Photography is a highly versatile career that allows individuals to work in any number of different exciting environments, whether as freelance photographers or contracted with certain businesses or institutions. Working as a photographer allows students to be highly creative while also maintaining strong business practices.
Recommended Schools
Photographers are professional artists who have well-sharpened skills in the use of state-of-the-art equipment and software. Going to trade school allows them to put together fantastic portfolios to present to both potential clients and employers. Earning a degree or certificate in photography gives one the proverbial "foot in the door" by establishing strong networking connections and qualifications within the field prior to entering into competitive environments. Any of these fine online academic institutions give students solid training in all areas of photography, including technical, business, and artistic components.
Photographers during the 2020 pandemic are finding a myriad of creative ways (creativity is, after all, their specialty!) to continue working including "porchtraits" and distance photographing essential workers and graduates. Another way to expand one's photography career during the transition back to normal photography may be to take some online classes.
What's the newest trend in photography for 2021, you ask? Honesty. It seems simple, but in today's world of craziness, busyness, and just simply trying to stay ahead of the game, striving for the most impressive images to go on Instagram is not what people want to see right now. The number one trend for 2020 was about capturing honest images, often referred to as "real and raw." They are authentic photographs depicting real-life moments that conjure up emotions of any type, happy or sad.
Other trends include images that promote a cause, such as one person starting a movement to change the world or an image that ends a stigma, such as body-shaming. Anything to promote a positive change or a sense of meaning that speaks to a viewer is important and needs to be captured through photography. In addition, using bold colors is also trending now, such as bright red, aqua, and dark indigo.
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AT A GLANCE FAQs
Is it easy to become a photographer?
Today, learning photography is very easy. Once you get the equipment you need, the hobby photographer can easily find free classes to help them learn the basics. For the photographer who would like to become a working professional, online college degrees are offered. Once you develop your subject specialty, practice is the key to becoming a good photographer!
Is photography a wise career choice?
A photographer's wages are varied and depend on many factors. The salary is often considered as average; however, there is much room for growth and you may earn as much as you desire. But most importantly, photographers have a love for capturing that special moment in time; therefore, the career itself can be more rewarding than the pay.
How do I make money as a photographer?
Photography does not always provide you with a dependable hourly rate of pay; although, in some instances, such as working in a professional box store photography studio, you most likely would be paid in that manner. Most photographers earn their salary by conducting personal photo shoots, depending on their experience and specialization. Also, other ways to earn a buck include selling copies of your images, teaching photography classes, entering photo contests, selling photos to paper and magazine publications, as well as editing and retouching photos. If you are a beginner, you can learn a lot and earn some cash by being a photographer's assistant.
What field of photography should I consider?
To answer that question, you may want to first consider your interest. What do you like to do? What sort of pictures do you enjoy seeing? Is there a market for it? Types of photography to consider include weddings (one of the most popular choices), followed by event photography, portraits, fashion photography, photojournalism, product photography, travel, advertising, and sports photography, just to name a few… the list goes on!
Am I cut out to be a photographer?
Sure, you are! Perhaps the most important part of being a photographer is being creative; always thinking "outside the box" to capture the perfect image. Next, you should sharpen your technical skills; you should know your equipment and what it can do. Are you good at time management? Are you detail-oriented? Do you work well with others and enjoy it? If you answered yes to these questions, then you are ready to pursue a career as a photographer!
Do photographers travel and which cities pay the most for photographers?
Often, depending on the sort of photography you specialize in, you may be asked to attend photo shoots out of town or even in another country. According to Expedia.com, many awesome photos are taken in New York City, London, Paris, Dubai, Singapore, and Seattle, WA. Keep your passport handy at all times! The top five cities that pay the best for photography include Honolulu, HI, Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY, Santa Fe, NM, and Norwich, CT, according to Valuepenguin.com.
