Why Pursue an Online Degree in Photography?

You have a cunning eye for visual details and aesthetics. In front of a scene, you have the uncanny ability to see the situation from a particularly appealing perspective. You can view sights from creative angles, and you're a natural at seeing the big picture and the small details all at once. If this sounds like you, then pursuing an Online Degree in Photography could be the perfect starting point for a fulfilling career.

Professional photographers work with galleries, artists and visual media professionals to create everything from pieces of art to promotional displays to visual elements in stories and more. Becoming a skilled photographer takes more than a sharp eye, however. It requires a great deal of technical skill, time management and natural expertise. To pursue entry into a career in photography, you'll need to have the knowledge necessary to discuss knitty gritty details with the pros and know the classic and contemporary concepts behind different photo styles.

A glimpse into the realm of photography | Online Degree in Photography

Photography encompasses a multitude of visual components and elements of lighting, but the real skill that separates hobbyists from professionals is an interior knowledge about the hardware used in photography. Using the correct filter, lens, tripod and light kit for a particular circumstance is absolutely essential. Moreover, being able to analyze what tools and methods of photo capturing work best in a split-second scenario can help you snap a perfect shot or keep you from adding an integral piece to your portfolio.

Pursuing an online degree in Photography will not only provide you with the opportunity to learn the specialized information about all of the complex photo devices, it may also put you in touch with industry professionals that could show you the ropes. The best way to learn about photography is to see a photographer in action. Taking online photo courses could introduce you to leaders in the field and help bring you one step closer to mastering the broad realm of still images.

Possible salaries for a career in photography

Salaries for occupations in photography vary based on a number of factors, including skill, education and experience. Consider the following careers in photography, with data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2012.

  • Photographers: 2012 Median annual salary of $28,490 (4 percent projected growth through 2022)[i]
  • Film and video editors and camera operators: 2012 Median annual salary of $46,280 (3 percent projected growth through 2022)[ii]
  • Graphic designers: 2012 Median annual salary of $44,150 (7 percent projected growth through 2022)[iii]

Additional skills required for a position in photography

Building a strong portfolio is the first task necessary in pursuing a career as a professional photographer. That means looking for visual elements and aesthetic sights are important but taking the most pleasing pictures of the subject is critical. Additionally, many photographers do a fair amount of tedious editing to their still images. Learning about visual editing software and particular programs is absolutely necessary to stand out in the highly competitive field of professional photography. Learning these programs could be difficult without certified professionals teaching you. Remember, there is a crucial technological aspect to photography. Being tech savvy is key.


[i] bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/photographers.htm | [ii] bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm | [iii] bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm