A photography degree introduces you to all the skills and knowledge you
need to enter any aspect of the photography profession. You are given
an introduction to the history of photography and the way that it has
shaped our memories, news and the perception of events. You learn how
to choose the correct equipment for particular times, places and types
of photographs. Additionally, you learn on the newest photography technology
which enables you to manipulate the pictures taken to show the best features
of the subjects. There are many career paths that are open with a photography
degree. Some of them rely on technical knowledge and others rely on creativity
and your eye for detail. Your personal interest and skills dictate what
occupation you will choose and your photography degree ensures that you
will excel in your career.
Photojournalist
Photojournalists produce the images that define events. Whether it is
news footage, publicity photos, celebrity images or political picture,
you can guarantee that the way a picture is taken will tell a story that
far exceeds any summary or article attached. Photojournalists are usually
on the forefront of events and stories with the journalist who reports
the information. Photojournalists use the skills they learned during their
photography degree program to understand the best angles and lighting
for taking pictures. They also use their technical skills to determine
the best way to capture imagery, be it video or still footage. Photojournalists
start out at $21,000 per year and have great earning potential.
Commercial Photographer
Commercial photographers portray the best image of their subject. Their
technical knowledge of lighting, shading, angles and equipment enables
them to take the picture of a building or a piece of jewelry with the
same ease. Their job is to capture the essence of a product and make it
appealing to the people for whom it is marketed. Commercial photographers
earn about $40,000 to start.
Photo Editor
A photo editor uses the software and technology understanding acquired
while getting the photography degree to manipulate photographs. This can
be for the purpose of improving the quality, juxtaposing images or any
number of editing tasks. When used in commercial photography, photo editing
enhances the quality of the picture. In political forums, it can be used
to improve the appearance of an individual to increase their appeal to
voters. The variety of tasks that a photo editor is capable of is astounding
which is why they tend to be well compensated. The starting salary for
a photo editor is around $38,000.