Top Online Trade Schools for Photography Degree Programs
METHODOLOGY: These schools were chosen for several factors that put them ahead of other online programs due to the following:
Offers diverse opportunities in learning, such as a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on Photography or Certificate programs through trade schools offering Photography programs,
Nature of the coursework; focusing on all facets of Photography,
Degree or Certificate of thoroughness and complexity of the curriculum,
Provides 100% online format availability for convenience and flexibility,
Offers sufficient financial aid availability or tuition payment plans,
Provides an education that gives students more than just a classroom experience,
Designed for the beginner Photographer or those who are interested in advanced positions or self-employment as a Photographer.
In developing this list, OnlineSchoolsCenter.com chose not to list the schools in an ordered way but instead highlighted nine of the very best programs, all of which have their own unique qualities and strengths. For more information, please see our Methodology page.
SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN
ONLINE BA IN PHOTOGRAPHY DEGREE PROGRAMS
[hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Program Standouts:[/hen-ui-text] SCAD is one of the finest and most well-recognized art schools in America and offers distance education students three fabulous online degree programs in photography that will drastically advance their careers. The curriculum gives individuals opportunities to explore numerous specialization areas of the discipline.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:31"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Campus Location:[/hen-ui-text] Savannah, GA[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:32"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Accreditation:[/hen-ui-text] Southern Association of Colleges and Schools[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:33"]Tuition and Fees:[/hen-ui-text]
$50 one time—application fee
$12,525 per quarter (full-time); $8,350 per quarter (part-time); $4,175 per quarter (less than part-time)—undergraduate tuition
$12,825 per quarter (full-time); $8,550 per quarter (part-time); $4,275 per quarter (less than part-time)—graduate tuition
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:37"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Types of Aid:[/hen-ui-text] Federal and private loans; federal and state grants; institutional and external scholarship opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:38"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Acceptance Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 92.9%[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:39"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Admission Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts (perspective undergraduates), or official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution (perspective graduates), recommendations, a statement of purpose, a well-crafted portfolio, and a current résumé.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:40"]Program Options:[/hen-ui-text]
Bachelor of Arts in Photography
Master of Arts in Photography
Master of Fine Arts in Photography
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:44"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Degree Outcomes:[/hen-ui-text] According to their impressive website, more than 20,000 alumni credit their time at SCAD for launching the creative careers of a lifetime. Many SCAD students pursue multiple degrees simultaneously which vastly increases their skills as artists and as future employees.[/hen-ui-text]
COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Online Photography Certificate Programs
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:45"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Program Standouts:[/hen-ui-text] This online school offers a huge amount of specialized degree programs for potential and current students of photography. Individuals are immersed in many different areas of the field including technical, business, and creative aspects. Students undergo a rich and fulfilling education that enhances strong skills and connections.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:46"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Campus Location:[/hen-ui-text] Columbus, OH[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:47"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Accreditation:[/hen-ui-text] Southern Association of Colleges and Schools[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:48"]Tuition and Fees:[/hen-ui-text]
$157.93 per credit hour—in-state tuition
$323.03 per credit hour—out-of-state tuition
$383.24 per credit hour—international tuition
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:52"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Types of Aid:[/hen-ui-text] Federal and private loans; federal and state grants; institutional and alternative scholarship opportunities; student employment programs; military and veterans' benefits.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:53"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Acceptance Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 100%[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:54"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Admission Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] Applicants must submit a completed online application, official high school/GED transcripts, and completed placement test results or SAT/ACT scores.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:55"]Program Options:[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:63"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Degree Outcomes:[/hen-ui-text] Any of these fine programs will drastically advance one's technical and professional understanding of a complex discipline. Whether students are seeking to establish a new career or enhance a current one, Columbus State Community College online provides only the finest opportunities.[/hen-ui-text]
LEARN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAMS.
