Key Takeaways
- Digital photography, a significant milestone in the field, has transformed how we capture, share, and perceive visual content, offering instant and high-quality results.
- A digital photography degree opens up diverse career paths in fields such as journalism, marketing, advertising, and even software development.
- Various digital photography schools are offering core concepts and training for aspects such as image editing, lighting, and set design, alongside creative exploration.
- Students can specialize in areas such as photojournalism, commercial photography, cinematography, and landscape photography.
- An online degree in photography is ideal for students seeking flexibility and affordability. Many colleges like ASU Online are making it easier for full-time workers and out-of-state students to pursue their education in digital photography.
- Graduates can pursue careers as photographers, photo editors, digital imaging specialists, and more, in various industries.
- Core competencies and skills you can develop after graduating from digital photography school include critical thinking, technical knowledge, creative skills, business acumen, portfolio building, and photography ethics and laws.
- Popular digital photography courses are offered by the University of New Mexico, the University of Miami, the University of Idaho, and many more colleges.
- Online degree in photography is offered by schools like Southern New Hampshire University, Western Governors University, and Arizona State University Online.
Photography has evolved dramatically since its inception in the 19th century. What began as a painstaking process requiring hours to produce a single image, has now transformed into a dynamic field that harnesses cutting-edge technology for instant, high-quality results.
Digital photography is one of the most significant milestones in this evolution. It emerged in the late 20th century and has since changed the way we capture, share, and perceive visual content. Most importantly, it has made visual expressions of art, feelings, and messages so different from what it used to be before.
Many young individuals now practice digital photography as more than just a hobby. It is a profession that is applicable and relevant in various fields and industries including journalism, marketing, advertising, and software development.
Therefore, pursuing an undergraduate degree in digital photography is a great idea for anyone looking for a fulfilling and creative career. It offers a comprehensive education that blends technical proficiency with creative exploration. Students are not only trained in the fundamentals of capturing images but are also equipped with skills in editing, post-production, lighting, and set design.
Typically, photography schools offer a diverse curriculum to prepare graduates for a wide range of career paths, such as commercial photography, photojournalism, and cinematography, among others. Additionally, the degree also emphasizes the importance of adapting to technological advancements, such as digital sensors and image processing software, which have become integral to modern photography.
In this ultimate guide to an undergraduate digital photography degree, we will explore the key components of the program. From exploring core courses, specializations, and the wide array of career opportunities available to graduates, to reviewing the top photography schools. We will also discuss the benefits of pursuing this degree, both online and on-campus, and provide valuable tips for success in the program.
What is digital photography?
Since the 19th century, photography has been used as a means of visual expression. From spending hours just to create an image to evolving new technologies that make visual imaging a breeze, we have come a long way in the world of photography.
It was not until the 19th century and early 20th century that film and photography became an expression of art, as well as held interdisciplinary values such as business and advertising. Technologies like the Kodak film made photography much more popular among the masses and common men. However, it was only until the late 20th century that digital photography became a thing, thanks to advancements in technologies like digital sensors and cameras.
Today, digital photography is much more vast than it used to be. So, when you express digital photography degrees and programs in college, you will come across various smaller parts and fragments of it. For example, within digital photography programs also comes photo and video editing, software usage, lighting technicalities, and set design.
The focus is much more on the equipment now since the quality of images is already extremely reliable. Earlier, when technology was not as advanced, photographers were more focused on techniques and photo quality, because they didn’t have cameras as reliable as now.
Surely, the digital photography landscape has drastically changed. When it comes to digital photography as a profession, things look bright and steady. Digital photography has been around for a long time now, with young people stepping into this industry with more confidence.
Digital photographers are relevant in various industries and are in demand for various job roles. Whether it’s fashion, food, journalism, events, or even social sciences, digital photography is relevant everywhere.
Features of digital photography
There are many reasons why digital photography is so popular today. Not just as a college major or a professional, but even common laymen also realize how important digital photography is. Some essential features of digital photography make it as outstanding as it is today, including advanced digital cameras, instant feedback and playback, metadata, printing capabilities, and technological integration.
