College and University Requirements to Work in the Photography Industry
Professional photographers often produce commercial quality photographs for various mediums, including newspapers and magazines. Some also work in portraiture. College programs that prepare students to work in the photography industry place heavy emphasis on hands-on instruction.
College and University Photography Requirements
Students interested in photography careers can choose from a range of academic options, from certificates to graduate degrees. Many photography programs combine instruction in traditional photographic mediums, including color and black and white photography, with cutting-edge digital technology. Emphasis is often placed on digital photography and its impact on photography as a whole.
Topics covered as part of a photography program generally include film and plate developing, studio lighting, digital image management, color theory, photography composition, alternate photographic processes, the history of photography and negative processing. Graduate programs provide more advanced training and often focus more on theory.
There is competition for both permanent and contractual photography jobs. In general, the higher the degree a photographer receives, the better chance he or she has of obtaining work.
Working in the Photography Industry
Photographers use sophisticated cameras, lighting techniques, various angles and an assortment of lenses to produce professional quality images. Successful photographers generally have creativity and possess professional equipment, such as flash attachments, tripods and filters. In addition to taking photographs, many photographers edit photos using computer software.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than half of professional photographers were self-employed in 2008 (www.bls.gov). Self-employed photographers typically run their own portrait studios or bid for contracts with magazines, ad agencies and other businesses. Additional employment settings include newspapers, magazines and commercial studios. Areas of photography include advertising, portraiture, scientific, fine art, wildlife and commercial photography.
The BLS reported that employment opportunities for photographers were expected to grow by 12% between 2008 and 2018. Median annual earnings for salaried photographers were just under $30,000 in 2008, according to the BLS.
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7 Popular Schools
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (2 campuses)
- California (8)
- Colorado (1)
- Florida (4)
- Georgia (2)
- Illinois (3)
- Indiana (1)
- Kansas (1)
- Massachusetts (1)
- Michigan (2)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (1)
- North Carolina (2)
- Nevada (1)
- Ohio (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (2)
- South Carolina (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (5)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (3)
- Washington (1)
- Wisconsin (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Master
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- Master in Film
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Digital Photography
- Bachelor in Photography
- Bachelor in Photography & Design
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- Bachelor of Fine arts in Photographic Imaging
- Bachelor in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production
- Bachelor in Film & Digital Production
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Associate
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- Associate of Arts in Photographic Imaging
- Associate in Digital Photography
- Associate in Photographic Imaging
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- Associate in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production
- Associate of Science - Video Production
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate in Photography
- Certificate in Portrait Photography
- Certificate in Studio Photography
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- Diploma in Commercial Photography
- Certificate in Digital Image Management
- Certificate in Digital Workflow
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
- Nevada (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Bachelor
- Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Georgia (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Florida (1 campus)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Master
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Career Diploma in Artist: Comprehensive
Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Grand Valley State University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
- Film and Cinema Studies
- Photography
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School locations:
- Arizona (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northern Arizona University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
- Photography
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School locations:
- Washington (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Washington include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
- Photography
