Photography
“There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.”
– Ansel Adams.
Overview
A picture is worth a thousand words – but how much is it worth in cold, hard cash? That’s something you’ll find out if you choose to become a photographer. And the more you know about photography, and the better you are, the higher your earning potential will be. As anyone who’s attempted to take pictures knows, photography isn’t as simple as just pointing and clicking. The best photographers study for years, and many get their start by taking photography courses or pursuing a degree in photography. Find out how our online degree programs from accredited schools can help get you started on a picture-perfect career.
Photography: Career Insights
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Competition for jobs is expected to be keen because the work is attractive to many people.
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Technical expertise, a “good eye,” imagination, and creativity are essential.
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More than half of all photographers are self-employed; the most successful are able to adapt to rapidly changing technologies and are adept at operating a business.
Photographer
Photographers capture images that tell a story, convey a mood, or illustrate a point. While some professional photographers produce photos as art, the majority are employed commercially. Portrait photographers take pictures of people, either as keepsakes or for publications such as magazines or annual reports. Industrial photographers take pictures of facilities, products, or any other aspects of a business. Scientific photographers specialize in photographing scientific topics, illustrating scientific or medical data or phenomena. News photographers make journalistic judgments in selecting, capturing and cropping an image to illustrate a news story. Many photographers are self-employed or work as freelancers.
Photographer’s Assistant
Photography is a career in which many learn their craft by way of apprenticeship. A photographer’s assistant works closely with the photographer to study all aspects of the craft, including composition, lighting, and lens selection. The assistant may also tend to the operational and administrative needs of the photographer.
Photographic Process Worker
Despite the digital revolution, top photographers still tend to shoot film and thus require processing services. However, as digital photography becomes increasingly high-quality and commonplace, it is expected that this career path will follow in the footsteps of lamp-lighters and buggy-whip manufacturers.
If you see yourself in pictures – behind the camera, that is – find out how an online degree from an accredited school in photography or photographic process could lead to a successful career as a photographer or photographer’s assistant.
Click here for a complete list of accredited online Photography degree programs
Click here for a complete list of accredited online Photography degree programs
The following accredited schools, colleges and universities offer photography degree programs:
Photography Related Links
Stars Images
Starla Fortunato is an American photographer residing in Los Angeles, recognized for her images of the LAPD, and her artistic approach to commercial photography. She is noted for her ability to capture a subject's inner beauty and character.