Notable features of digital photography include:
- Digital cameras use electronic image sensors, such as CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor), to capture light. These sensors process real-life citations and imagings into digital images of high quality.
- Once the image is captured, it can be processed and edited using various software tools. From Adobe software suite to video editing software like DaVinci, there are many tools now used widely to process digital images in several ways. The software allows adjustments in exposure, color balance, and other aspects of the image.
- Digital photographs are stored on memory cards or other digital storage devices in various formats, such as JPEG, TIFF, PNG, or RAW. The digital nature of these files allows for easy copying, sharing, and backup.
- Digital photography provides immense creative flexibility. Photographers can experiment with different styles, effects, and compositions without worrying about the cost of film and the time taken for development.
- One of the key advantages of digital photography is the ability to view images immediately after they are taken. This instant feedback or playback allows photographers to make adjustments on the spot, improving the learning process and ensuring better results with every shot.
- Digital images typically contain metadata, referring to information such as the camera settings, location, date, and time the photo was taken. This helps in organizing and cataloging images, making it easier to search and retrieve specific photos.
- Cameras and other equipment used for digital imaging are typically diverse and versatile. This means that one piece of equipment can be used for multiple types of digital imaging including still images, videos, time-lapse, and much more.
- Digital photography can be easily integrated with other digital technologies. For instance, GPS can be used to geotag photos, adding location data.
Digital photography and its applications
As mentioned above, digital photography is applicable in multiple fields and industries. Some of its applications and uses include:
- Art and fine art photography: Digital photography offers artists a medium for creative expression and experimentation.
- Commercial photography: Used in advertising, fashion, real estate, and product photography.
- Photojournalism and documentary: Digital cameras are widely used by journalists and documentarians to capture real-world events and stories.
- Science and research: Used in scientific research, medical imaging, and various technical applications.
What are the core courses and specializations in the digital photography degree?
College degrees usually cover an extensive range of topics and courses. Most of the time, college majors also touch upon various disciplines and subjects to give a holistic view to the students. Additionally, there are areas of specialization that a student can choose to specifically focus in that field.
In digital photography degree programs, courses and specializations may vary from college to college. Moreover, courses and specializations vary on the basis of faculty availability and college facilities as well. Yet, there are some common subjects, courses, and specializations you may find in most colleges.
Specializations in digital photography degree
Commonly offered specializations in digital photography degrees include, but are not limited to, the following:
Photojournalism
Generally, photojournalism is concerned with covering real-life events for the purpose of news reporting and other journalistic goals. Photojournalists use digital cameras and other photography processes like editing and printing to achieve the goal of journalistic reporting through visuals.
Commercial photography
Photography for the purpose of commercial activities such as advertising and marketing materials is referred to as commercial photography. Post-production, client dealing, and marketing acumen are needed for this line of work.
Cinematography
To enter the media production industry, cinematography specialization can really give you a good start. It focuses on visual arts in motion pictures and teaches core concepts like lighting and storytelling. It focuses on producing moving images that convey emotions and stories.
Landscape and nature photography
In this specialization, students learn the fundamental principles of landscape and nature photography, including composition, lighting, and the use of natural elements to create compelling images. They are trained to work with specialized equipment, as well as a specific set of ethics and laws associated.
Core courses in digital photography degree
Other than the specialization areas, there are also some core courses you might wish to know about. Some of the most commonly offered courses include:
- Digital imaging and editing
- Composition and visual design
- Photojournalism and documentary photography
- Introduction to photography
- Lighting techniques
- Color theory
- Post-production editing
- Media laws and ethics
- Photography and its history
What are the benefits of obtaining a bachelor’s in digital photography?
Just like obtaining a degree in human resources or an undergraduate sociology degree, there are many benefits attached to obtaining a digital photography degree. These may include career and job prospects, as well as opportunities for personal growth. Some key advantages of getting a digital photography degree include:
- Choose from various specializations such as portrait, commercial, editorial, documentary, or fine art photography.
