Photography Education and Training

Find the best photography education and training resources for your career goals

Finding success in professional photography requires not only talent in knowing what translates into a great still shot, but the right photography education and training to hone your skills and learn how to make money with your craft.

There are so many industries that use photography services in which money can be made, and education and experience should prepare the photographer for that career path. Some areas of photography include corporate, editorial, commercial, weddings, sports, fashion, news and documentary. The right photography education and training will prepare a student for a career in the following ways:

1. Photography training will expand a photographer's perception of the world and what is photogenic.

2. Photography information learned should include the technical aspects of photography and how best to use different technologies.

3. Education should prepare students for getting photography business with information on things like portfolios and presentation.

Get a fine arts degree in photography

A four-year degree from an accredited college or university is the best way for a photography student to prepare for a career in photography. A college program will be intensive with in-depth and highly concentrated coursework and will provide a well-rounded education preparing photographers for work in any industry.
The Art Institutes International has nationwide locations, flexible schedules and degree programs in commercial photography, digital photography, photographic imaging and photography and design. Brooks Institute offers bachelors and masters degree programs in various areas of photography, including advertising, industrial and scientific.

Attend photography workshops and seminars

Photography workshops and seminars are a great place for photographers to hone their skills and stay up-to-date with new technology, like changes in digital photography. Seminars and workshops might be a good way for photography companies to expand into other areas of their profession.
Search for workshops and seminars at Lowepro USA, or search for regional workshops at PhotoLinks.com.

Try online photography workshops and classes

Online classes can be a convenient and inexpensive way to get started in photography or learn about a new area of photography. The flexibility of the schedule allows education and training in spare time.
Ashworth College offers an online introduction to photography course that covers all the basic aspects of photography. Roush Photo Online offers online digital photography classes.

Join a professional photography association

An association will provide access to insider professional photography information including industry news and trends, technological innovations, seminar listings, contests and job listings. Associations will also allow access to established photographers who are usually willing to share information or hire new photographers as interns.
Join Professional Photographers of America, the largest national association covering all areas of photography, or join one of the specialized professional associations listed by Photo District News.

• While getting an education in photography, it may be a good idea to get experience in commercial photography by working in a department store photography studio doing entry-level studio photography.

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