Sunita Mistry, Head of Photographic Services
I am Head of Photographic Services and work with a team of seven people within the Royal Collection, based at St. James’s Palace.
How did you get your job with the Royal Household?
I heard about the job of Head of Photographic Services through a colleague and I filled in an application for the role. Before working here I worked at the National Portrait Gallery as Picture Library Manager.
How would you advise someone looking for a job in this area?
An interest in the arts and photography are essential, and knowledge of Intellectual Property Rights is an advantage. Good communication and negotiating skills, the ability to prioritise work and to work under pressure are also critical. I would advise anyone looking to work in this field to ensure they undertake some work experience, as this will give them an overview of the various opportunities available to those interested in a Picture Library.
What is it like working for the Royal Household?
It is a unique environment and although staff are spread out over several locations, it has a community feel about it where everyone has the same aim and goal to support the Monarchy and each other. The social clubs also afford many opportunities for getting to know colleagues within the Royal Household with whom you may not have day-to-day contact.
Describe a typical day.
No two days are the same within this section. I could be dealing with requests from someone wishing to order a print from The Collection for their wall, or from a film company wishing to obtain film footage of the Crown Jewels one minute, and then organising a photo shoot of the State Apartments at Windsor Castle the next.
What is the best thing about your job?
The unpredictability and varied nature of my day-to-day work, and working within a very unique but diverse environment. I still find it incredible that I work in such wonderful historic settings of the palaces, with some of the greatest works of art.
What opportunities do you get that you would not get elsewhere?
I have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to be involved at various events including the party at the palace celebrating the Golden Jubilee, and subsequently a party for 4000 children in the gardens at Buckingham Palace.
