Do you love taking pictures? Hoping to turn that passion into a career as a professional photographer? If so, you may have questions about the educational requirements involved.
Read on to learn more about the education you need to become a photographer and get answers to related questions.
What Types of Photography Jobs Are There?
There are many different jobs involving photography. Some require specialized training or experience.
Some of these jobs may include:
- crime scene photography
- photojournalism
- celebrity photography
- school photography
- wedding photography
Even if specialization or advanced training isn't required, photographers often choose to specialize in one or more individual fields.
For example, one photographer might specialize in family and still-life photography, while another might only take pictures of nature or wildlife.
Some photographers start their own photography businesses, while others are hired to work for a larger company. Depending on their specialization, photographers may work in a wide variety of settings.
What Educational Programs are Available for Photography?
Photography is a diverse field with a wide variety of options. The educational programs that train photographers are no different.
Those interested in photography can pursue the following types of programs:
- certificates
- associate degrees
- bachelor's degrees
- master's degrees
- short-term courses
As you might imagine, each type of program has benefits, and some may be more suited to your career aspirations than others.
For example, those who enjoy photography as a hobby but don't plan to pursue it as a career may benefit from taking a short-term course to improve their skills and knowledge.
Those hoping to start their own business or work as a private photographer may only need a certificate or associate degree.
On the other hand, if you want to work for a large company or pursue a particular specialization, such as photojournalism, pursuing a bachelor's degree or higher may be your best option.
Should You Get a Certificate in Photography?
If you are interested in becoming a better photographer but aren't yet sure if you want to pursue photography as a career, then enrolling in a certificate program is a good place to start.
Photography certificate programs teach basic skills such as capture, composition, and digital editing.
They can help you improve your skills and delve deeper into the world of photography than you would be able to do on your own.
Photography certificates can also be paired with other types of degrees. This is a great option if you want to major in a related field but would also like to gain photography skills and credentials.
Certificate programs are completed more quickly than degree programs, and they generally cost less.
This makes them a great option for anyone hoping to run their own photography business, work as a freelancer, or work for a company that doesn't require a degree.
So, whether or not you should get a certificate in photography depends on your career goals.
Those who enjoy the thought of freelancing or working for themselves or who aren't yet sure what they want to do long-term would greatly benefit from the skills and knowledge provided by a certificate program.
Should You Get a Degree in Photography?
There are various degree programs available for photography. Options include:
- Associate of Arts
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Master of Arts
- Master of Fine Arts
Most photography careers will require you to have a degree, though the specific degree will vary based on the type of job.
Associate degrees in photography take about two years to complete and build on the basic skills you would learn in a certificate program. They can prepare you to be a studio photographer or photography assistant.
Bachelor's degrees in photography require about four years to complete and often include advanced training and opportunities. These degrees may lead to careers in photojournalism, photo editing, and more.
Master's degrees can require an additional one to three years of education and typically include advanced or specialized training.
Those with master's degrees in photography can become news photographers, scientific photographers, and photography directors, among others.
The arts degrees provide a well-rounded education, while fine arts degrees are more targeted toward the creative aspects of photography. Both types of degrees are accepted by most companies.
So yes, if you want to work as more than a freelancer or self-employed photographer, it's probably a good idea to get a degree in photography.
The type and level of degree will depend on your particular interests and aspirations.
Can You Become a Photographer Without Formal Education?
Yes, anyone can pursue a freelance career or start a small business in photography. These types of jobs do not require a degree, only a talent and knowledge in photography.
The problem with these types of jobs is that they are highly competitive and don't always pay well. Many photographers who choose either of these career paths also have to work another job to make ends meet.
However, if you have a lot of talent, business-savvy, and luck, you can begin to build a name for yourself as a photographer and earn more money.
In time, you may even build up enough experience to qualify for higher-paying photography jobs even if you don't have a degree.
Become a Photographer Today
Most career photographers hold an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree in photography. That said, it is possible to freelance or start your own photography business without any formal education.
