undergraduate
Photography
Best schools with photography
What is a photography major?
Photography students focus on the principles and techniques of communicating information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the creation of images on photographic film, plates, and digital images. This may prepare individuals to be professional photographic artists. Course subjects include camera and equipment operation and maintenance, film and plate developing, light and composition, films and printing media, color and special effects, photographic art, photographic history, use of computer applications to record or enhance images, and applications to the photography of various subjects.
of students said the outlet for creativity was a highlight of this major.
of students found this major to be difficult.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
of students said balancing many projects & deadlines was a challenging aspect of the major.
How much do photography majors make?
This data isn't currently reported, but we're working on it!
How popular is photography as a major?
Each year, around 1,330 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 420 students obtain an associate degree in photography. In 2021, 1,159 students received a bachelor's degree and 383 students received an associate degree. This is 11% fewer photography majors than there were in 2020. Photography is a relatively uncommon major within film and photography.
Advice from photography majors
Share your experienceOnly major in photography if you're truly passionate, not if it's just a hobby you like to do. It requires so much more than I originally thought, but I've loved to learn about all the avenues. It's hard but it's rewarding if you really care.
Keep going! All the tech stuff is worth it, and will help you a ton in the end :)
Don't be afraid to try new things with your camera! Play around with different angles, different exposures, and such. There are no rules, you do you. The only rule, the golden rule, is to NEVER take one photo. Always take multiple photos, and try out different angles, poses, lighting, everything! Photography is supposed to be fun, so have fun with it. Practice with your friends, take pictures of your dog, your food, take pictures of anything (or everything). Figure out what your style is, figure out what you like shooting best, (me, personally, I love doing landscapes, sunsets, and silhouettes). Photography is about being creative with your pictures, so go crazy, and most importantly, have fun!!
Always make work, whenever you have the opportunity, and build a back catalog of work.
Identify what you did right and wrong, then improve based on that.
