Photography Schools

Schools by State
for Photographers:

AL AZ CA CO CT DC DE FL GA IA ID IL IN KY LA MA MD ME MI MN MO MS NC NE NH NJ NM NV NY OH OK OR PA RI SC TN TX UT VA VT WA WI WY

Career Highlights for
Photographers

Training generally required for this career includes: Long-term on-the-job training.

Jobs and Salary
Median Salary (2008)	$29,440
Unemployment Vs. Other Jobs	Very High
Jobs (2006)	122,000
Job Growth (2006-2016)	10.3%
Jobs (2016 forecast)	135,000

Flexibility
Working Part-Time	22%
Self-Employed	54%

Education of Current Workers
Bachelor Degree or Higher	46%
Some College	36%
High School or Less	19%

Relevant Job Titles

(Supplied by experts and industry contributors for this career category)

Advertising Photographer
Aerial Photographer
Apprentice Photographer
Biological Photographer
Biomedical Photographer
Cameraman
Commercial Photographer
Crime Scene Photographer
Digital Photographer
Fashion Photographer
Finish Photographer
Food Photographer
Forensic Photographer
Freelance Photographer
Industrial Photographer
Marine Photographer
Medical Photographer
Nature Photographer
News Photographer
Newspaper Photographer
Newspaper Photojournalist
Ophthalmic Photographer
Photo Editor
Photo Journalist
Photo-Optics Technician
Photographer
Photographer Assistant
Photographic Specialist
Photojournalist
Portrait Photographer
School Photographer
Scientific Photographer
Sports Photographer
Still Photographer
Street Photographer
Studio Photographer
Underwater Photographer
Wedding Photographer
Wild Life Photographer
Wildlife Photographer

Information Sources

BrainTrack's information on colleges and careers is drawn from many sources, including government databases, BrainTrack's own research, and results from original data analysis algorithms.

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

Photography Degrees and Photography 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.

Photography 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 Photography 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.

Accreditation by the Accreditation Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) or other distance learning oversight organizations can be helpful in ensuring that a program is meets minimum levels of educational quality.

Photographer 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 Photography 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?

Relevant Schools That Respond Quickly to Info Requests Through This Site

School names link to detailed profiles. Use the Info from the School link to contact the school directly for more information. You may request information from as many schools as you like.

School	Campuses	Awards	Info
Antonelli College	OH	Associate	Info From School
Ashford University	Online	Bachelor	Info From School
Ashworth College	Online	Diploma	Info From School
Briarcliffe College	NY	Associate	Info From School
Brooks Institute	CA	Bachelor	Info From School
Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University	MA, DC	Certificate	Info From School
Harrington College of Design	IL	Associate	Info From School
ICS Canada	Online	Diploma	Info From School
International Academy of Design and Technology	TN, FL	Associate	Info From School
Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology	OH	Associate	Info From School
Penn Foster Career School	Online	Diploma	Info From School
Stratford Career Institute	Online	Diploma	Info From School
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division	Online	Bachelor	Info From School
The Art Institutes	IL, NC, UT, IN, PA, TX, CA, MN, SC, VA, WA, GA, OR, NV, CO, TN, FL, MA	Associate, Bachelor, Certificate, Coursework, Diploma, Non-Degree	Info From School

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