An Online Photography Degree Can Be More Beneficial Than You Think!
Updated: June 19, 2024
Published: August 19, 2021
With nothing more than a smartphone, you are enabled to take photos. While most people take photos to capture memories, share updates, and have some fun, others have an immense passion and eye for this art. For those who want to pursue photography as a career, an online photography degree can prove beneficial.
What is an Online Photography Degree?
Depending on the institution you enroll in, your online photography degree will vary. However, most programs do concentrate on similar fundamentals, and these courses are taught digitally, so students can take them no matter where in the world they are. An online photography degree helps students master the art of photography by teaching various techniques and processes.
Not only do students learn the basics like lighting, gear, composition, theory, and more, but they also tend to include courses on business and management so graduates have what they need to jumpstart their own career should they desire to do so.
Common Courses You Can Expect to Take
To give you a better sense of what you can expect to learn from an online photography degree, here’s a look at some common course titles:
Portfolio Development
In some programs, a portfolio is one of your final projects in order to graduate. It’s an accumulation of all your best work. This course teaches how to assemble a portfolio properly, as well as the current trends in the field. It’s useful for any person entering a photography career because you will likely be asked to submit a portfolio to obtain a job. If you plan to open your own studio, a portfolio is useful to show potential clients what you can do.
Introduction to Lighting
One of the most important aspects of capturing a photograph is knowing how to work with light. There are various types of light, from indoor studio lighting to outdoor lighting. This course will explain the different techniques to work with light, including how to use flash correctly and the necessary equipment you’ll need.
Digital Image Editing Fundamentals
As a photographer, you’ll be tasked with both taking photos and then editing them, too. One of the most popular software for image editing is Adobe. Adobe’s suite consists of Adobe PhotoShop, Lightroom, and more. A course in digital editing will teach you the basics and allow you to practice them to become an expert.
History of Photography
Photography exists as part of culture. Through the study of its history, students gain an understanding of trends, as well as the impact that photography can have on society and events.
Business Practices for Photography
Working as a photographer will require knowledge of business. From business communication to copyrighting and more, a course in business practices will prepare you to enter the real world of photography to make a living out of it.
Typical Requirements for Online Photography Schools
Online schools may vary in their requirements to apply. However, you will witness common elements that most schools ask for, including:
- A high school diploma (online or traditional, or equivalent like a GED)
- Minimum GPA
- Letters of recommendation
- SAT or ACT
- Photography equipment
To be best prepared, it’s advisable to create a list of online photography schools that you wish to attend. Then, research their requirements and list them out, along with noting deadlines to apply. This way, you won’t run the risk of forgetting anything you need to submit your application.
The Importance of Choosing an Accredited Online Program
Accreditation is a process by which educational institutions are evaluated by third parties to verify that they meet high academic standards and deliver what they promise. Although it is not required to attend an accredited online photography program, some employers may prefer to hire graduates from accredited programs because it adds a level of credibility and trust.
When selecting an online degree, it’s always advisable to choose an accredited program over one that is not.
Photography Careers You Can Land
Photography careers are available in many different areas of specialization. When you think of it, you can take a photograph of anything you want, so it makes sense that different types of photos serve different purposes.
As such, once you graduate from a photography degree online, you will have the necessary skills to work in any area of your choosing.
Here’s a brief look at some options:
University photographer
A university photographer is employed by a university to take portraits of its staff and/or events to be used for publicity. Some universities will hire an in-house photographer while others may rely on freelance photographers.
Aerial photographer
An aerial photographer takes photos from great heights, literally. They may fly in a plane or fly a drone to capture shots from the air of buildings, events, and landscapes.
Commercial photographer
Commercial photographers are hired by all different types of businesses to take product shots and present products and services for marketing purposes. From family-owned businesses to large corporations, a commercial photographer’s photos are used to boost sales.
Portrait photographer
A portrait photographer snaps shots of people. They may do so for special occasions like weddings, or for business purposes like headshots. The goal of a portrait photographer is to capture the essence of their subject’s personality.
News photographer
A news photographer produces photographs for news outlets and may also be called a photojournalist.
Scientific photographer
Scientific photographers often use special equipment to capture photos of scientific subject matter across disciplines like biology, engineering, and chemistry.
Related Career Paths
If you’re interested in photography, but don’t necessarily want to be a photographer, then there are similar career paths that still involve photography. Some of these options include:
- Video editing
- Art direction
- Graphic design
A Career to Capture
Online photography schools that offer online photography degrees present many benefits to prospective photographers. With the ability to hone the creative skill from the comfort of your own home, you can explore the world of photography as you wish.
The upsides of earning an online degree include: flexible scheduling, lower costs, and more freedom to earn your degree at your own pace.
Once you’ve graduated with your degree, you will find that there are many opportunities to earn a living doing what you love — capturing a moment in time forever.