Key takeaways
- Many new trends and changes show that the digital photography jobs industry has transformed significantly with technological advancements, including DSLRs, smartphone cameras, and AI-powered tools.
- California has the highest number of employment opportunities for photographers. There is increasing demand for digital photographers, with the average median pay for photographers being $40,760 per year as of 2023, according to BLS.
- Reports suggest that a high school diploma is a minimal requirement for most photography jobs, with a preference for college degrees in Visual and Performing Arts. And related fields
- The industry is becoming more conscious of sustainability, with a focus on using eco-friendly practices and materials.
- You may have, or develop essential skills such as camera operation, lighting techniques, composition, storytelling, and proficiency with editing software.
- The industry faces challenges like market saturation, rapid technological changes, and the prevalence of freelance and contract-based employment.
- Despite challenges, there are ample opportunities for growth, especially for those who continuously update their skills and stay abreast of industry trends.
Digital photography used to be a specialized field in the past. However, today it has evolved and become much more advanced and popular amongst people from all walks of life. The industry is rapidly changing with new technologies coming to the surface, such as drone cameras and top-notch cameras in mobile phones.
If you are in the middle of your college planning and require some degree advice, it is best to start looking for digital photography trends and market situations. These statistics will tell you how volatile the industry is, what skills and competencies it requires, and whether you should pursue a digital photography degree.
Interestingly, digital photography jobs are different from mainstream careers like human resources. The employers are different, and the field is overall more leaned toward artistry and aesthetics than business-focused skills.
The shift from traditional film to digital formats has democratized the field, making it accessible to a broader audience while simultaneously increasing competition. As a result, digital photography has become a refined art, requiring not just an eye for capturing moments but also proficiency in various technical and creative skills.
To help get some direction in your college planning, here is a complete guide about digital photography jobs and career paths. The guide explores the evolving landscape of digital photography careers, looking at emerging trends, exploring the essential skills, and the challenges and opportunities that aspiring photographers may encounter.
Let’s dig right in!
What are the emerging trends in the digital photography industry?
Digital photography is the most refined form of photography. Centuries ago, photography was a tedious task that required hours on end to complete. However, with digital technologies like DSLRs and advanced sensors, photography has become much more instant, quick, and convenient. Without a doubt, getting a digital photography degree now is much more in-demand than it used to be.
With so many changes happening in the industry, digital photography jobs are also extremely dynamic. Therefore, you should keep up with industry trends and data to make informed decisions in your academic and professional career.
When searching for colleges offering a digital photography degree, make sure you are exploring the industry in depth. This exploration will tell you what kinds of jobs are on the rise, what colleges are offering the best photography degrees, and whether the industry is right for you.
Some important stats include:
- According to BLS, the average median pay for photographers in 2023 was $40,760 per year.
- Most photography jobs require a minimum of a high school diploma but give preference to college degrees
- BLS predicts that photography employment will grow by 4% by 2029
- California is one of the states with the highest number of photography employment opportunities
- San Francisco had the highest pay scale for photographers in 2023
- In 2022, 46% of the photography workforce were women, and 54% were men
- Ethnic diversity is projected to grow in the photography industry
- In 2022, the most common photography degree was a bachelor’s degree in Visual and Performing Arts
Artificial intelligence
We cannot deny the role of technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence or AI to be taking over most industries. More and more fields and industries are now incorporating the use of AI, and leveraging its many benefits. This is true for digital photography as well.
AI-powered editing tools, image processing, image sorting, face recognition, and other such tools have empowered photographers. These tools do not replace the process of taking photos in real time. However, they are a huge part of the post-production process. Additionally, AI-driven tools are focused on solving problems such as bad resolution and improper compositions. These advanced tools fix such issues for photographers in no time.
However, the important thing here is that while AI is readily available, it is changing the job market and landscape. Photographers now have another skill to add to their list. They must have a good grip on these AI tools and use them to their advantage. Some employers require photographers and creative professionals to be able to work with AI.
Phone photography
You must have heard of Galaxy S23 Ultra, Google Pixel 8 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro competing for the best camera technology. Undoubtedly, these phones have taken the market by storm by adding some of the most powerful camera lenses.
Thanks to this, phone photography is now a popular sub-branch of digital photography. These phones have been used for experimental photography of many sorts. For example, 4K videography, phone-shot short films, and extremely high-quality portrait photography have already been explored with phones.