AMERICAN INTERCONTINENTAL UNIVERSITY
Online BFA IN FILM PRODUCTION
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:64"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Program Standouts:[/hen-ui-text] American Intercontinental University's online BFA in Media Production: Digital Film and Post Production, gives students a unique edge within the field, by sharpening skills in photography, lighting, and editing, and utilizing all of the most current equipment and methods. The curriculum is modeled after the highest industry standards.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:65"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Campus Location:[/hen-ui-text] Schaumburg, IL[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:66"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Accreditation:[/hen-ui-text] North Central Association of Colleges and Schools[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:67"]Tuition and Fees:[/hen-ui-text]
$325 per credit hour—full-time tuition
$425 per credit hour—part-time tuition
$125 per quarter—technology fee
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:71"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Types of Aid:[/hen-ui-text] Federal and private loans; federal, state, and institutional grants; institutional and external scholarship opportunities; employer tuition reimbursement; military and veterans' benefits.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:72"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Acceptance Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 100%[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:73"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Admission Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] Applicants must submit a completed online application, official high school/GED transcripts, and proof of proficiency in English and Math.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:74"]Sampling of Coursework:[/hen-ui-text]
Camera and Lighting I & II
Film and Audio Aesthetics
Postproduction I, II, & III
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:78"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Degree Outcomes:[/hen-ui-text] An AIU degree allows students to explore and enter into many areas of digital production, including a strong understanding of photography. In this way, students are an asset to many different departments within the industry and are a valuable asset that can accomplish much more than just photography.[/hen-ui-text]
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
BA IN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY Online program
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:79"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Program Standouts:[/hen-ui-text] This is one of the most popular, well-accredited, and fabulously successful online schools in the country, and offers distance education students an equally as excellent Bachelor in Digital Photography. The curriculum covers areas such as digital camera operation, lighting, post-production image editing, and refining visual literacy[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:80"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Campus Location:[/hen-ui-text] Hooksett, NH[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:81"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Accreditation:[/hen-ui-text] New England Association of Schools and College[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:82"]Tuition and Fees:[/hen-ui-text]
$960 per course—civilian tuition
$675 per course—active-duty military and their spouse's tuition
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:85"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Types of Aid:[/hen-ui-text] Federal and alternative loans; federal, state, and institutional grants; institutional and external scholarship opportunities; employer tuition reimbursement; tuition discounts; military and veterans' benefits.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:86"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Acceptance Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 78%[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:87"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Admission Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] Applicants must submit a completed online application, official high school/GED transcripts, and a completed attestation form.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:88"]Sampling of Coursework:[/hen-ui-text]
The Business of Photography
Photographic Aesthetic Concepts
Graphics and Layout in Print Media
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:92"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Degree Outcomes:[/hen-ui-text] Graduates from this program have gone on to enter into areas such as portrait, commercial and industrial, aerial, scientific, news, fine arts, and university photography, and all alumni have a strong command of each of these fields. Students are educated in a wide variety of specializations to give graduates that much more of a competitive edge in the workforce.[/hen-ui-text]
SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE
online GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY DEGREE PROGRAM
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:93"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Program Standouts:[/hen-ui-text] The Santa Barbara City College online Associate in Graphic Design and Photography strikes a sound balance between design and technology. Students create projects using cutting-edge electronic media, typographic design, publication design, photojournalism, advertising illustration photography, and color management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:94"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Campus Location:[/hen-ui-text] Santa Barbara, CA[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:95"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Accreditation:[/hen-ui-text] Western Association of Schools and Colleges[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:96"]Tuition and Fees:[/hen-ui-text]
$1,653 per program—tuition
