 Professional Photography |
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Photography SchoolsStudents today learning to become professional photographers have more to learn than their predecessors in earlier generations. Not only must the photography student develop their creative abilities and learn how to use the conventional equipment — such as the 35mm SLR camera, as well as large format cameras — they must also master digital photography and digital photo retouching. More and more photography clients expect to receive their proofs on disk and expect the photographer to have the ability to perform digital image editing. Digital photo editing can involve basic retouching abilities — removing facial skin blemishes, for example — but it can also extend to sophisticated and complex photo editing such as adding a person to a group shot who wasn't present for the group photo session, combining 2 or more photos into a photo montage, or adding artsy special effects such as making a photo look like an oil painting. The budding photography student also needs to learn darkroom skills, lighting techniques and light management, the use of filters, and how to achieve a variety of special effects through the use of different lenses, f-stops, shutter speeds, and other photography techniques. The Business of PhotographyAdditionally, photography students who plan to go into business for themselves as independent professional photographers need to learn the business end of the photography business: Marketing their business, client management, invoicing and collections, managing overhead and direct expenses, tax issues and record-keeping. Choosing a Photography SchoolIf you're interested in a career as a professional photographer, you should contact several photography schools for information on their photography courses and find out what areas of study are covers. Your education should include all of the technical training to teach you how to use all of the standard photography equipment, but should also include digital photography training and business management. A photography school should also include extensive education and hands-on training in developing your photographer's "eye" — the ability to imagine and create beautiful, artistic photographs that will convey the desired visual message. Strictly Photography, or "Multimedia"?Many photography schools offer courses that include study and training in filmmaking and graphic design. The photography student who knows for certain that he does — or does not — want to practice professionally in those areas may choose an appropriate school based on what the photography coursework includes. A photography student who isn't sure exactly which areas he is or isn't interested in may prefer to choose a photography school that includes at least some introductory courses in related areas. Such introductory courses can assist the budding photographer in deciding the areas he or she wants to focus on for his career. The photography student who already knows what area of photography he wants to specialize in, such as photojournalism, fashion photography, or portrait photography, should look for a photography school that offers coursework in that area. But any photography student should have training and experience in a range of photographic techniques and styles — any area of specialty can benefit from the training and techniques learned in a different area. Vocational Training, Bachelor's, or Graduate Study?Photography students have their choice of the type of photography school they wish to attent. Many vocational/technical schools offer coursework in photography, and there are many specialty photography schools that offer programs in photography, filmmaking, multimedia, visual arts, and similar areas. Many photography students prefer to obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a major in photography, photojournalism, or visual arts, and many universities offer graduate programs with advanced courses of study. Professional Photography Career SpecialtiesThere are many career paths open to the professional photographer. Just some of the areas in which a photographer may choose to specialize include:
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