Digital Photography Schools

Remember the days when we used to have something called "film" that had to be "developed?" Remember when you used to have to wait hours, even days, to see the pictures that you took? Or do you remember when photo albums were something that you held in your hands rather than clicked with your mouse? It's interesting to see how much the world of photography has changed over the years. Even in the last decade, common people have gone from using digital cameras to their smart phones for their photographic needs. But when you're not a common person, when you're not looking for just an "average" photograph, you might be looking to get a fuller understanding of the range of tools and careers that are available. You can also research any of the photography schools below.

Since photography's conception in the late 1800's, we have developed a wide variety of technology, techniques, and needs that enable us to manipulate the images around us into fascinatingly artistic ways. When you earn your certificate or Associate's Degree in digital photography, you're stepping into the wonderful world of the image, where life's best visuals and life's best moments are there for the capturing. Search below to find the best digital photography classes to start or complete your degree.

Photography Career Paths

 

There are two main career paths an individual pursuing fulltime photography will choose. First, there are many different businesses and organizations that require photographers for their staff. Just think about the images that you regularly are exposed to. Newspapers and magazines, for example, depend on effective photographs just as much as they do on effective articles. Also in these publications you'll find plenty of visual advertisements these are produced by photographers working for ad agencies, taking pictures of products and models. Photo labs, publishing houses, production companies, and media outlets all require talented photographers to capture those perfect images.

In addition to these sorts of productions, there is also an enormous demand for portrait photographers who are camera-ready to document those critical moments in life. Just think about your life: your mother's maternity photos, your infant photos, your birthdays and family portraits, your 8th grade and high school graduations, your yearbook, your college graduation, your engagement photos, your wedding photos and then the cycle begins again with the next generation. These types of occasions occur in most people's lives, and they require a talented photographer who understands the techniques behind finding the right angle, lighting, and perspective to make the most of these essential moments.

Many digital photographers choose not to begin as a photographer's assistant, a studio manager, or a digital retoucher. Even though these career beginnings are attractive and offer the opportunity to move up, the field of photography also offers a wide opportunity for individuals to make their own business. Individual, freelance photographers are regularly hired for all kinds of occasions. And with your Associate's Degree in digital photography, not only will you learn about how to use the latest technology to capture the greatest visuals, but you'll also become adept at utilizing internet tools to work with customers and market yourself. An education in photography will train you to have a working comprehension of lighting techniques, composition, various styles, lenses, and perspectives, and a host of other skills that grant you access to the very best photography techniques offered by modern technology.

So now is the time to take your creative and unique perspective and apply it to the field that you have always wanted to. A true photographer possesses that ideal combination of passion, motivation, and raw knowledge. Add knowledge to your passion by acquiring the technical training with your Associate's degree in digital photography. This will enable you to steadily develop your skills like a dark room helps develop film. And just like you use your camera to capture life's important moments, now you can use your camera to capture one of life's best opportunities as well.

 

Different Employment Opportunities

As a graduate of an Associate’s degree in digital photography you can apply for entry level career positions in marketing firms, advertising agencies, photography studios and more. Some of the titles of these careers include:
- Corporate Photographer
- Studio Manager
- Photojournalist
- Editor
- Freelance Photographer
- Photographer’s Assistant

Curriculum Covered in your Photography Program

Not only will you learn about your digital camera when taking your program but you’ll learn about the software that allows you to alter your pictures digitally. Below are some of the main areas most schools will cover.

Photoshop – The key to any digital photographer is the ability to clean up your pictures as well as add filters and other things to make an amazing end product.

Fashion – Ever wanted to work in the fashion industry with models. Some of the programs cover the fashion industry and allow you to work with models including the terminology used.

Wedding – Learn how to capture the best day of a woman’s life. As a wedding photographer you’ll learn what makes the best pictures to capture that special day.

Lighting – No program would be complete unless you learn about lighting. Learn how both natural and artificial lighting affects your pictures and all the different types of lighting and their uses.

Event Photography – Do you love sports? How about other action events? Learn how to use your digital camera properly when it comes to action shots. Car events and other sporting events where your subject matter is never still is a skill you’ll need to learn how to master.

 

Selecting a Digital Photography School

When it comes time to find a top photography school we have listed both campus based programs in your area as well as fully online programs. Check out if we list a college in your area and start your research. Once you request information you can expect a call from an Admissions Representative to go over the program in more detail. Take this opportunity to ask as many questions as possible regarding your training. Below are some of the top questions to ask. Also many earn an Associate's degree in photography which many programs will also cover the digital side of photography as well.

Total Tuition – Ask to get a breakdown of the total tuition cost for the Association Degree program. You’ll need the cost including any fees, labs or additional expenses including graduation costs. Most Association Degree programs in Digital Photography should run between $8000 and $20,000.

Job Placement – Many schools offer job placement after graduation. They can’t promise you a career but will have a trained staff that can send you photography job listings. Some colleges even have relationship with local studios and can help you with the interview process.

Scholarships/Credit Transfers – Be sure to see if they offer any photography scholarships before enrolling. Also if you have taken classes from another school be sure to take with you a copy of your official transcripts to they can be evaluated for credit.

Digital Photography Resources
Digital Photographic Society - http://www.digitalphotographicsociety.com/ - Last visited in Guaust 28, 2018
New York Institute of Photography - https://www.nyip.edu/ - Visited November 20, 2018
Imaging Resource - http://www.imaging-resource.com/ - Updated January 1, 2019
Short Courses Online Library of Digital Photography - Updated January 1, 2019