Key takeaways
- Digital photography majors learn to express their feelings and emotions through images.
- The responsibilities of photographers include taking photos, handling equipment, using software to edit images, advertising their brand, and building connections.
- Professional photographers must have technical photography, effective communication, teamwork, and creative skills.
- Prop designers and photographers are among the highest-paid photography professionals.
- The University of Colorado – Denver, University of Northern Colorado, Metropolitan State College of Denver, and Western State Colorado University are some photography colleges in Colorado.
- Photography courses include Intermediate Photography, Photographic Illustration and Lighting Techniques, and Intro to Digital Photography.
- As per research, the photography market is expected to grow by 3.6% by 2032.
- Students at the Colorado Mesa University have 24/7 accessibility to iMac labs, Epson printers, and the latest labs.
Do you spend hours on Instagram and Facebook looking at appealing photographs? Like pictures of beautiful beaches, mountains, food, models, etc. Professional photographers earn more than $200,000 as wedding and freelance photographers. However, they require skills, knowledge, and equipment for it. If you want to earn as much, pursue photography jobs in Colorado as a digital photography major!
According to research, the digital photography market will grow by 3.6% by 2032 and reach approximately USD 68.08 billion. That is because applications like Instagram have heightened the demand for digital photography majors everywhere.
For degree advice and digital photography info, like the tasks of photographers, relevant skills required, highest-paying job opportunities, and colleges in Colorado for digital photography majors – this blog is for you!
How can you begin your career as a digital photography major in Colorado?
Although digital photography majors are guided in college concerning professional life, revising the information benefits learning. Below are a few factors digital photographers must follow for a successful photography career:
Pursue your style and fashion
Firstly, photographers must become familiar with their style. What kind of photography intrigues you the most? The types of photography are wedding, portrait, fine art, scientific, and real estate. Students who are unsure post-graduation can explore areas by taking their cameras to different places. That way they can grow their portfolio for lucrative jobs.
Additionally, photography students can experiment with different clients, scenarios, and styles like panoramic shots. Usually, students have an idea of the type of photography that intrigues them, so begin from there.
Utilize your photography education
It is convenient for digital photography majors to find lucrative jobs because of the expertise and skills they learn in photography colleges in Colorado, colleges in California, and others.
Although students can learn digital photography through YouTube videos, it cannot be compared to the 3-4 years of knowledge received in college. Professors in colleges for photography provide structured learning and basic and advanced information, resulting in a successful career.
Moreover, students benefit from practical and theoretical knowledge concerning photography. For instance, professors discuss historical info, how to operate digital cameras, tweak the lighting, color, etc.
Furthermore, professional photographers also help students network by calling guest speakers. Also, art exhibitions in college are visited by photographers, leading to better job opportunities. Students can add their college degree to their resume and portfolio; hence, standing out among the pool of potential candidates.
Invest in high-quality equipment
Simply put, if you possess high-quality equipment, you will produce good-quality photographs than others. For instance, students must get a camera and lenses that suit their style. They can choose from a wide-angle, macro, or portrait lens.
Plus, it is crucial to possess the basics like external flashes, memory cards, filters, and tripods because such essentials enhance photographs. It is suggested by professionals to carry extra gear to be on the safe side.
Build your brand and portfolio
With time, photography majors must develop their portfolios and brand. This is especially integral for students inclined towards freelancing photography. To create a remarkable portfolio, you must upload high-quality work on your portfolio, social media accounts, website, etc. That is because portfolios portray strengths; therefore, take your time to organize them properly.
In a nutshell, your portfolio must depict your uniqueness and aesthetic style that speaks to the masses. Clients are likely to hire you if it is unordinary or unique.
Network and connect with other professionals
To grow as a photography major in Colorado, you must meet and communicate with other professional photographers. Attending events is crucial for photographers because they come across potential clients. Also, befriending photographers helps with exposure because you can help them with gigs if needed.
Hence, partake in workshops, sessions, and exhibitions concerning photography to discuss plans, give constructive feedback, and work with experts. Just think about the chances for mentorship, growth, and collaboration.
What are the responsibilities of digital photography majors in Colorado?
Digital photography requires a camera to click and edit images alongside knowledge and expertise. With the rise in digitalization, several people require professional photographers to take photographs for important events like weddings, ceremonies, etc. Check BLS’s website for more information on photography.
If you are thinking of pursuing photography, read the list below to become aware of the basic responsibilities of photography majors:
- Clicking photographs
- Handling equipment
- Using software to edit pictures
- Deciding and preparing locations
- Advertising the brand
- Networking and building connections
What are the skills required for successful digital photography majors?
Possessing a digital camera and theoretical knowledge is not sufficient. Photography students must acquire practical skills like getting along with people, time management, etc. For more info, explore colleges in Colorado and read about college planning.
The following list mentions the skills employers seek within digital photography majors in Colorado:
- Technical photography skills
- Creative, innovative, and an imaginative mindset
- Concentration and patience
- Detail-oriented skills
- Team-work skills
- Effective communication skills
- Adaptability
What are the highest-paying job opportunities for digital photography majors in Colorado?
The following table highlights the 5 highest-paying photography professions in Colorado:
| Profession | Yearly salary | Wage per hour |
| Summer photo retoucher | $67,061 | $32.24 |
| Prop designer | $89,101 | $42.84 |
| Videographer | $68,506 | $32.94 |
| Professional video reviewer | $73,423 | $35.30 |
| Photographer | $86,802 | $41.73 |
Other professions digital photography majors can explore are:
- Photojournalist
- Photo editor
- Video editor
- Stylist
- Graphic designer
- Photography professor
- Lighting technician
- Makeup artist
- Art director
- Photographer’s assistant
- Camera operator
List of colleges in Colorado for successful digital photography majors
If you are considering studying digital photography through YouTube, hang in there. Have you considered opting for a degree from a Colorado college? Do you know they possess the latest equipment and technology, renowned photography professors, informative courses, and more?
