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An education in photography provides a solid foundation for a career as a photographer or photojournalist. Photography is not one master career field--there are numerous paths one can take to earn a living behind the lens.
The requirements to become an expert in each field vary--taking photos at a sporting event is very different from photographing runway models or chronicling a wedding. Certain occasions are much easier than others. For example, photos for advertising and corporate marketing often require basic skill set and equipment, while fashion or runway photography requires more technique and knowledge of fine art. An education in photography can help polish a budding photographer's skills and also provide vital contacts that can serve as a gateway to work as a paid professional.
Photography Education Requirements: Coursework
Any newspaper classes taken in high school certainly can help provide an introduction to photography. Typically there are two types of photography courses taught: One focuses on traditional studio and darkroom equipment; the other on digital photography. Programs also teach history of the craft, as well as practical use of film and digital cameras. The vast majority of work today is produced with digital images.
Basic coursework for a degree or certificate in photography or photojournalism typically includes classes such as:
Advanced courses cover many photography specialties, as well as how to open a studio or find work as a freelance photographer.
One of the best ways to get indoctrinated in the world of photography is to work for a camera shop. Although the number of independent camera retail shops has diminished greatly due to Internet shopping and large retail chains, there are still some smaller camera shops that deal strictly in camera sales and image processing. Working at one of these shops can provide invaluable first-hand information about photography equipment and use.
Photography Education Requirements: Degrees and Certification
Some small newspapers hire photographers with little experience, but it is extremely rare to land a job at a paper of any size without at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Programs vary in length depending on the degree or certificate sought. A bachelor's degree in journalism or photojournalism, for example, might take the typical four years to complete, while many online certificate programs can be completed in a few months or more. An associate's degree, which might satisfy many employers if the photographer demonstrates aptitude and technical proficiency behind the lens, usually takes about two years to complete.
Earning a master's degree in fine arts or similar area of study usually is not necessary to find gainful employment as a photographer, but it is an important career milestone for those who desire to teach photography, especially at the college level.
No matter what education you choose to pursue, the coursework provides a solid education in photography that forms the backbone of a career in the profession.
Careers in Photography
There are dozens of different ways people earn a living as photographers, including:
Some of the many professional groups and organizations that deal solely with photography and professional photojournalists include: the American Society of Media Photographers; Women in Photography International; Professional Photographers of America; National Press Photographers Association; Wedding and Portrait Photographers International; and the Society for Photographic Education.
There are many more professional and trade groups that deal with the different photography requirements for different careers in the field. Membership can provide continuing education and other valuable resources.
Employment for photographers is expected to grow by 12 percent--an increase of 17,500 positions--from 2008 to 2018, according to BLS. Photographers earned median annual salaries of nearly $30,000 in 2009, but the top 10 percent of photographers earned more than double that amount. Experienced fashion and large-circulation magazine photographers usually bring home much larger salaries, as well.
Resources for Photographers:
These schools offer particularly quick info upon request, and we have written detailed profiles for each (click school names to see the profiles).
Request info from multiple schools, by clicking the Get Info links.
| School | Locations | Degrees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antonelli College | MS, OH | Associate | |
| Ashworth College | Online | Diploma | |
| Briarcliffe College | NY | Associate | |
| Brooks Institute | CA | Bachelor | |
| Brown College | MN | Bachelor | |
| Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University | DC, MA | Certificate | |
| Everest University | FL | Associate | |
| Harrington College of Design | IL | Associate | |
| International Academy of Design and Technology | FL, TN | Associate | |
| Kaplan College KHE | OH | Associate | |
| Stratford Career Institute | Online | Diploma | |
| The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division | Online | Bachelor | |
| The Art Institutes | AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, IN, KS, MA, MI, MN, NC, NV, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA | Bachelor, Diploma |
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