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Photographer

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AVG. SALARY

$42,120

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EDUCATION

1-2 years post-secondary training

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Arts, Audio-Video Technology and Communications cluster Visual Arts pathway, Journalism and Broadcasting pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

One to two years post-secondary training

Although postsecondary education is not required for portrait photographers, many take classes since employers usually seek applicants with a "good eye" and creativity, as well as a good technical understanding of photography. Photojournalists and industrial and scientific photographers often need a bachelor's degree.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Many entry-level jobs require little formal preparation in photography. However, entry-level positions in photojournalism and in scientific or technical photography are likely to require a college degree.

Underwater photographers, aerial photographers and photojournalists should look into post-secondary studies related to their specific subject. For example, underwater photographers should have a background in marine biology and diving.

Many universities offer fine arts degrees with photography courses or majors that teach students about photography as an artistic medium. Many people in this industry recommend a multimedia degree, which teaches students about a broad spectrum of uses for photography.

Community colleges offer two-year diploma courses in commercial photography. These courses are directed at students who wish to learn about the practical applications of photography as a career.

There are schools that offer bachelor of arts or bachelor of fine arts degrees in photography. Several schools offer master's of fine arts degrees in art photography.

If you're considering photojournalism, it helps to be able to handle the "journalism" part of the job. These days, many media outlets are cutting budgets, so they may be happy to find someone who can write the story AND take the pictures. A number of schools offer degrees in journalism with a focus in photography.

Another way to learn the trade is apprenticeship. Talk to a local photography studio to see if they're taking apprentices.

Also, volunteering to take pictures for your high school or college newspaper is a great way to get started. Learn about photography using your school's equipment. You can take pictures of various subjects to see what you enjoy shooting most.

Business courses are also important if you are planning to run your own photography business.

"I've seen great photographers emerge with little to no formal/institutional education. And I've seen great photographers come out of the best art schools in the country," says Jesse Winter Heading. Heading is a freelance photographer.

"Really, in my opinion, you've got it or you don't. The education helps get out what is already inside you, so whether you find the teachings on photography blogs or from a college or university, at the end of the day you just need to get that image."

It's also a good idea to learn computer programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Knowledge of these programs can help you land a staff photographer job at a newspaper or magazine.

Extra Requirements

Photographers who commercially operate drones, or unmanned aerial systems (UASs), must obtain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

For additional information, visit these websites:

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

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