Digital Photography Degrees

In order to pursue a career in digital photography, you do not need a number of higher qualifications per se. Many employers look to the actual abilities of a photographer which can be self-taught. However, since today’s job markets are increasingly competitive, it is recommended that aspiring photographers consider pursuing at least an undergraduate degree in the field. Undergraduate and graduate degrees in photography can teach you a wide range of skills and techniques which could prove invaluable to you in your career.

If you want to learn more about digital photography as a profession and how to improve your chances of getting hired, read on.

What skills do you need as a digital photographer?

Photography as a profession requires you to be dynamic and creative. The list of skills and qualities a budding digital photographer should possess are not exhaustive; rather, they are intended to serve as a guide. These are all skills that you should either have or work to establish. In addition, you may find that skills which aren’t listed below are essential in your experience as a photographer.

Much of photography involves learning as you go and being able to adapt. Here are some of the skills which are useful for a digital photographer to have:

How to become a professional digital photographer

Strictly speaking, postsecondary education isn’t a requirement in order to become a digital photographer. It may however be extremely useful for you in terms of learning additional skills which would be beneficial in a career as a digital photographer. Furthermore, having postsecondary qualifications may help you find better job opportunities and set you apart from other photographers in the trade.

In general, these are the steps that you could take to becoming a digital photographer:

Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts

At the undergraduate degree level, you have a few choices in terms of what degree to enroll in. As mentioned earlier, a bachelor’s degree isn’t strictly speaking required in order to work as a digital photographer. However, it may be essential in helping to improve your job prospects.

If you are interested in pursuing digital photography as a career, you can either enroll in a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in photography or find universities which offer dedicated undergraduate programs in photography.

These programs will teach you the fundamentals of photography and how to get started as a photographer.

Master’s degree in Photography

As with the bachelor’s degree in the field, a master’s degree in photography is not strictly required. A Master of Fine Arts with a concentration in photography can help you enter the field with an advanced set of skills and expertise. The theory and practice of photography is explored thoroughly and students gain thorough hands on experience with the various techniques in photography. You will also be required to complete a final project or portfolio in this program.

Career prospects and salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have a separate career profile for digital photographers. Instead, it provides in-depth information and a career profile for photographers by and large.

This is what the career profile for photographers looks like: