• finding the appropriate image (mainly sourced from on-line image banks or using established picture libraries and archives);
• liaising with the client ;
• dealing with licensing and copyright restrictions;
• negotiating the terms and conditions of the contract and the fee;
• keeping records, storing images and undertaking necessary administration;
• using IT skills to edit and manipulate images and navigating online search facilities;
• commissioning photographers to provide new images.

Experience

Picture researchers need to be creative and methodical with excellent IT skills.

Qualifications

Most new entrants are graduates. The subject you have studied is not of central importance, but publishing or visual arts qualifications may be useful. The Picture Research Association lists picture research courses on its website and also has a vacancy service for members. The Publishing Training Centre offers courses in picture research.