Is photography a field you have some interest in for a hobby or a career? Have you wondered how to determine a photographer's credentials if you are looking to hire someone to document an important event? While most individuals are content with taking snapshots for their personal enjoyment, once the photography “bug” has bitten, people start to look at the types of formal training that is available to them.
Here in our state, Delaware photography classes are available at different 2-year institutions. For example, the Delaware College of Art and Design, located in Wilmington, has four different photography tracks to choose from, including Traditional Photography, which encompasses fine art photography, the “Alternative Photography” track which is more experimental, Creative Commercial, for those interested in event, merchandising, and portrait, and Photojournalism. Of course, each of the other states will have a variety of education options as well.
Now, a bachelor's degree in the area will provide the most comprehensive training for individuals who are serious about becoming professional photographers.
Typically, degrees in photography assist in the development of the artistic and technical talents of the photographer. An eye for detail is undeniably essential in the field of photography. However, a number of positions require photographers to have the minimum of a bachelor's degree in photography. Many universities and colleges offer master's degree programs in photography. These graduate programs are geared toward individuals who want to teach at the university level or advance their skills in this fascinating field.
Educational and Career Options
The goals of the individual play a huge role in determining the level of education required for a photography career. At the beginning of a career, an associate's degree could suffice. This degree program will boost the knowledge of equipment, hone good technical abilities and provide vocational training.
However, more options for career advancement would be provided by a Bachelor of Arts in Photography. This degree program typically incorporate courses like business, art and marketing to round out the student's education. To graduate, students often need to present a polished portfolio. This is a great advantage of the bachelor's program as a portfolio will showcase their skills to potential clients.
There are a number of different fields in which photographers can work. Therefore, selecting a specialized area while in school will assist in honing and developing unique photography techniques. Specialization options include photojournalist or news photographer, scientific photographer, commercial photographer and fine arts photographer. Newsworthy events are captured by news photographers. Scientific photographers capture images used in scientific procedures. The commercial photographer will use pictures in a variety of media formats. Fine arts photographers capture and sell pictures as art.
Equipment
Photographers will not be able to carry out their duties without proper equipment. There are some schools and employers that provide access to equipment. However, photographers normally get their own equipment to familiarize themselves with their trade tools and to practice certain shots. There are many different types of cameras. Therefore, it is essential to research cameras and other pieces of equipment before purchasing. The two available formats for cameras are digital and film. Additional equipment like filters, computer programs and tripods can assist in capturing professional images.
Classes and Internships
The technical aspects of capturing images and handling cameras are covered in photography courses. Included among the subjects covered are photography theory, history of photography and photograph techniques. There are other specific areas of study available such as advertising photography, portraiture and wedding photography, corporate and editorial photography and fashion photography.
To prepare for working in the field of photography, it helps to obtain practical work experience while attending school. In addition to related summer jobs and internships, a number of opportunities are there for photographers to publish or display their images. These opportunities can come via working on school magazines, newspapers and yearbooks or by joining a photography club.
Following the acquisition of a solid educational foundation, the photographer will now be ready to enter the workforce. Doing so will set the stage for continued learning from employers or other experienced professionals. Starting out as an assistant will enable the new photographer to pick up tricks and skills that can be used for further development.
Additional Resources
An outstanding resource for Delaware photographers is the Guild of Professional Photographers of the Delaware Valley, whose members are in professional photography industry not only from here in Delaware, but also from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Since this is affiliated with the Professional Photographers of America, aspiring photographers from throughout the United States will be able to locate a guild or other association local to them.
Finally, the following video by professional advertising photographer Erik Almas offers a few basic tips to consider if you are interested in becoming a photographer.
Here in our state, Delaware photography classes are available at different 2-year institutions. For example, the Delaware College of Art and Design, located in Wilmington, has four different photography tracks to choose from, including Traditional Photography, which encompasses fine art photography, the “Alternative Photography” track which is more experimental, Creative Commercial, for those interested in event, merchandising, and portrait, and Photojournalism. Of course, each of the other states will have a variety of education options as well.
Now, a bachelor's degree in the area will provide the most comprehensive training for individuals who are serious about becoming professional photographers.
Typically, degrees in photography assist in the development of the artistic and technical talents of the photographer. An eye for detail is undeniably essential in the field of photography. However, a number of positions require photographers to have the minimum of a bachelor's degree in photography. Many universities and colleges offer master's degree programs in photography. These graduate programs are geared toward individuals who want to teach at the university level or advance their skills in this fascinating field.
Educational and Career Options
The goals of the individual play a huge role in determining the level of education required for a photography career. At the beginning of a career, an associate's degree could suffice. This degree program will boost the knowledge of equipment, hone good technical abilities and provide vocational training.
However, more options for career advancement would be provided by a Bachelor of Arts in Photography. This degree program typically incorporate courses like business, art and marketing to round out the student's education. To graduate, students often need to present a polished portfolio. This is a great advantage of the bachelor's program as a portfolio will showcase their skills to potential clients.
There are a number of different fields in which photographers can work. Therefore, selecting a specialized area while in school will assist in honing and developing unique photography techniques. Specialization options include photojournalist or news photographer, scientific photographer, commercial photographer and fine arts photographer. Newsworthy events are captured by news photographers. Scientific photographers capture images used in scientific procedures. The commercial photographer will use pictures in a variety of media formats. Fine arts photographers capture and sell pictures as art.
Equipment
Photographers will not be able to carry out their duties without proper equipment. There are some schools and employers that provide access to equipment. However, photographers normally get their own equipment to familiarize themselves with their trade tools and to practice certain shots. There are many different types of cameras. Therefore, it is essential to research cameras and other pieces of equipment before purchasing. The two available formats for cameras are digital and film. Additional equipment like filters, computer programs and tripods can assist in capturing professional images.
Classes and Internships
The technical aspects of capturing images and handling cameras are covered in photography courses. Included among the subjects covered are photography theory, history of photography and photograph techniques. There are other specific areas of study available such as advertising photography, portraiture and wedding photography, corporate and editorial photography and fashion photography.
To prepare for working in the field of photography, it helps to obtain practical work experience while attending school. In addition to related summer jobs and internships, a number of opportunities are there for photographers to publish or display their images. These opportunities can come via working on school magazines, newspapers and yearbooks or by joining a photography club.
Following the acquisition of a solid educational foundation, the photographer will now be ready to enter the workforce. Doing so will set the stage for continued learning from employers or other experienced professionals. Starting out as an assistant will enable the new photographer to pick up tricks and skills that can be used for further development.
Additional Resources
An outstanding resource for Delaware photographers is the Guild of Professional Photographers of the Delaware Valley, whose members are in professional photography industry not only from here in Delaware, but also from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Since this is affiliated with the Professional Photographers of America, aspiring photographers from throughout the United States will be able to locate a guild or other association local to them.
Finally, the following video by professional advertising photographer Erik Almas offers a few basic tips to consider if you are interested in becoming a photographer.