Photography Degrees
Photographers use their creative and artistic talents to capture images of events, objects and people for a variety of purposes and employers. Photography degree programs teach students the artistic and technical aspects of photography including digital imaging, lighting techniques and color theory. Some programs also teach students how to market their talents.
A wide range of fields employ photographers and include scientific, commercial, industrial, journalism and fine arts. Over 50 percent of photographers are self-employed, working as freelancers or creating stock photos which they sell through agencies or directly to the public. Although job growth is expected to be good over the next decade, finding work can be difficult at times since this is a popular occupation with many talented professionals competing for permanent and freelance jobs.
Degree Options
- Associate's Degree - These programs provide students with the training they need to become employed as a photography assistant or as a freelance or portrait photographer.
- Bachelor's Degree - Scientific, industrial, commercial and news empoyers will often require a bachelor's degree. Freelancers can benefit from marketing courses taught in some programs at this level.
- Master's Degree - A master's degree program provides advanced training in photography and digital imaging. Individuals who want to improve their marketability, work as educators or work in supervisory roles should consider a master's degree in photography.
Schools
Photography degree programs can be found at art and design schools, universities and colleges that have fine art departments and many online schools. Programs vary by type of school such that an academic school may require more general education courses and an art school may require more art classes, not necessarily related to photography.
Coursework
Photography program curriculums will include general art courses as well as photography courses similar to the following :
- Fundamentals of Photography - Introduction to composition, lighting, camera techniques, electronic image processing and dark-room processing.
- Principles of Lighting - Covers studio lighting and location lighting; use of equipment, various lighting techniques; making use of available ambient light.
- Digital Studio - Investigates use of imaging software (e.g. Adobe Photoshop) to modify, enhance and prepare photos for printing and digital use. May include advanced techniques such as blurring, shadowing and color adjusting.
- Photojournalism - Explores photography of unstaged people and events using natural light. Photo captioning, editing, and interviewing are among topics covered which prepare students to become photojournalists and documentary photographers.
- Fashion Photography - Introduces editorial and fashion photography techniques including both studio and location venues. Focuses on trends, lighting, make-up, styling and use of accessories.
- Website Photography - Teaches technical skills needed to publish photography on a website. Inlcudes image optimization, transfer protocols, basic animation techniques and use of sound and video.
Aptitudes and Interests
Those considering a degree program in photography should have artistic ability, be detail-oriented and patient. Today's photography is primary digital and thus requires students to be comfortable learning and using photo editing software. Since the majority of photographers freelance, those considering this degree should also have the confidence to market themselves and be willing to dedicate time and effort to this aspect of the profession.
Career Options
Photographers may be employed by various types of organizations including advertising agencies, magazine publishers, newspapers, portrait studios, and corporate communications departments either in permanent positions or for individual projects. The following are some fields which a photographer can work in :
- Photojournalism
- Advertising
- Commercial
- Scientific
- Portrait/event
- Catalog / magazine
- Stock photos
- Website development
Related Programs
Other programs that may interest those who are considering a degree in photography include:
- Graphic Design - These programs teach artistic design skills relevant to advertising, package design and branding as well as technical skills using graphic design software to produce professional results.
- Filmmaking – Those interested in learning about film, video and television production will attend courses in directing, editing, digital media, sound, lighting and visual effects.
- Fine Arts – In these broad-based programs, students will fine-tune their artistic abilities in drawing, painting and sculpture and other art medias.
- Illustration – Students will take courses in various types of illustration techniques and will also learn computer-based illustration and various commercial applications of their skills.
How to Evaluate Photography Degree Programs
Some things to consider when choosing a photography program are discussed below:
- Program Focus - A program's focus on digital imaging or traditional photography or an area such as studio photography, photojournalism or advertising should support a person's career goals.
- Career Services - Getting started in a photography career can be challenging so the school chosen will ideally provide significant job placement assistance.
- Equipment - A good photography program needs to have adequate photography equipment such as cameras and lights as well as enough computers and software to allow all students to learn hands-on skills during class.
Free Online Courses
Free photography courses are available online and give an sense of what a photography degree program would be like:
- PhotographyCourse.net - Wide range of photography courses
- Suite 101 - Photography Basics
- Photoflex Lighting School - Basic Principles and Techniques
Resources
Professional Photographers of America
National Press Photographers Association
Advertising Photographers of America
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