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:98"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Types of Aid:[/hen-ui-text] Federal and private loans; federal and state grants; institutional and outside scholarship opportunities; various payment plans; military benefits.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:99"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Acceptance Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 100%[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:100"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Admission Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] Applicants must submit a completed online application and official high school/GED/military transcripts.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:101"]Program Options:[/hen-ui-text]
Graphic Design
Photography
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:104"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Degree Outcomes:[/hen-ui-text] Graduates from this esteemed online program have gone on to become an assistant and freelance graphic designers, information and visualization designers, production coordinators, and publications designer. All alumni demonstrate incredibly strong capabilities in both fields and will be able to apply the finest standards to future positions.[/hen-ui-text]
STRATFORD CAREER INSTITUTE
ONLINE INTRODUCTORY TO PHOTOGRAPHY program
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:105"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Program Standouts:[/hen-ui-text] Stratford Career Institute is a renowned trade school that offers an in-depth online photography course that is geared more toward a basic understanding of the discipline. "The career-focused curriculum covers fundamental techniques for different types and styles of photography including digital, film, portrait, and spontaneous shooting."[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:106"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Campus Location:[/hen-ui-text] Saint Albans, VT[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:107"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Accreditation:[/hen-ui-text] U.S. Department of Education[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:108"]Tuition and Fees:[/hen-ui-text]
$499 per course—tuition
$10 one time—downpayment fee
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:111"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Types of Aid:[/hen-ui-text] Super low tuition costs; various monthly payment plans with 0% interest.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:112"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Acceptance Rate:[/hen-ui-text] unavailable[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:113"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Admission Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and submit official high school transcripts.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:114"]Sampling of Coursework:[/hen-ui-text]
Processing Color Slides and Transparencies
Animated GIFS and Derivatives
Color and Contrast
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:118"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Degree Outcomes:[/hen-ui-text] This online program is designed to teach students to design, grow, and expand their own businesses in the field. SCI provides all of the most relevant and up-to-date course materials and equipment. Some additional training may be required for certification, but, upon exiting the school, students are prepared to enter into a new career path.[/hen-ui-text]
NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:119"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Program Standouts:[/hen-ui-text] The New York Institute of Photography has been educating students in the field for over one hundred years! Individuals are exposed to all of the most innovative practices from some of the world's finest photographers in a well-accredited online institution.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:120"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Campus Location:[/hen-ui-text] New York, NY[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:121"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Accreditation:[/hen-ui-text] Distance Education Accrediting Commission; New York State Education Department[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:122"]Tuition and Fees:[/hen-ui-text]
$1,499—photography course tuition… if a student pays in full, the cost is reduced.
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:124"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Types of Aid:[/hen-ui-text] Super low tuition costs; various highly affordable monthly payment plans; tuition discounts.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:125"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Acceptance Rate:[/hen-ui-text] unavailable[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:126"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Admission Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] Applicants must submit a completed online application and payment information.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:127"]Sampling of Coursework:[/hen-ui-text]
Photojournalism
Wedding Photography
Nature and Landscape Photography
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:131"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Degree Outcomes:[/hen-ui-text] At this school, students undergo unique and specific coursework in the discipline that leads to a photography certificate. Students' photography work is critiqued by world-class photographers, and, upon exiting the academic institution, they have a strong command of the art.[/hen-ui-text]
LEARN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF PHOTOGRAPHY'S ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES
ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY
ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHY DEGREEs & certification programs
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:132"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Program Standouts:[/hen-ui-text] The Academy of Art University is one of the preeminent photography schools in the nation… the forward-reaching curriculum is designed to teach students the skills necessary to succeed in the field. Through careful guidance and exceptional training, students have numerous options through which to earn an online degree. This certificate program requires 120 credit hours to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:133"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Campus Location:[/hen-ui-text] San Fransisco, CA[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:134"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Accreditation:[/hen-ui-text] Western Association of Schools and Colleges; National Association of Schools of Art and Design; WASC Senior College and University Commission[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:135"]Tuition and Fees:[/hen-ui-text]
