Quality training is essential in the field of photography, emphasizing the critical importance of capturing the perfect moment, as opportunities are fleeting. For those aspiring to pursue photography professionally, understanding the available training options becomes crucial. While smartphone technology has simplified casual photography for many, true photographers recognize the artistry involved. Their dedication to skill and craft sets them apart from the casual smartphone user with a photo editing app, as they strive to achieve the ideal composition and convey a unique visual narrative. With that in mind, you don’t need to go to college to be a photographer, since it depends on your goals.
Do you need to go to school to be a good photographer?
Not everyone can be a photographer, even if they go to school for it. First, you need to really like taking pictures. While most people just see a nice photo, photographers think about what the photo says. They pay attention to how it was taken and how it makes people feel.
Knowing what you’re doing is super important for a photographer. Sometimes, especially in action shots, you only get one chance to capture the moment. But if you’re into still photography, you can adjust things. No matter the situation, being creative and having artistic skills are a must!
Unless you’re only into taking pictures of things that don’t move, you need to like working with people and capturing important events in their lives. Customer service skills are important because you work closely with others to understand their vision and share your own ideas.
Being a photographer means being organized and paying attention to details. Before a photo shoot, you need to have all your equipment ready and maybe even some backups. You should have a good system for appointments, notes, files, and keeping track of money.
Since most photographers work for themselves, you also need to be good at managing your business. This means having good computer skills for editing photos and managing your portfolio. You’re in charge of advertising, scheduling appointments, and finding cool places for photoshoots. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about running a business too!
Will you need a degree in photography?
Formal education is usually not needed to become a photographer, but it depends on your goals. Some employers might ask for a certificate or a bachelor’s degree, so if you work for a company, you might need a degree to be a photographer under them. If you work for yourself, you can be a photographer in areas like journalism, fine arts, or science.
Photographers use good cameras to take pictures and special software to edit them. If you’re really serious about being a photographer, getting an online Bachelor’s degree in Photography can give you thorough training and make you stand out.
At the associate degree level, you’ll learn about the right equipment and improve your technical skills. This education helps you get started in various positions at the beginning of your career.
What if you want to climb the career ladder?
If you want to move up in your career, getting an online Bachelor’s degree in Photography can open more doors when you finish. These programs usually teach both film and digital photography.
There are two main types of degrees to think about:
- Bachelor of Arts in Art (BA in Art) degree
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree
The Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) is quite popular, but it’s not as intense as the BFA degree. In a BA program, you’ll learn about art, marketing, business foundations, and, of course, photography. You might study art and design history, art therapy, art criticism, and how galleries and museums work. This well-rounded degree also teaches you how to promote your business.
With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (BFA), you’ll earn a highly respected degree in visual arts with a strong focus on photography. BFA programs have more photography classes and might also emphasize drawing or painting.
What kind of training do I need to become a photographer without a degree?
If you’re new to photography or not feeling like a pro yet, think about getting some formal training until you feel more at ease. Remember, you don’t need a college degree, and you get to choose the style and cost of your training.
Many successful photographers running their own businesses never went to college for photography. Some taught themselves, some took local courses at a community college or arts center, and some learned online.
For instance, The New York Institute of Photography has trained thousands of photographers worldwide. NYIP’s online photography courses, you’ll learn about various subjects as you step into professional photography. In the Professional Photography course, you’ll explore different types of photography like weddings, nature, landscapes, wildlife, portraits, studio, and still life. Throughout the course, you’ll do photo projects reviewed by a pro photographer. By the end, you’ll have a beginner’s portfolio to show your first clients.
If you already know your interest, NYIP has specific courses focusing on subjects like wedding photography or photojournalism.
Become a professional photographer even without a degree
You don’t need a degree to capture unforgettable moments; it’s about passion, creativity, and the right training. Explore the diverse options available, from self-learning to formal courses, and consider platforms like The New York Institute of Photography for comprehensive online training. Unleash your potential, master the art, and turn your love for photography into a thriving career.