Photography Careers

While capturing an image requires more than just technical ability, technical skills are critical for students entering the profession.

Whether an aspiring photographer chooses traditional (film) or digital processes, they must thoroughly understand how to operate a camera and use photographic equipment. Although most photography programs focus on digital techniques and forego traditional development processes in the darkroom, many degrees include training in aperture, exposure, and shutter speed.

As most students who pursue an education in photography have innate artistic ability, most coursework in a photography degree is designed to expand on this skill set. Students learn to consider creative aspects of photography when choosing the subject, composition, and lighting of their images. Students also learn to be resourceful and adaptable.

Basic business courses for photographers train students to manage their clients, schedule, and finances, while also preparing students for portfolio development, marketing, and self-promotion.

Aspiring photographers need computer skills to capture and process images using a digital camera, as well as for storing and editing digital images. Basic computer skills are also critical for professional interaction with clients, employers, and media publishers.

Aspiring photographers with advanced interpersonal and communication skills enjoy better job opportunities. Whether a student plans to work directly with clients, multiple media outlets, or a single employer, photographers should be personable and professional, especially those who aspire to be self-employed, work freelance, or manage their own small business.

Also called news photographers, photojournalists capture images of current events to accompany human interest stories for print news and broadcast outlets. Photojournalists may photograph people, places, or events.

Portrait photographers take pictures for a variety of clients. Some portrait photographers, such as wedding, newborn, and school photographers, travel to a particular site to take portraits, while others who specialize in editorial or fine art portraiture may work from their studio.

Fine art photographers often develop their own distinctive method of creating images and aspire to publish or exhibit their photos to build their portfolio.

Commercial and industrial photographers capture images of subjects such as buildings, merchandise, landscapes for clients like engineering firms, catalogs, and real estate companies. Some photographers in this field may specialize in drone or aerial imaging, both of which require training on special photographic equipment.

Fashion photographers take photos for marketing campaigns, fashion shows, and editorial projects. They work closely with designers, advertisers, and magazine editors to develop a cohesive brand identity. Fashion photographers may work out of their studio or on location.

Photographers often pursue entry-level jobs in radio and television broadcasting as camera operators or production assistants to gain experience. Experienced photographers in this industry may qualify for senior positions as camera operators in larger media markets or as directors of photography for high-level projects.

Average Salary: $52,020

Recent graduates of a photography program often begin their career by submitting freelance photographs to news media outlets, while more seasoned photographers may qualify for full-time positions as photojournalists or at a publishing house.

Average Salary: $52,820

Some students aspire to become still or set photographers in the motion picture industry, while others seek industry experience and additional education to pursue a role like director of photography.

Average Salary: $71,670

Many photographers seek freedom and autonomy through creative pursuits. Most jobs in the fine arts value experience over an advanced education, enabling photographers to enter their choice of nontraditional occupations in the creative sector. Students often become self-employed as freelance photographers or explore photography as an art-making practice.

Average Salary: $46,170

This sector often includes photographers with specialized skills, such as scientific photographers who capture microscopic images or drone camera operators. Additionally, some students earn an advanced degree to become postsecondary photography instructors.

Average Salary: $41,040

Photographers often rely on referrals and professional networks to gain new clients and find projects. The following professional organizations can help you get more direction when it comes to technical advice, job leads and educational resources.

Some of these organizations host annual award ceremonies and competitions, which can give students and professionals the opportunity to challenge each other for academic funding and prestige.

Professional Photographers of America: Since its founding in 1880, the PPA has gained over 26,000 members in 54 countries. Photographers can study for and take the CPP exam to earn a professional credential that shows employers that their skills meet certain standards and ethics.

National Press Photographers Association: This organization was established in 1946, when the first issue of the National Press Photographer was launched. The NPPA is dedicated to professional advocacy and continued education for photographers that work in journalism. Members gain exclusive access to insurance and product discounts, are listed in the "Find a Photographer" database, and get a subscription to News Photographer magazine.

National Association of Photoshop Professionals: The NAPP was created by the Kelby Media Group and is based in Oldsmar, Florida. Subscribers gain access to professional software tutorials, exclusive member forums, Photoshop User magazine, webcasts, and an online photography helpdesk.

American Photographic Artists: The APA has three primary missions: advocacy, continued education, and setting professional standards for photographers within the United States. Members gain access to discounted business insurance rates, exclusive APA newsletters, training manuals, and discounts. Based in San Francisco, the APA operates six regional chapters across the U.S.

Open Courseware are free, online courses offered by some of the best higher education institutions in the U.S. The following courses explore the fundamentals of photography and photojournalism.

Introduction to Photography: This MIT course is comprised of video lectures, example photography projects put together by the Fall 2002 class, and computer lab work. Topics include digital imaging, lighting, color processes, and several other technical photography skills.