$50 one team—application fee
$50 per semester—registration fee
$400 average per semester—course fees
$540 – $900 average per semester—materials fees
$963 per unit (3 units per class)—undergraduate tuition (domestic students)
$1,083 per unit (3 units per class)—graduate tuition (domestic students)
International Students per unit costs are $1,059/undergraduate and $1,191/graduate
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:143"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Types of Aid:[/hen-ui-text] Federal and alternative loans; federal and state grants; institutional and outside scholarship opportunities; various payment plans; student employment programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:144"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Acceptance Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 100%[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:145"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Admission Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] Undergraduate applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school/GED transcripts as well as those from any attended undergraduate institutions, and an art portfolio (not required but highly encouraged). Graduate applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution, a statement of intent, a current résumé, and a portfolio/demo reel.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:146"]Program Options:[/hen-ui-text]
Online Award of Completion in Photography
Associate of Arts in Photography
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography
Master of Arts in Photography
Master of Fine Arts in Photography
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:152"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Degree Outcomes:[/hen-ui-text] Upon completion of one of these five outstanding online programs, students have developed a strong portfolio and keen artistic senses. Graduates are greatly successful within the field and have access to a brilliant network of AAU professors and alumni, which is helpful in a transition into a new career.[/hen-ui-text]
LEARN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY'S ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHY DEGREE
THE PHOTOGRAPHY INSTITUTE
online DIPLOMA COURSE IN PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:153"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Program Standouts:[/hen-ui-text] This online school provides a cutting-edge Diploma Course in Professional Photography that connects students with leading faculty members within the field through 12-course modules. The Photography Institute is committed to providing the highest quality of education through unique teacher-student support systems.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:154"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Campus Location:[/hen-ui-text] San Fransisco, CA[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:155"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Accreditation:[/hen-ui-text] Better Business Bureau; International Accreditation and Recognition Council[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:156"]Tuition and Fees:[/hen-ui-text]
$999 (payment in full); $183.17 per month (monthly payments)—full tuition
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:158"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Types of Aid:[/hen-ui-text] Super low tuition costs; various highly affordable monthly payment plans; 7-day money-back guarantee.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:159"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Acceptance Rate:[/hen-ui-text] 100%[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:160"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Admission Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] Applicants must submit an online application, determine payment plan, and submit contact information.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:161"]Program Options:[/hen-ui-text]
Exposure and Metering
Equipment and Software
Retouching, Resolution, and Printing
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:165"][hen-ui-text weight="bold"]Degree Outcomes:[/hen-ui-text] Outstanding student testimonials confirm the effectiveness of this online education. Graduates have gone on to work as photographers all across the globe and are now hugely successful artists. The support offered by this institution is truly unparalleled.[/hen-ui-text]
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the educational requirements to become a Photographer?
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:166"]
Perhaps the first question one should ask themselves when considering a career in photography is…[hen-ui-text variant="b4"] "How far do I want to go in this career?"[/hen-ui-text] or [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:167"]"Is this going to be a means of support for me or just a hobby?"[/hen-ui-text] Once you determine your end goals, you can choose a program in photography that will fit your needs. [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:168"]
The education needed to become a Photographer ranges from earning a certificate to earning a master's degree and everything in between. It all depends on your career choice. Certificates in this field are excellent for entry-level positions; however, earning an associate degree in photography can take your career to the next level. Within an online associate degree program in photography, you will learn the technical aspects of photography and art, and typically, it will take two years to complete. In contrast, often, a certificate program can be accomplished in as little as three months or up to one year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:169"]
If you are considering photography as a full-time career, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a focus on photography is the way to go. Your accolade will ensure marketability and provide you with the skills needed to excel in the industry. For the genuinely ambitious, some schools also offer master's degree level programs in photography as well. [/hen-ui-text]
What types of Photography should I consider?
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Depending on the type of program you choose, you may be asked to select a concentration; an area in which you would like to specialize in, such as: [/hen-ui-text]
Fine Art Photography
– High-quality works that focus on capturing the subject's mood or emotion.
