Have you ever seen a picture and felt something inside? Either joyful or sad? What does that imply precisely? It means that images can evoke feelings, provide knowledge, be instructive, bring back memories, or make you laugh. If this is you, you may prepare to enroll in one of the best photography trade schools we will discuss in this article.
A study has even shown that most people, roughly 65% learn best visually. The facets of photography are endless! Photography is powerful. Photographers too!
A career as a professional photographer is one that you can get your spirit into. However, without the right school, you might waste your time.
Nevertheless, we have taken our time to list the best trade schools for photography. Reading this helpful post will guide you toward realizing your goals.
Table of contents
- Is Photography a Good Career?
- Can You Live Off of Photography?
- How Do Photographers Make Money?
- Which Type of Photography is Most Paid?
- 15 Best Trade Schools for Photography
- 1. The Photography Institute
- 2. New York Institute of Photography
- 3. Arizona State University
- 4. Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design
- 5. Savannah College of Art & Design
- 6. Brigham Young University
- 7. Bennington College
- 8. Rhode Island School of Design
- 9. Otis College of Art & Design
- 10. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- 11. Stratford Career Institute
- 12. Academy of Art University
- 13. Southern New Hampshire University
- 14. Santa Barbara City College
- 15. Columbus State Community College
- FAQs – Trade Schools for Photography
- References
- We Also Recommend
Is Photography a Good Career?
Yes, a profession in photography is good, but whether you’ll succeed depends entirely on your skill set, your imagination, the style of photography you choose to pursue, and how shrewdly your work.
One quality that distinguishes a competent photographer is having a desire for achievement and being a diligent worker.
Photography is an attractive career choice if you have a robust skill set, strong creative talent, solid compositional skills, and technical knowledge. If you are not enthusiastic about photography, it may challenge to succeed in the field.
Possessing good photographic abilities requires a lot of practice and effort. This profession may be enjoyable if you enjoy taking on difficulties and are keen to experience life via the camera lens.
See: 17 Best Photography Colleges in the World | 2024 Rankings
Can You Live Off of Photography?
It is possible, but it is unlikely. If your only objective is to generate Money, starting a photography business is among the worst business ventures you can undertake.
Since most individuals always have their phones with them and can take photos instantly, the necessity for professional photography is decreasing daily. Despite not being of professional grade, most people are content enough with them.
Additionally, the market is flooded with individuals attempting to launch a photography business as more people become professional photographers.
This is not to discourage you, as it is possible to make enough money and live off of photography; however, as a photographer, it might challenge to start with huge expectations financially because there is no one method to succeed.
There are many traditional and contemporary roads. Thanks to the growth of social media, YouTube, and influencers, you can choose your route if you want to be a photographer.
Consider earning a degree in photography or working as an assistant to a seasoned photographer. But you could also launch a blog or a YouTube channel or use Instagram to share pictures that portray your lifestyle.
To get started and build a name for yourself, you can sell photos to stock photography websites, provide seminars, or alter the images of other photographers.
How Do Photographers Make Money?
Below are the top 19 ways photographers can make money:
- Sell canvases with Sellfy.
- Online photography classes
- Sell digital goods
- Sell your images on stock photo websites
- Put your abilities up for sale on freelancer websites
- Sell your images on apparel, accessories, and mementos.
- Examine photographic items on YouTube
- Become a blogger for photography
- Earn cash by taking trip photos.
- Start a freelance photojournalism business
- Look for chances in your community.
- Make Money through Instagram
- Learn to take wedding photos.
- Gain financial gain through cinema graphs
- Become a freelance photographer for Air BnB
- Make and market photo books
- Submit your work to free image-sharing websites
- Compete in photo contests
- Provide guides, and services for photo editing, or repair
Which Type of Photography is Most Paid?
Wedding photography, general portrait photography, and commercial photography often offer the most earning potential if you’re established and have a large clientele.
Although real estate photography, such as shoots for an Airbnb host, can be quite lucrative overall, each shot will probably be less expensive than, say, a family picture session.