- Colleges allow a wealth of networking opportunities to connect with industry professionals, faculty, and peers, which can lead to internships, collaborations, and job opportunities.
- A huge part of digital photography degrees is the development of a portfolio and your professional presentation. It can help you build a professional portfolio that showcases your skills and style, which is crucial for securing clients or job positions.
- College facilities allow access to high-quality cameras, lighting equipment, studios, and editing software that may not be readily available outside an academic setting.
- Your degree allows you to stay up to date with industry trends, update, and connect with industry experts.
- A degree allows you to critique and improve your work, as well as to understand the technical and artistic aspects of photography.
- A photography degree can serve as a formal recognition of your skills and knowledge, which can be valuable in competitive markets.
- Employment opportunities are better with credentials and accredited college degrees.
What skills and competencies will I develop with a digital photography degree?
After getting a bachelor’s degree in digital photography, you will be in possession of important skills. These may be related to the creative field, or to the business and technical aspect of it. These numerous skills are essential for finding a good job, as well as growing and progressing in your professional career. These key competencies and skills include:
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Technical skills
A good digital photography degree will help you master the use of digital cameras, including various settings like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. It helps learn the use of natural and artificial lighting to enhance the quality of images. You may also develop proficiency in software like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and other editing tools.
Understanding the process of capturing, storing, editing, and archiving digital images efficiently.
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Creative and artistic skills
Expect the degree to help you develop an eye for composition, including understanding the rule of thirds, leading lines, and other compositional techniques. It teaches you how color impacts mood, emotion, and the overall aesthetic of a photograph.
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Business and professional skills
A professional degree in digital photography will help you develop business acumen. You will learn how to sell your work and skills. The degree will teach you to work on negotiations, get contacts and clients, as well as build a portfolio. More importantly, it helps you understand copyright laws, contracts, and ethical considerations in photography.
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Critical thinking and problem-solving
Photography degrees help develop the ability to critically analyze your own work and others, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. Different shooting conditions and requirements throughout the degree will help you problem-solve, delegate, and become more adaptable.
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Technical knowledge
Photography and digital media programs tend to include projects and assignments that involve printing and material-based presentations. These help you showcase your work and learn about the best printing mediums and techniques.
Which colleges offer the best bachelors in digital photography?
You can discover colleges for various undergraduate programs. Make sure you go through the numerous majors and programs offered by colleges, for example:
Before you decide and select any one college, make sure you go through the following list of colleges for digital photography degrees.
University of New Mexico
The digital photography program at the University of New Mexico focuses on teaching students the technique, art, and concept of photography and visual presentation. Moreover, the college is one of the highest-ranked public schools that offers a high acceptance rate of 96%. Additionally, it has a low student-to-faculty ratio of just 13:1. The college has a graduation rate of 35%.
University of Arizona
At the University of Arizona, you can find one of the most active and productive communities for photographers. The college ensures the best mentorship programs and learning facilities for its digital photography students. Here, the acceptance rate is 87%, with an average GPA requirement of 3.5. The college has a graduation rate of 54%.
University of Idaho
To broaden your career outlook and explore a wider range of skills and competencies, the production undergraduate degree at the University of Idaho is the best choice. The visual production program teaches digital photography, as well as the art of filmmaking and cinematography.
It is a unique program with notable features like a comprehensive media library for students. The college has an acceptance rate of 74% and a graduation rate of 35%.
University of Hartford
While some of the coursework focuses on the use of photography as a commercial tool, the digital photography degree at the University of Hartford is mainly focused on using it as a form of art. It teaches students the techniques to use photography as a means of visual expression.
The college provides thorough photography facilities to its students, such as path labs and studio classes. It has an acceptance rate of 83% and a graduation rate of 45%.
Purdue University
The Purdue College of Liberal Arts offers a degree in Photography/Integrated Studio Arts. This program is known for a solid degree plan that focuses on learning through the history of photography, including black and white photography and digital photography.