Fundamentals of Digital Image and Video Processing: This course explores the fundamental tools and methods used to produce and process digital images. Students learn still and video imaging techniques, including enhancement, editing, and manipulation for various artistic, scientific, and commercial applications.

Seeing Through Photographs: This course encourages students to turn a critical eye to photographs in the MoMA collection. Topics include the difference between photographs and photographic images, how the context of an image informs its creation, photography as a mode of communication, and historical storytelling through photographs.

Cameras, Exposure, and Photography: This course introduces students to all aspects of traditional and digital cameras, equipment, and accessories. Instructors help learners select the right camera to produce the images they seek.

These open access journals allow you to get in-depth analysis and insights into photographic theory and technique. Photographers submit their own work to these publications to gain artistic exposure.

Trans Asia Photography Review: This international publication is edited by faculty from Hampshire College, the University of Wellington, and Jamia University. New issues of TAP appear twice a year, covering photography in Asia. Previous articles have included commentary on Ai Weiwei's work, explorations into the Alkazi Foundation for the Arts in New Delhi, and a description of archival collection processes used by Harvard University.

Philosophy of Photography: This international publication includes articles that focus on the theory, techniques, critical approaches, and philosophy of photography. This periodical is published twice a year, with an editorial board hailing from multiple academic institutions across the globe.

Journal of Mass Communication & Journalism: This publication highlights the importance of photography within new media. Authors can submit research papers, commentary, case studies, book reviews, and opinion pieces that pertain to mass communication and journalism. New issues are released every other month. The editorial panel consists of professional journalists and educators based in Rome, Egypt, the UK, and several U.S. states.

Open Arts Journal: This journal showcases essays, reviews, and research pertaining to visual arts. This publication is released twice a year, with an editorial board that consists of several faculty members from The Open University.

The following books are highly regarded by students, academics and practicing professionals within the fields of art photography and photojournalism. They can help you hone your craft and produce high-quality shots, even if you do not have the best equipment or technology. Many of these guides focus on photographic composition and shooting techniques.

Slightly Out of Focus: Photojournalist Robert Capa survived five wars to record combat in stunning detail with his photographs. This is his memoir, chronicling his experiences during World War II as a professional documentary photographer.

Learning to See Creatively: This immensely popular volume by Bryan Peterson emphasizes how individuals have dramatically different views of a situation. Your sight can be a rich field of ideas -- you just need to know how to look. Peterson's book shows you how to infuse your work with creativity.

Photographic Composition: A Visual Guide: This popular textbook was written by Professor Richard Zakia and author David A. Page. It covers the fundamental process that occurs before you take a photo. Topics include framing the scene, choosing a vantage point, considering proximity, controlling light, and using post-processing effects in Photoshop.

Photojournalism: The Professionals Approach: Professor Kenneth Kobre of San Francisco University explores the techniques, equipment, and ethics of effective photojournalism. This guide comes bundled with a DVD, which shows footage of photojournalists on the ground, capturing events as they unfold.

Digital magazines are a perfect medium for showcasing photography, since high-resolution images can be displayed in multiple sizes without print degradation or cost. The following periodicals can help you keep up with modern photography trends. Equipment reviews can also help you make informed tech purchases.

British Journal of Photography: This is a multimedia resource that collects articles on gallery showings, photography equipment, noteworthy photographers, and academic developments. This publication does have a print periodical that is published on a monthly basis; however, the digital version features news that is updated several times a week. Mobile users can also purchase subscriptions formatted for iPhones and iPads.

F-Stop: This digital publication showcases contemporary photographs from all around the world. It features new artists and group exhibitions that focus on a specific theme. Previous F-Stop themes include "The Natural World," "True/False" and "Juxtaposition." Each photograph is presented in a high quality digital format with a dedicated slideshow feature built into the F-Stop interface.

LensCulture: This Paris-based online magazine is known by professional photographers for its prominent annual award ceremonies, such as the LensCulture Student Photography Awards and the LensCulture International Exposure Awards. This magazine accepts photo submissions in dozens of categories, including fine art, urban, alternative process, still life, festivals, and portraits. The magazine also publishes book reviews and interviews with professional photographers.

Nature Photographers: This is the official publication of the Natural Photographers Network, a professional organization dedicated to nature photography. This magazine showcases galleries in the following categories: flora, avian, environmental photojournalism, wildlife, and human interactions with nature.

It depends. Photography careers can be lucrative and long-lasting, especially for self-employed workers, and drone and commercial photographers.

Photographers can specialize in many different fields, including wedding photography, commercial/industrial photography, and photojournalism. Photographers tend to gravitate toward self-employment through freelance and contract opportunities.

Commercial photographers are among the highest paid workers in their field, typically earning a starting salary of $35,000 and as much as $55,000 with nearly 20 years of professional experience.

It depends. Creative students with an entrepreneurial streak often benefit from photography degrees.