To become aware of the perks of photography colleges in Colorado, let’s discuss some of the best in detail!
University of Colorado – Denver
The University of Colorado – Denver’s professionals help students express their creative and aesthetic sides through photography. The college has an exceptional digital lab and darkroom for students to enhance their concepts and technical skills. Through on-campus facilities, equipment, and resources photography majors can create innovative and thought-provoking content.
Moreover, the professors impart theoretical knowledge so students can depict their ideas verbally to others. The University of Colorado’s graduates find job opportunities in Paris, New York, Toronto, etc. as freelancers and journalists. Photography courses offered are Intro to Digital Photography, History of Photography, and Photo: Theory and Criticism for professional and personal growth.
University of Northern Colorado
Photography majors at the University of Northern Colorado have the latest labs, like the Smart Classroom digital photography lab, to thrive in the modern photography world. Their reputable faculty members teach courses like Photographic Illustration and Lighting Techniques and Alternative Photographic Expression. Such courses help the students with creativity and aesthetics.
Furthermore, photography students become aware of non-traditional, experimental, and traditional digital imaging, and other crucial information to grow as professionals. Also, the University of Northern Colorado’s exhibition program exposes students to different cultures and nations. This, in turn, broadens their perspectives and mindsets to create unique content.
Metropolitan State College of Denver
Pursuing photography from the Metropolitan State College of Denver is beneficial because it aids in holistic knowledge regarding photography. Students learn about the historical background, creative art practice, and modern photography. Besides, the college possesses iMac workstations, color darkrooms, wet process labs, and more.
Photography courses include Art of the Ancient World, Art Theory and Criticism, and Experimental Animation. Their renowned photography faculty provides structured learning, beginning from the basics and ending with advanced-level topics. Fine art photography, photographic post-production, and documentary photography are some career options post-graduation.
Western State Colorado University
The Western State Colorado University’s photography department assists students with photography jargon and practical knowledge like color theory and 3D design. Their professors also instill communication, teamwork, and critical thinking within the students. They teach courses like Intermediate Photography, Intermediate Graphic Design, and Intermediate Graphic Design.
Additionally, photography majors present their works in exhibitions to learn through constructive feedback from everyone. They can connect with professional photographers and find gigs by showcasing their works.
Colorado Mesa University
The Colorado Mesa University has exceptional facilities like iMac labs, print rooms with Epson printers, and the latest studios to which students have 24/7 access. Also, students can join clubs like the Animation, Motion, and Photography Club for personal and professional growth.
Additionally, photography majors are introduced to various cultures and traditions, like a Sociology degree, through examples shown in class. The professors influence students to think outside the box, find their area of specialization, and experiment as much as possible.
University of Denver
Do you want to portray your emotions and feelings through photographs? If so, earn a photography degree from the University of Denver. Their renowned faculty members teach students how to take appealing and aesthetic pictures. They have divided photography into three types:
- Action or event
- Portraiture
- Area of Study
The first category shows people putting in their blood and sweat while working. The patterns and colors are mostly bold and confident. The second focuses on leaders, critical thinkers, and other talented individuals. The third type explores abstract concepts by depicting broadmindedness, inclusivity, and curiosity.
Red Rocks Community College
Photography majors at the Red Rocks Community College learn to excel in their photography careers through the theoretical and practical knowledge of photography. You must choose this college if you want one-on-one attention from professors. They possess the required equipment, resources, and labs for success.
Moreover, Red Rocks Community College can explore photography jobs in education, public relations, publication, advertising, and marketing. Students can also grow professionally and personally through workshops, like Emerging Leaders, assisting with photography, people, and critical thinking skills.
Tuition fees and rankings of colleges in Colorado
Two initial factors to consider are tuition fees and Colorado college rankings. Students must know whether colleges fall under their budget because there are several expenses to consider, like accommodation, food, etc., and where the colleges stand.
The table below mentions the Colorado college rankings and tuition fees before and after aid:
| Colleges | Ranking | Average cost after aid | Average cost before aid |
| University of Colorado – Denver | #236 | $13,782 | $31,588 |
| University of Northern Colorado | #352 | $17,465 | $28,794 |
| Metropolitan State College of Denver | #94 | $15,602 | $30,233 |
| Western State Colorado University | #74 | $15,175 | $25,635 |
| Colorado Mesa University | #20 | $15,483 | $25,443 |
| University of Denver | #124 | $76,059 | $21,832 |
| Red Rocks Community College | #1578 | $10,303 | $25,264 |
Explore colleges in Colorado to become a successful digital photography major!
If you want to express your emotions through photos, pursue a photography college in Colorado and become successful like the other digital photography majors. You can also check photography colleges in Arizona and other US digital photography colleges. Professors teach theoretical and practical photography courses like Black and White Photography, Intermediate Graphic Design, and Art Theory and Criticism.
Moreover, you can explore careers like graphic designer, photography professor, and prop designer to earn around $90,000 yearly. However, wedding photographers and freelancers can earn more than $200,000! Turn your hobby into a profession by exploring photography careers and pursuing a Colorado college, like Colorado Mesa University or Western State Colorado University. So, start applying!