Photography Schools & Careers
Many people love photography and have a passion for taking photos. Some dream of having a career in photography, while others simply enjoy it as a hobby, never considering the fact that it could be a career opportunity. Education in photography could open up the door to many exciting career paths.
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Significance
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Photographic images are used in many areas of marketing, advertising, journalism and of course, for private enjoyment. Photos are a realistic way to preserve memories, such as weddings, birthdays, sporting events and other special occasions. The desire and the need to capture important moments on film means that there are several opportunities for professional photographers to earn a living with their passion.
Career Types
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Photographers have a variety of career choices, and many professional photographers make a living with a combination of careers. Photographers can work in journalism, taking newsworthy images for use in newspapers and magazines. Photographers can also make careers out of taking portraits at weddings, parties and in studios, for occasions such as a student's graduation from high school or even family portraits. Other photographers take photos of nature, flowers, landmarks or still images and sell them as art pieces or stock photos. Finally, photographers can work in the fashion industry, photographing models for magazines and ad campaigns.
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Photography Schools
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Photography schools are typically institutions that offer programs with an emphasis in art. Many schools offer degrees in photography, and it's even possible to receive a photography degree online through an institution such as the Art Institute Online. Most local colleges and universities offer degrees in photography, and many technical schools now have photography programs.
Considerations
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It doesn't require a degree to become a successful photographer. The most important thing to launching a successful career in photography is talent and a portfolio that proves you have talent. Many of the skills photographers use to create beautiful images can be learned through practice, and maybe a course or two at a local university. Many photographers use tools like Adobe Photoshop to crop their images and add special effects. This can also be used to remove blemishes from a subject's face, for example. With practice, a bit of natural talent and a passion for photography, anyone can make a living in this industry without attending a formal learning institution.
Warning
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While freelance photography is a career that can be launched without formal education, some positions with national magazines or media may prefer some type of formal training, particularly if you don't have a lot of hands-on experience under your belt. If you have years of experience and an impressive portfolio, a hiring manager would more than likely overlook the fact that you never had formal education. If you are interested in a career in photography, don't have much experience and would like to obtain a position as a photographer for national magazines or advertising agencies, getting some formal training would help you land a position.
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