Commercial Photography
– This concentration focuses on the imagery used in advertising or marketing; often seen in magazines, billboards, or other types of ads.
Portrait Photography
– To capture the essence of a person or group of people is the main focus of a Portrait Photographer. They seek to capture one's personality through backdrops, lighting, and poses.
Scientific and Industrial Photography
– If you would like to combine your interest in photography with your interest in science, becoming a Scientific Photographer is ideal for you. Through this specialization, you can use techniques like thermal, infrared, or ultraviolet imaging to represent medical or scientific data.
Aerial Photography
– If you are interested in aviation, a job as an Aerial Photographer will allow you to take images from the sky with automated equipment or through the lens of a hand-held camera.
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As you can see, there is a program specialty that meets every photographer's dream career, particularly if you would like to combine a career in photography with science, advertising, or aviation.[/hen-ui-text]
What is the average salary for the Photographer?
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The field of photography is often defined by one's dedication to the business. Typically, photography begins as a hobby and, for some, may transform into a full-time career based on their education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:178"]
As photographers are used in all types of personal and business settings, the field is unfortunately on somewhat of a decline due to the advanced digital cameras and equipment now used by amateurs or hobbyists; the need for a professional is not always required.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:179"]
Therefore, the average salary for a Photographer is hard to pin down. According to the BLS, Photographers earned $17.44 per hour or $36,280 annually. In addition, your salary will depend on what type of work you do and the season. For example, Portrait Photographers are especially busy in the summer months when weddings are the most popular. [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:180"]
But don't let the slightly low average salary fool you. If you are dedicated, experienced, personable, and can create an exceptional portfolio of your work, a higher salary will follow. As your excellent reputation and name get out there, your photography business will flourish, without a doubt. [/hen-ui-text]
FREE ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES & TUTORIALS
[hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-text:181"]Free online classes in photography are readily available; however, many of them require an additional fee for certifications and additional coursework relevant to your interest. They are especially good if you are wondering if photography is a good fit for you or not, as beginner classes are a must. Check them out carefully before participating! Here are a few to consider:[/hen-ui-text]
Canon Tutorials
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If you are a beginner, knowing about the things that your camera will do for you is key. Canon offers numerous short video tutorials to help you get acclimated to the world of photography. They touch on ways to use their brand, as well as other tips that can be used with any brand of equipment. Check out Canon's tutorials at Canon.com! Also, you can find additional photography tips, too. [/hen-ui-text]
Coursera
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Coursera offers a free course entitled "Seeing Through Photographs[/hen-ui-link>." This course is available through a 100% online format and it's free to audit the course by reading and reviewing the course content. If you would like, you can pay a fee for the certificate and all course materials. The fee will also include graded assignments. Skillshare
Check out Skillshare to learn more about photography. They offer several online topics such as, "Photo Storytelling: On the Road with Kevin Russ, Learn Photography Basics, and Frame a Great Shot: Exploring Photo Composition", plus many more.
Alison
This free photography class, offered by Alison, is great for beginner photographers who are interested in techniques used in digital photography. It will also highlight the features of your new camera. Learn more about Alison's "Introduction to Digital Photography" class.
ORGANIZATIONS TO JOIN
Professional Photographers of America: The PPA organization is for everyone… the beginner or the photography expert. Through this community of like-minded photographers, you can learn how to grow your practice, receive encouragement and help from your peers, as well as attend events and additional classes designed to help you sharpen your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
American Photographers Association:The APA provides all sorts of activities for the photography professional. They encourage education, communication, exhibition, competition, and particularly photographic knowledge. They are a well-respected organization to join.
National Press Photographers Association: For the photojournalist, joining the NPPA is a worthwhile effort, no doubt. Many of the top press photographers in the U.S. are members… What a great way to learn from others! Members reap the benefits of many tips and resources to help you with your career. The NPPA promotes competition, community, and advocacy.
"The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do."
— Andy Warhol