The college has classes of 15 or fewer students and encourages students to network and connect with their teachers one-on-one. The college has an acceptance rate of 53% and a graduation rate of 63%.
University of Houston
To explore a dynamic career pathway, enroll in the Photography/Digital Media program at the University of Houston. The program is known for being research-driven and focused on photography techniques and core skills that are applicable across various industries.
The college has an acceptance rate of 66%, with an average GPA requirement of 3.5.it graduation rate is 39%. Explore more colleges in Houston for sociology and human resources!
Maryland Institute College of Art | MICA
Maryland Institute College of Art or MICA is a popular and old private liberal arts college. It is one of the top digital photography schools offering photography majors with excellent facilities, studios, and PCs. The coursework covers various aspects of photography, including light and color theory, as well as hands-on exposure to equipment management.
The college has an acceptance rate of 86%, with an average GPA requirement of 3.4. It has the lowest student-to-faculty ratio of just 9:1. Lastly, it has a graduation rate of 67%.
Southern New Hampshire University
According to many sources like Forbes, Southern New Hampshire University is one of the best digital photography colleges in the US. It has been reviewed highly by many sources, thanks to its thorough coursework that enables students to develop technical skills. Most importantly, it is a highly acknowledged and accredited college for online degrees in various subjects, including photography.
Additionally, it has an acceptance rate of 86%, with a graduation rate of 31%. The college requires an average GPA of 3.1.
Can I get an online degree in photography?
According to many reports by NCES, the number of students taking at least one online course in college has steadily grown in 2024. In fact, the number of online degree enrollments is projected to grow and increase in the upcoming years.
Undoubtedly, online education is becoming popular day by day, and rightfully so. Therefore, there are many great colleges that offer an online degree in photography. These colleges are accredited and recognized by official agencies like the U.S. Department of Education.
Moreover, students considering online degrees often wonder about the impact of an online diploma on their professional and career prospects. However, this problem is not as big as it may sound. It is a misconception that people who take online degrees get worse job opportunities.
Instead, renowned colleges like Arizona State University offer the same diploma and degree to their online and on-campus students. The degree diploma does not mention the mode of delivery. In addition to this, some employers might see online education as your strong suit, because you are most likely to be familiar with digital tools like work boards and video conferencing platforms.
Studies and reports also show that online education gives students more chances to participate in extracurriculars and additional short courses. In the photography industry, you will need some certifications and courses to outshine. Therefore, this could be the best way to ensure that you have the time and space to squeeze in other short courses and enhance your qualifications.
Overall, online education is an excellent opportunity to explore for many reasons, such as:
- Students working full-time jobs can enjoy flexibility and convenience with online education
- If you live out-of-state, an online degree will be much cheaper than staying on campus and paying for housing
- Online degrees are mostly self-paced, allowing a deeper and longer-lasting educational experience
Where to get an online degree in photography?
The biggest question that arises for most students is regarding the digital photography schools that offer reliable online degrees. However, we are here to help you narrow down your options and put an end to your search for the perfect online digital photography degree.
Arizona State University Online
Arizona State University, Online, is perhaps the most credible and reliable source of getting an online photography degree. ASU is dedicated to providing a degree that opens many professional opportunities for you. The college has specifically let the students know that their online degree diplomas and certifications do not include “online” or any differences from on campus degrees. Therefore, the ASU online photography degree has the same worth as other conventional programs.
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
The online bachelor of arts programs at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design offers a concentration in photography. The program focuses on photography as an artistic expression, more than a commercial profession. The program is taught by experts and certified mentors who allow opportunities of self-paced learning and collaboration.
Western Governors University
Western Governors University is one of the most popular online colleges that offer online degrees in criminology, as well as art subjects like photography. You can find a bachelor degree in arts, with a focus on photography. The degree can offer pathways like digital artists, story artists, and so on.
What are the digital photography degree jobs and career paths?
