Career and School Info for Photographers

Photographer Job Description

Career tips, salaries, and lists of schools.

Photographs can be art, documents or storytellers as they capture a moment, a detail, a feeling. Photographers use technical skills and different cameras, lenses, filters, lighting, staging and image design software to produce clear details, unique angles or dramatic effects. Photographers, who frequently work self-employed as freelance, may find employment in these areas:

• photojournalism
• product photography for advertising
• stock photography (creating collections of photos to sell)
• fine arts photography (incorporating artistic techniques)
• portrait photography (families, individuals, school pictures, headshots for performers)
• wedding and event photographers
• commercial / industrial photography (buildings, machinery, landscapes etc. for documentation and publicity)
• scientific photography (documenting plants, animals, and other elements of nature; also medical and forensic)

To be successful in their work, photographers must be skilled in:

• Choosing appropriate cameras and equipment for the image needed
• Manipulating camera settings to adjust for light and focus
• Working with sets, props and lighting
• Using photographic editing and image design software
• Working with people to enhance their appearance and help them feel comfortable
• Using equipment to develop and scan images
• Placing advertising, setting appointments and scheduling exhibits
• Printing, mounting and framing
• Administrative skills such as purchasing supplies, keeping records, billing customers and managing employees

Degrees and Schools

Although anyone with creativity and the necessary equipment can develop the technical proficiency to become an entry-level photographer, some professions within photography require formal education. Newspapers and magazines usually require photojournalists to have a bachelor's degree in fine arts; employers of industrial or scientific photographers expect them to have a bachelor's degree in a field of study relevant to the industry.

Many colleges, universities, vocational schools and art schools provide photography courses and degree programs. To be best prepared for freelance work, incorporating business classes is important in educational planning.

Developing a portfolio, whether in school, mentoring under an accomplished photographer or self-instruction, is an essential part of being a professional photographer. Some photographers gain exposure through submitting photos to contests, magazines and advertising agencies.

Classes

Photography students spend time in the field taking photos, in the computer lab, and in class. Basic courses typically include:

• camera types, settings, lenses, filters and other equipment
• processes for taking, developing, editing and publishing photos
• techniques for creating unique angles, lighting, perspectives and effects
• use of props, sets, etc.

Additional coursework in business administration can prove useful for students who plan to be self-employed freelance photographers.

Online Classes and Programs

There are many opportunities to learn about photography online, from courses to degree programs for master of fine arts, bachelor of fine arts or associate of arts. The popularity and convenience of digital photography makes online learning much more suitable than the need for dark rooms that traditional, film-based photography requires.

Online courses that are part of an institution with accreditation from agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE) are most likely to meet industry standards.

Employment Requirements

There is no minimum requirement to become a photographer, but some industries such as photojournalism or commercial photography require a bachelor's degree in fine arts. Scientific or industrial photographers are usually expected to have a bachelor's degree in their specific field. A portfolio of work is required for any job.

How to Evaluate Schools

When evaluating degree programs for photography or fine arts, consider asking these questions:

• Curricula and focus - Does the program provide a balance of technical, creative, business and analytical training? Is significant computer lab time incorporated into programs to provide hands-on practice?
• Class structure and amenities - Are classes small enough for optimal learning? Are popular classes difficult to get into? Are computer labs well-equipped for the number of students?
• Financial aid and expenses - Does the school provide substantial guidance in finding financial aid such as scholarships, grants student loans and work / study? Are students expected to purchase expensive equipment, software and manuals?
• Graduate success - Does the school provide substantial job placement assistance? Over the previous several years, how many graduates who sought employment as professional photographers found jobs?

• Broadcast Technicians
• Editors
• Film And Video Editors
• Multimedia Artists
• Producers And Directors
• Public Relations Specialists
• Reporters
• Writers
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