Digital Photography Career & Schools

Are you looking for a new career? The photography industry is a great option for those who are creative, have a keen sense of aesthetics, and enjoy capturing beauty in whatever they see. There are many exciting jobs in photography, including wedding photography and fashion photography. Learn about these opportunities, and how formal education and training can be to your advantage.

Working in Photography

Photography is an exciting field that's perfect for people who are both technically and creatively minded. The technical expertise that it requires to handle photography equipment needs to be matched with an artistic eye.
 
Although some entry-level positions in journalism photography or technical photography require a college degree, the vast majority of photography jobs can be obtained after taking basic photography courses or vocational training. Digital photography has made photography more accessible to the general public, but professional photographers need to know more than just how to "point and shoot."

Jobs in Photography

There are a wide variety of photography jobs available for those with different interests. Some common areas of photography include:
  • Commercial and industrial photography: Commercial photographers take photos for advertisements, book covers, catalogs or for the general media. Some of these photographers may work for agencies, while others may be freelancers.

  • Fashion photography: Fashion photographers take photos for fashion magazines, advertisements and catalogs that display the latest styles in clothing, hairstyles and makeup.

  • Fine arts photography: Fine arts photographers take artistic pictures to display in galleries and sell to collectors and art dealers.

  • Freelance photography: Freelance photographers can work in many different fields. What makes them distinct is that they work as independent contractors, as opposed to working for a company.

  • Portrait photography: Portrait photographers take photographs of individuals and families for personal use.

  • Wedding photography: Wedding photographers specialize in photography to catalog a bride and groom�s special day. Wedding photographers may also take engagement photographs for couples.

Facts and Figures

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, job outlook for photographers is expected to increase by 10 percent between 2006 and 2016. The Bureau also reports that more than half of photographers are self-employed.
 
Work environments for photographers vary depending on the type of work that they do. Freelance photographers set their own hours and can work anywhere from 15 to 50 hours per week. Commercial photographers often enjoy standard 40-hour workweeks. Photographers that work events should expect to work often on weekends and at night.
 
Salaries for photographers are just as variable as their schedules. Freelance photographers may make as little as $14,000 a year, while high-end fashion or fine art photographers can make six figures or more. In 2002, the average salary for American photographers was $22,000.

Education, Training and Work Experience

You can become a professional photographer just with a few college classes in photography. A basic class or a vocational training program will give you the basics that you'll need to know. Training may include:
  • Black and white photography
  • Photography composition
  • Photography industry standards
  • Taking photos that sell.
 

Related Associations and Groups

If you are interested in jobs in photography, The following resources can help you connect with professional photographers. These organizations may be able to guide you in the right path to becoming a professional photographer.
  • DP Photo Journal
  • Digital Photography School
  • Professional Photographers Association
  • Photo Marketing Association.
 
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