Lifestyle Photographer and Content Creator

Join Colchester Institute – Where Your Career Makes a Difference

At Colchester Institute, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. As one of the leading providers of education and training in the region, we are proud to offer a dynamic, supportive, and forward-thinking working environment.

We’re seeking a talented Lifestyle Photographer and Content Creator to capture authentic, engaging moments across our campuses, from FE and HE learners to adult students, apprentices, and staff; bringing our vibrant community to life. Your work will drive high-impact campaigns across social media, digital platforms, printed materials, and prospectuses, shaping our visual identity. We’re looking for a self-driven, organised communicator with a keen eye for storytelling, authentic photography, and candid moments that truly reflect educational life.

Job Title: Lifestyle Photographer and Content Creator

Join Colchester Institute’s creative Marketing team and help shape how thousands of students, parents, employers, and partners experience the College.

Note: All applications for this role will also require a portfolio submission. Please email this to Jobline@colchester.ac.uk after you have applied.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, shoot, and deliver high-quality, candid lifestyle photography that reflects Colchester Institute’s brand and marketing goals across FE, HE, apprenticeships, and adult learning.
• Capture authentic, engaging images of students, staff, teaching, campus life, and events, confidently directing subjects to create natural, relaxed shots.
• Professionally edit and retouch images for digital and print, maintain an organised image library, and ensure all content complies with safeguarding, consent, and GDPR requirements.
• Collaborate with Marketing colleagues to support campaigns, recruitment, events, and employer engagement, contributing creative ideas and managing multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Schedule and coordinate photoshoots with staff, manage locations, and promote the College’s values through all visual assets and activities.

What We’re Looking For

About You

A creative and versatile visual storyteller, this Lifestyle Photographer & Content Creator captures authentic, engaging imagery that brings people, places, and experiences to life. Skilled in candid lifestyle photography and content production, they deliver high-quality visuals across print and digital channels with a keen eye for composition, lighting, and design.

Organised and proactive, they manage multiple projects and deadlines while collaborating effectively with teams to support college campaigns, events, and marketing initiatives. Their approachable style puts subjects at ease, capturing genuine moments that reflect the college’s values and community diversity.

Beyond photography, they contribute to wider campaign development, ensuring every photo aligns with college objectives. Combining creativity, professionalism, and attention to detail, they consistently produce photos that informs, inspires, and engages audiences.

Essential Experience:

• Minimum 2 years’ professional photography experience using DSLR and mobile devices.
• Strong portfolio showcasing candid/lifestyle photography and creative composition.
• Proficient in editing and design software, including Adobe Creative Suite.
• Confident in engaging with subjects to achieve impactful lifestyle photos.

Essential Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs (grades 9-4/A*-C) or equivalent, including maths and English
• Degree in Photography or equivalent industry experience.

If you’re ready to lead creative excellence and make a visible impact across a dynamic and forward-thinking College, we’d love to hear from you.

All applications will be assessed against the stated essential requirements, so please ensure your CV clearly demonstrates how you meet them.

We do not engage with recruitment or search agencies unless they have been officially contracted in line with our PSL.