Smartphones are equipped with advanced camera technologies, such as multiple lenses, optical zoom, and computational photography features, making them powerful tools for casual and even professional photography. Features like metadata, editing capabilities, instant sharing, and image sorting make phone photography a go-to for laymen as well as professionals.
Macro Photography
Some trends and innovations in the photography industry are emerging due to advancements in photographer gear and equipment. In particular, macro photography has gained recent attention and popularity, thanks to new equipment that allows extreme close-ups of intricate objects. This type of photography is incredibly specialized and is practiced as a form of art, or in some cases commercially.
Macro Photography allows photographers to capture intricate details of small subjects, such as insects, flowers, and textures. This level of detail can highlight the beauty and complexity of the natural world. It is a useful technique in product photography, especially for fashion-related businesses.
People who practice this type of photography or follow the trend are mostly in awe of the techniques involved. While macro lenses are the ideal way to capture macro images, photographers can also experiment with other materials. For example, they can use extension tubes, close-up filters, or even reversing rings to achieve high magnification. These tools help focus on subjects at close distances.
Drone photography
One of the latest and most successful trends in the photography industry has been drones. These are high-tech cameras that come with really top-notch gear such as remote controls and sensors. Drones are mostly used for aerial shots, still images, and motion pictures. However, the high costs associated with drone equipment are often a challenge for newcomers in the industry. Additionally, this type of photography facilities might not be available in digital photography colleges.
One of the industries that has seriously adopted and utilized drone photography is real estate. They use drone photography to showcase properties from aerial views. This method highlights features like landscaping, neighborhood views, and property layouts more effectively than traditional photography. Sources suggest over a 19% increase in market share of drone photography by 2029!
Sustainability in photography
The environmental impact of photography extends across various stages, including production, usage, and disposal of equipment, as well as the practices involved in printing and presenting photographs. Traditional photography processes, especially film photography, have historically involved chemicals and materials that can be harmful to the environment.
While digital photography has mostly replaced traditional photography practices, there are parts of it that can significantly impact the environment. For example, one-time-use batteries are harmful if not disposed of carefully. Repurchasing these batteries leads to more waste and overconsumption.
Increasing focus on choosing alternative eco-friendly practices is also impacting the photography industry. For example, there are manufacturers actively trying to use recycled materials for packaging and camera construction. Using alternative energy means such as solar energy for lighting equipment is another way of reducing power consumption. Overall, as the conversation around sustainability grows, it’s likely that we will see more innovations aimed at reducing the environmental impact of photography.
What education and qualifications are required for a digital photography career?
To find good and prestigious digital photography jobs, you must be in possession of certain qualifications and education standards that set you apart from the competition. Some of the various qualifications you can try getting include the following.
Formal education
To get started with digital photography, the best solution is to enroll yourself in one of the on-campus or online photography colleges in the US. Colleges like the University of Houston, Maryland College Institute of Arts, and the University of Idaho are great examples of the wealth of formal education for photography careers.
Formal education does not necessarily guarantee you the highest-paying jobs. However, getting a bachelor’s degree does open many gates to great opportunities in recognized organizations and companies. Moreover, a formal education will help you build a strong digital photography portfolio, along with the development of essential skills needed in the field.
You can explore a variety of colleges offering digital photography majors. These include:
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Savannah College of Art and Design
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago
- Arizona State University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- California Institute of the Arts
- Drexel University
- State University of New York at New Paltz
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Bard College
- Brigham Young University
- University of Idaho
- University of Arizona
- Maryland Institute College of Arts
- University of Houston
- University of Hartford
- University of New Mexico
- Columbia College Chicago
- Full Sail University
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Parsons School Of Design
- Purchase College
- Santa Barbara City College
- Seattle University
- Syracuse University
- UCLA
- Virginia Commonwealth University
Certifications and courses
Other than formal education, you can also check out many additional courses and certifications. These can be perfect for complementing your formal education, as well as for enhancing your portfolio. The best part about certifications and courses is that you can find them at affordable rates, but they are still taught by some of the most credible industry experts.
Here are some digital photography courses you can get started with:
- Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) is offered by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
- Platforms like Coursera offer courses, certifications, and specialization in digital photography, including basics of camera use, post-processing techniques, and specialized topics.
- Udemy hosts a wide range of photography courses and certifications that are recognized industry-wide.
