Photography Degrees
Some people are under the impression that anyone can pick up a camera and become a successful photographer. Not so! A degree in photography will provide training in the nuances and artistry involved in photography. You will learn about composition, contrast, f-stops, apertures, shutter speeds, filters, lenses and a whole array of things that go into the making of one photograph. Some programs will offer specializations, such as photojournalism or fine-art photography, so research these programs and choose the one that will best prepare you for your career goal. Photography is an exciting industry that offers the prospect of travel and notoriety for talented photographers, and a degree in photography is an excellent place to start.
Photography degrees include:
- Associate’s: These two-year programs provide students with training in the technical and artistic aspects of photography. Topics include film and digital photography, as well as some intermediate topics such as digital photo editing and medium format photography.
- Bachelor’s: A bachelor’s degree program will cover basic and intermediate photography techniques, dark room developing, digital and film photography, and some digital manipulation. These programs are usually offered though a school’s art department and often require a final project at the end of the program. Graduates with a degree in photography may go on to a graduate program or begin working in some avenue of the photography industry.
- Master’s: This advanced degree program is usually highly competitive, so a strong undergraduate portfolio is helpful. Students will learn advanced techniques and photo theory, and will begin to produce professional-quality work. After graduation, students should be prepared to begin working as a photographer. Since photography is an industry where you must establish a reputation through connections and a strong body of work, internships or assistantships are often helpful ways to get started.