If you look at the world around you and think to yourself, “That would make the perfect picture,” a college major in photography may be just what you’re looking for. Photography majors are able to use their creativity and technical expertise to express ideas and convey information through their lens. If you have a passion for photography, and would like to turn that passion into a career, you should strongly consider a major in photography.
Education
Although many people think taking a picture is a simple task, there is more that goes into photography than simply clicking a button. While you do not need a doctorate degree to become a photographer, some education is required. Most photography majors earn either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree. Classes that students may take to see if photography is the right fit for them are studio art, graphic design, computer classes, and digital photography, to name a few.
What to know before you apply
Before committing to a major in photography, make sure you do your research on colleges that offer photography programs. Does the college just offer an art program? Or do they offer a digital photography program? It is important to know that if you are serious about becoming a photographer, you should go to a good school, such as a technical school.
Salary
According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, photographers made an average of $30,490 per year as of 2014. If you do not find this wage to be all that appealing, there are similar occupations you can do that would relate to your major in photography. Camera operators made an average of $56,510 per year in 2014 and film editors earned an average of $52,470 per year as of 2014.
