Five Jobs for a Degree in Photography

Whether you are photographing a scientific discovery, a protest, or a prom, a degree will help photographers prepare for a successful career.

by Joe Cooper
joe.cooper@art-schools-search.com
Art School Columnist

Although there are many branches of photography, you can prepare for any of them by earning a degree from an art school. Currently, expertise in digital photography is also a prerequisite to finding most photographic employment. Take a look at these 5 specialties a photographer can build a career in:

Portrait Photography

There is plenty of work for the portrait photographer who can photograph any family, school, or business in private sittings or at special events. Generally portrait photographers work from a central studio and also travel locally. A good background in digital photography and an easy manner with people is important for a portrait artist.

Commercial Photography

Do you look at advertisements and think you could do better? A variety of industries including publishing, TV, the Internet, and any company offering a product or service utilize commercial photography. A degree from art school is generally required to qualify for commercial photography jobs.

News Photography

The role of a photojournalist is exciting, fast-paced, and very demanding. A degree and a portfolio are musts for the photographer looking to enter the world of news photography. Jobs can be found at newspapers, magazines, online publications, and TV studios in every country in the world. Digital photography is used widely in news photography.

Scientific Photography

A job as a scientific photographer requires not only a photography degree but a background in biology, chemistry, or other science. Scientific photographers generally work for scientific publications, textbook publishers, and TV studios.

Fine Art Photography

Making a living as a fine art photographer is difficult at first and is much like becoming a painter. Photographers must successfully sell their photography to art buyers or museums and continually use their creative capacity to generate new photography. Many fine art photographers have day jobs until they become established. Art school can help a hobbyist advance to a professional career.

Source

US Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author

Joe Cooper is a freelance education and design writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor’s in American Literature from UCLA.

Posted on April 12, 2007 at 4:10 PM

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