- Lynda.com (LinkedIn Learning) offers courses on various aspects of digital photography, including technical skills, and post-production techniques.
- Short-term certificate programs are available from institutions like the New York Institute of Photography.
- Adobe Certified Expert (ACE): This certification focuses on Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, essential tools for digital photographers.
- Skillshare: Offers a variety of classes taught by professionals in the field.
- CreativeLive: This platform provides live and on-demand classes.
Skills and competencies required in digital photography careers
Technical skills
Technical skills are at the heart of digital photography jobs and career opportunities. These skills are almost crucial to have. Focus on developing them before, or during your digital photography college degree.
Developing these skills and competencies can help digital photographers succeed in a competitive and dynamic field. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in photography are also important for ongoing career development.
- Camera and gear operations
- Digital photography portfolio
- Composition and framing
- Lighting techniques
Artistic and creative skills
Beyond the technical skills, there are some creative skills and competencies you also require for a career in digital photography. These skills are essential for creating compelling and impactful images. Here are some key artistic skills needed in photography:
- Storytelling
- Experimentation
- Marketing and branding
- Color theory
- Aesthetic sensibility
- Cultural and contextual awareness
Transferable skills
Transferable skills refer to abilities and competencies that are valuable across various jobs and industries. These skills are not specific to any particular industry and may be useful for various jobs in sociology or criminology careers, as well as a career in digital photography.
Transferable skills can include both soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, and hard skills, like technical proficiency in certain tools or software. They are especially popular in rapidly changing job markets, such as digital photography jobs, where adaptability and versatility are key to career success.
- Adaptability
- Attention to detail
- Good communication
- Client management
- Data management
- Image sorting
- Technical knowledge
What are the challenges and opportunities in digital photography careers?
Like other fields such as business management, human resources careers, or a sociology degree job market, there are challenges within the digital photography industry as well. No matter which specialization or type of photography you practice, there are some roadblocks and obstacles in the career.
Some of these challenges and ways to overcome them are:
Market saturation
Ever since photography has been made easier and quicker with the help of digital cameras, it has become increasingly popular. Therefore, college enrollments in top photography colleges in the US have increased too. As a result, competition and saturation in the market are also at an all-time high.
Due to high competition, finding well-paying jobs with less competition is also getting difficult. Fresh graduates find it hard to stand out in such a saturated market and often struggle with making a notable and unique digital photography portfolio.
However, the best way to start well in the industry even with all the competition is to find work opportunities early on. While you are still a student, look for opportunities to find an answer to “how to get started with digital photography”. Search for paid or unpaid internships, part-time jobs, freelance work, or collaborate with your class fellows and teachers.
Rapid technological changes
As discussed earlier as well, technological advancements have played a huge role in driving changes. Unpredictable technological advancements and changes in technologies cause many changes in the industry that make certain job roles and functions obsolete. It is difficult for people to stay relevant and useful to the industry for long when there are so many changes happening suddenly.
Moreover, technological advancements also add to the burden of keeping up with new trends and making sure you are always upskilling. It means that photographers need to continually update their skills and equipment, which can be costly and time-consuming.
However, a good solution to this is free and affordable online courses from platforms like Udemy and Coursera. YouTube also has a wealth of tutorials and detailed videos that help photographers explore the latest trends and learn about new technologies.
Untypical employment
A digital photography career is different from that of mainstream jobs like criminology careers. In most cases, you will find project-based and client-based employment opportunities in digital photography careers. As a result, your pay may vary, in terms of time frame as well as pay scale.
Additionally, some people find freelance and contract-based employment opportunities to be a little uncertain and unstable. This is a huge consideration you must not overlook if you are considering pursuing a career in digital photography. It is only one of the many things you need to know about digital photography majors before you enroll in one.
Get started with your digital photography career!
Digital photography offers a dynamic and evolving career path, rich with opportunities for those passionate about capturing and creating visual art. The field has been transformed by advancements in technology, such as DSLRs, smartphone cameras, and AI-powered tools, making photography more accessible and versatile.
However, technological advancements also now require photographers to keep up to date with a rapidly changing industry. They must also possess some important skills that go beyond simply capturing images.
While challenges like market saturation and rapid technological changes exist, they also create avenues for growth and innovation. Aspiring photographers should focus on building essential skills, staying current with industry trends, and exploring diverse educational and certification options. Formal education such as a degree from top photography colleges in the US, complemented with online certifications, is a good way of standing out.