The crucial thing to remember is that you need to be a well-known and in-demand photographer or influencer to get wealthy by participating in only a few photo projects per year.
Maintaining a busy schedule is essential for generating Money in photography. Your income will increase as you take part in additional photo sessions, and your name will become more well-known in your neighborhood.
15 Best Trade Schools for Photography
Here are 15 of the best trade schools for photography, either as a beginner or a professional:
- The Photography Institute
- New York Institute of Photography
- Arizona State University
- Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design
- Savannah College of Art & Design
- Brigham Young University
- Bennington College
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Otis College of Art & Design
- The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Stratford Career Institute
- Academy of Art University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Santa Barbara City College
- Columbus State Community College
1. The Photography Institute
One of the best photography schools is The Photography Institute, which provides in-depth instruction in photography. They offer a free online training platform or charge $199 for advanced programs.
Since the courses at the photography institute primarily focus on photography fundamentals, they are suitable for beginning photographers. They provide personal tutoring, advanced modules, and basic photography classes.
The 12-module course takes an average of 24 weeks to complete. You can continue your education by enrolling in advanced courses once you finish the course.
2. New York Institute of Photography
The New York Institute of Photography is an online training platform for professional photographers with a course fee of $1089. They provide online classes that benefit both beginning and seasoned photographers.
You may study a great deal about photography and discover more about various photographic techniques at the institute. You can also enroll in graphic design, video production, and photography classes.
All photographers must present coursework since it will enable them to build a credible portfolio.
Related Article: 15 Best Trade Schools for Graphic Design in 2024 | Apply Now
3. Arizona State University
Arizona State University provides the best educational photography course for individuals who want to get a BA in digital photography. By employing various approaches, you can put your creative ideas into practice thanks to this photography school.
This university is also one of the best trade schools for photography.
To meet other photographers and mentors, take advantage of this excellent chance. Having a DSLR camera is advised if you plan to take part in the training. In contrast, you may also use various digital cameras for this course that enable you to take high-quality pictures.
4. Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design
Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design is a good choice for individuals looking to develop their technical abilities. One of the most outstanding technical photography programs now offered is this one.
It teaches you about the various facets of commercial photography. It identifies the skills you must gain to become a highly paid professional, all for a tuition cost of $664 per credit hour.
For seasoned photographers who wish to be successful in various photographic disciplines, such as aerial and drone, editorial, fashion, architectural, and portrait photography.
5. Savannah College of Art & Design
Aspiring photographers can pick from several undergraduates and graduate degrees at Savannah College of Art & Design. This institute’s classes help you enhance your visual literacy and establish your style by understanding the fundamentals of color and composition.
During the program, you will visit SCAD museums and galleries and take expert images for your portfolio. Additionally, you may take part in internship programs at the institution and learn how to market your pictures online.
You can also enroll in extra courses in graphic design and advertising. Each credit hour costs $869 in tuition.
6. Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University is respected for its renowned photography program because of its sophisticated curriculum, which includes classes in other areas. Courses on the history of art and photography techniques are also offered. Digital photo and video classes make up most of the curriculum.
After earning a BA in photography from Brigham Young University, you’ll be well-versed in the many procedures, and strategies photographers employ.
Additionally, you’ll discover how to shoot portrait photographs, apply various darkroom methods, and set up lighting. You must take 12 more photography classes and complete an internship program if you pursue an MA. Each entire course costs $19.594 in tuition.
7. Bennington College
This institution provides a variety of courses concerning various photography genres, so if you’re seeking good photography colleges, take a look. The New England Commission of Higher Education has granted regional accreditation to Bennington College.
It enables students to select a focused specialty that suits them and go further into the subject. You could enroll in classes like Light & Lighting, Foundations of Photography/Analog, Photographs as Narratives, and many others.
Additionally, you will have many chances to practice and visit the studios of expert photographers, NGOs, galleries, and other businesses in the industry. A complete course costs $78.764 in tuition at Bennington College.
Also, see: How can I become a Photographer in 2024? Training, Schools, Cost, Salary
8. Rhode Island School of Design
The technical, artistic, and conceptual aspects of photography are what Rhode Island School of Design is ideal for. In this class, you may learn the fundamentals of film processing and darkroom printing and how to use a digital camera and high-quality print photographs.
