how long does a photographer course take

by Katlyn Bernhard 7 min read

Photography certificate programs vary by school — they can be entry-level programs requiring anywhere from six to 10 classes or four-year programs. Associate degrees in photography usually take two years to finish and are roughly 90 credit hours.Nov 9, 2021

Full Answer

Is learning photography overwhelming?

Learning photography really can be overwhelming and frustrating, and sometimes we feel like we might not ever get there, or we’d just love to skip forward on the learning part and get the photos we want NOW.

Does learning to learn cost money?

When you have all the information available to you, laid out in the order you need to learn it, you can then focus on practising, not learning, which will move you forward quicker. Yes, it costs you money, but it will save you countless hours, months and yes, years, of frustration.

Is there a trade off between time and money?

As with pretty much everything in life, there is a trade off between time and money.

Is there a rough guideline for picking up things?

Rather than give you a definite timescale, it will be a rough guideline, as the truth is we are all different both in terms on how quickly we pick things up, whether we invest in learning or try to wing it ourselves, and even how much time we have to practice.

Step 1 – Training

Training is of course an essential part of your journey to professional photography. But with several different options for honing your skills, which one is the best?

Step 2 – Get some equipment & experience

Once you have the technical skills under your belt, it’s time to take them out in the real world.

Step 3 – Build A Portfolio & Attract Clients

Use all that amazing experience and apply a critical eye, so you can start building a strong portfolio of images. This is what will draw in your clients and keep them coming back!

How long does it take to become a photographer?

Associate degrees in photography usually take two years to finish and are roughly 90 credit hours. They provide a stronger photography and arts background than certificate programs and are more technical.

How many classes are required for a photography degree?

Photography certificate programs vary by school and can either be offered as entry-level programs requiring anywhere from six to 10 classes or as four-year programs.

What do corporations use commercial photographers for?

Corporations employ commercial photographers to take photos of buildings, models, landscapes, merchandise, and other subjects. Companies use these photos for materials like brochures, ads, or internal communication. A master's degree with an advertising/photo illustration specialization could help.

How do fine art photographers make money?

Fine art photographers take photographs as an art form. They make money by selling their work and displaying it in galleries. A master's degree with a fine art photography specialization can help.

How much do photographers make?

Photographer Salary Details. As with many occupations, salaries for photographers can vary by industry and location. Some photographers earn less than $20,000 a year, while others make close to $70,000 annually.

What is the job of a photographer?

Photography Career Basics. On the most basic level, photographers use cameras to capture images. However, there are various types of photography, including scientific and aerial photography, and photographers may work in a variety of settings, ranging from photographic studios to newspaper publishing companies.

How many credit hours are required for a masters degree?

A master’s degree program is typically a two-year program that includes 36 credit hours. It is an advanced program that can lead to management positions such as art director or senior photographer.

About Jenn Bruno Smith

After leaving a successful career as a ​speech ​pathologist and clinical liaison, ​Jenn moved into pursuing her business full time. ​She has been shooting boudoir exclusively for 4 year​s​ and teaching marketing and business to the photography industry​ for the last two.

About the Interviewer Humberto Garcia

Humberto Garcia is the world’s leading photography business growth expert.

Transcript

Humberto Garcia: [00:00:03] So today we are going to be talking about how long does it actually take to start a successful photography business?

How to get into photography school?

Explain your goals and see if the class content matches up with those goals. Go on a tour of a photography school and do plenty of online research. You’re making a big, exciting decision when you decide on an education path. Take it seriously and weigh your options carefully.

Why do people become photographers?

People become photographers for different reasons — a passion for aesthetics, an eagerness to tell stories, a desire to better understand the world around them, or maybe just a simple but unexplainable passion for capturing moments on film.

Why do people take photos?

Many people come to photography as a way to make some money. It’s no wonder why: Many people around the world support themselves with photography, turning it into a lasting and fulfilling career. Countless advertising agencies and publications need photographers to provide them with content — and they pay handsomely. It’s also a perfect “side hustle,” allowing you the freedom to make your own hours and earn sizable hourly income on a freelance basis. To top it off, photography engages your creativity in a world where creative careers are harder and harder to come by.

What is the rule of thirds in photography?

One fundamental principle of photography that you’ll learn is the rule of thirds. This rule helps you carefully compose photographs and can be applied to many different types of photography. It’s one of the first things you’ll learn in a beginner photography class — and something you’ll keep in mind throughout your career.

What is the trending area of photography?

One area that’s trending is aerial photography, which uses drones to snap pictures from a bird’s-eye view. Keep in mind your own interests. For instance, the best wedding photographers are able to tap into the palpable excitement of a wedding — and that passion comes through in the photographs.

What is mastery in photography?

In many ways, mastery in photography is about mastery of tools. It’s a craft that forces you to understand machinery on a deep level: How does a different lens alter the way a photograph looks? What lighting equipment do you need to evoke a specific mood?

Is photography related to family?

For instance, maybe your answer to the first question is “your family.”. Although this answer isn’t directly related to photography, it might hint at what motivates you to start a photography business.

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Statistics

  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 136,300 photographers in 2012. From now through 2022, the Bureau projects 5,900 new jobs will be added to the market, which represents a 4 percent job growth rate. This is slower than the 14 percent growth rate predicted for other types of jobs.
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Causes

  • The slow growth rate is the result of several factors. The price of digital cameras has dropped significantly, and advances in technology make photography easier than ever. As a result, more amateurs and companies feel comfortable producing their own photos. A decline in newspapers also reduces the need for news photographers. However, portrait photographers are still neede…
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Categories

  • Just as there are various types of schools in which to pursue a photography degree, there are also many degree levels.
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Programs

  • Photography certificate programs vary by school and can either be offered as entry-level programs requiring anywhere from six to 10 classes or as four-year programs. Associate degrees in photography usually take two years to finish and are roughly 90 credit hours. They provide a stronger photography and arts background than certificate programs and...
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Curriculum

  • Students in a bachelors degree program are usually required to take approximately 36 hours of general education courses. This includes such classes as English composition, art, algebra, political science, economics and physical science. Below are examples of actual bachelors degree photography classes and what students can expect to learn in each. The Masters Degre…
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Future

  • Some students want to pursue a photography degree, but due to job and family obligations, they may not have the time or ability to commute to a university campus or adhere to a mandatory classroom attendance schedule. Online photography programs provide a way for these students to pursue their dream of becoming a photographer. However, there are several important eleme…
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Advantages

  • A career in photography can be a labor of love because, like fine artist and craft artists, photographers are not guaranteed high-paying jobs. However, with solid education and training, artists in the following related occupations can make a good wage.
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