Become a Photographer
If you are the one at the party that is snapping action shots of all your friends, why not turn that hobby into a lucrative career. Photography schools are standing by to teach you the advanced skills of camera work that will make you serious money.
What is Photography?
Photography is the art of capturing life on film. Whether it is action shots or still life, photography professionals routinely freeze time at the pleasure of their clients. And doing it right is much more difficult than it appears. Photography professionals must contend with a variety of lens and flash options, impending inclement conditions, and a host of other challenges. Photography may be art, but it is an exciting position with intangible benefits.
Opportunities for Photographers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of photographers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014. Photography pros take pictures at monumental events such as weddings and graduations. Or, a photography professional may be embedded with a military unit during a period of national crisis. The project variety is one of the stronger benefits of this position.
Desired Skills for Positions in Photography
- Patience. Shooting that perfect shot takes time and patience. Successful photographers have plenty of both virtues to spare.
- Technical Ability. Photography colleges teach their students the finer points of assembling and using the right collection of equipment for the job.
- Keen Eye. Another useful skill for professional photographers to develop is the ability to see the perfect shot and act quickly to capture it.
The Road to a Career in Photography
The first step is to select one of the advanced photography degrees and begin your program. You will meet a network of contacts along the way that will help you find a job after you graduate. There has never been a better time to get into this exciting field.
Photography Schools and Colleges
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What They Offer: Associate degree in Photography What You Learn: Photographic techniques, including photojournalism and portraiture, along with digital imaging techniques, lighting, and location photography. Need to Know: Program includes business training for photographers planning on self-employment. |
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What They Offer: Associate degree in Digital Photography What You Learn: Advanced techniques in digital photography and photographic imaging, especially as they apply to commercial applications. The Buzz : Graduates can explore career paths in commercial photography, portrait photography, or new media. |
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What They Offer: Bachelor Degree in Visual Journalism What You Learn: This non-traditional program teaches the student to tell a story using traditional photography, digital photography, and computer imaging. Need to Know: Students can complete the Bachelor degree in 3 years. |
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What They Offer: Bachelor of Science in Digital Photography What You Learn: How to create and enhance digital photographs, using studio and location equipment, along with computers and print making technology. The Buzz: Students learn to apply digital photographic techniques to portrait photography, photojournalism, and commercial projects. |
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Who They Are: Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University in Waltham, Massachusetts and Washington, DC What They Offer: Photography Certificate What You Learn: In this nine month program, students learn basic photography, digital camera techniques, lighting for the studio and on location, and digital darkroom procedures. The Buzz: Students use professional equipment, including Hasselblad cameras, Sinar view cameras, and Profoto lighting equipment. |
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Who They Are: Harrington College of Design in Chicago, Illinois What They Offer: Associate degree in Digital Photography What You Learn: Students learn to compose and create compelling photographs, and discover how to use computer digital imaging to enhance them. The program also includes courses in portraiture, photojournalism, and commercial photography. Need to Know : Day, evening, and weekend classes are available to meet your schedule. |
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What They Offer: Associate degree in Photographic Technology What You Learn: How to develop your creative and production skills using film and digital cameras, along with traditional and digital darkrooms. Need to Know: Students can select from several majors, including Commercial Photography and Portrait Photography. |