Additionally, you may improve your filming abilities and learn more about associated subjects. For an entire course, the university costs $56.435.
9. Otis College of Art & Design
Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles, California, is a photography school that helps you get started in the industry. The Otis College of Art & Design curriculum will teach you how to operate your camera, set up lighting, edit your images, and create beautiful compositions.
They cover digital art, illustration, animation, and photography basics. You can also choose a marketing specialty to learn how to sell your services.
The instructors for each course are well-known photographers and photo editors. Taking part in this program will give you valuable networking opportunities, a strong portfolio, and a variety of abilities that will qualify you for entry-level employment. The annual tuition amount is $1.520.
10. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
One of the most incredible photography schools that teaches you how to frame an image with a well-balanced composition and how to use photo editing tools to improve pictures.
Technical aspects of shooting, using various photographic equipment, darkroom printing, and video shooting are all part of their curriculum.
After completing the 122-credit program, you’ll be able to realize your ideas and advance your profession. For locals, tuition is $31.441 per course and $49.082 per course (for non-residents).
11. Stratford Career Institute
The Stratford Career Institute provides an outstanding photography curriculum for novices and those looking to transform their hobby into a career. SCI delivers courses in the principles of several photographic techniques, including portrait, film, and digital photography.
If you’re interested, this course is well-suited to assist you in becoming a successful freelance photographer.
Additionally, SCI offers modern tools and resources for your training.
12. Academy of Art University
The School of Photography at the Academy of Art University provides classes in photography both on-campus and online. (On-campus only; solely in San Francisco, California; their certificate program.) Through their Learning Management System (LMS).
They offer materials via live streaming, video, interactive slides, workbooks, and audio, providing the same high-quality education as students on campus. Through the online studio and gallery, you may share your work.
Here, you may learn at your own speed. It will take four years to finish the certificate program in photography.
13. Southern New Hampshire University
Also, another one of the best trade schools for photography, Southern New Hampshire University, provides a BA in Digital Photography degree for professionals wishing to further their careers and get an undergraduate degree in photography.
You can pursue jobs in commercial, portrait, aerial, journalism, scientific, or events photography, to mention a few, by taking classes at Southern New Hampshire University.
Along with the fundamentals, you will discover how to develop your brand, create a portfolio, understand marketing, master social media and business apps, and much more.
You may also want to see: How To Get A Photography Diploma In 2024 | Schools, Cost, Salary, Career
14. Santa Barbara City College
The mix of graphic design and photography training offered by Santa Barbara City College gives its students a unique chance to pursue careers as creative directors, graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, and more.
You learn how to use digital media to produce projects using various approaches and methodologies.
The school also provides photography classes that will help you improve your knowledge of essential camera operation, scanning, printing, how the use of lighting, color management, creating a portfolio, and much more.
15. Columbus State Community College
This online university provides a vast selection of specialized degree programs for aspiring and present photographers. People are engaged in a variety of fields, including technical, business, and artistic elements. Students receive a broad and rewarding education that strengthens their relationships and abilities.
The cost of tuition and fees varies by region and is between $157.93 and $383.24 per credit hour. If you cannot pay for your education, there are other options for help, including federal and private loans.
FAQs – Trade Schools for Photography
CNN is the biggest employer of photographers. This business broadcasts news on a global scale. One of the top paid photography businesses in the field. It provides various advantages and benefits.
A career in photography as a trade may cause a college major. Many options exist for young people interested in photography to develop their talents for this vocation and career.
Photographers make an average yearly pay of $43,329 in the United States. The salary of a photographer might vary depending on their company, field of expertise, and previous employment. For instance, a photographer with over ten years of expertise in their area can expect an annual income of $57,804.
References
- sellfy.com – ways to make money as a photographer in 2024
- wix.com – How to Make Money as a Photographer
- weedit.photos – Photography Trade Schools and Programs
- pixpa.com – Top Photography Schools in the World.
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