Graduating from a digital photography school will open up a diverse array of career paths, catering to various interests and skills. With a digital photography degree, you can pursue careers as a photographer specializing in fields such as portrait, fashion, commercial, or event photography.
Furthermore, you might also work opportunities that go beyond just capturing images. For example, you can work as a photo editor or digital imaging specialist, focusing on enhancing and retouching images for various media.
For those interested in storytelling, photojournalism offers opportunities to capture newsworthy events, while art photography provides a platform for creative expression in galleries and exhibitions. Additionally, careers as photography instructors, visual content creators for social media and marketing, and roles in managing photographic collections are also good options.
Lastly, the job opportunities for a digital photography degree holder depend largely on various factors such as:
- Quality of education from a reputable college
- City or state employment trends
- Your portfolio and work experience
- External factors like the economy and changes in technology
Some job titles and roles you can explore are:
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What are the challenges in digital photography?
While it offers a range of advantages and benefits, there are some challenges that you must be aware of in digital photography. However, challenges are a possibility in every subject or field. You should explore the various aspects of degrees like sociology to understand the common challenges.
Some of the challenges in digital photography and their solutions are:
- The field of digital photography is dependent upon technologies like digital sensors and equipment. Therefore, these technologies continuously evolve with new features, software, and techniques emerging regularly. Staying updated with the latest technology can be daunting, and costly as well. However, studying at a good college will help you get access to the latest photography equipment and facilities.
- Maintaining a consistent artistic style and personality can be challenging. This is especially true when working on diverse projects or trying to appeal to a broad audience. Finding your voice and tonality in your work can be particularly challenging if you are working in commercial photography rather than artistic industries. Photographers must balance creativity with client expectations while ensuring their unique voice and style are reflected in the work.
- Only recently, digital photography degrees and schools have become much more accessible than they used to be. Therefore, the accessibility of digital photography has led to a saturated market, making it challenging for photographers to stand out. You must focus on building your portfolio from an early point, and get hands-on experience through internships and part-time opportunities.
- Since the market is so saturated already, navigating copyright laws, model releases, and usage rights can be challenging. Photographers must be vigilant about protecting their intellectual property while respecting the rights of others. However, good digital photography courses and classes teach students about the core ethics and laws involved, so they can easily dodge any such situations in their professional careers.
Resources for digital photography students and professionals
Before you enroll in digital photography, it is best to keep up to date with the industry trends and changes. This can really help you make an informed decision for your college planning and professional career. More importantly, following important platforms for photography will allow you to get an edge during your degree.
Some of the most notable resources you can utilize for your digital photography classes or for your personal growth include:
Social media
Social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Facebook, are some of the easiest to get your hands on. These platforms are made for visual expressions of various types of messages and ideas. This is also where industry experts tend to showcase their work. In addition to this, you will find many academic resources here as well. So, follow the right people and keep up with the industry.
Photography magazines
Here are two most popular photography magazines you can check out to stay engaged with the industry:
- PDN (Photo District News): Provides industry news, feature stories, and portfolio showcases.
- Shutter Magazine: Offers educational content, gear reviews, and features on professional photographers.
Social communities and platforms
Ever since the internet has become a commodity, it is very easy to find a bunch of communities online. From professional communities to social groups, there is something for everybody. As a photography lover, you can check the following communities:
- Flickr and 500px: Photographers can share their work, receive feedback, and connect with other photographers.
- Reddit (r/photography): Photographers discuss topics, share tips, and seek advice.
Digital photography courses
Online courses on platforms like Udemy and Coursera are your ultimate sources of finding a wealth of knowledge and expertise. These courses are based on lectures and teachings of industry experts, as well as include graded and ungraded assignments that help you utilize creativity. You can use these courses as an opportunity to meet peers online, use your assignments as part of the portfolio, and follow credible academic reosurces for further advice.
Make your future look bright!
In conclusion, we can all agree to say that a digital photography degree is a comprehensive education path that blends technical skills with creative exploration. It is a detailed field of study that goes beyond the new-world technologies. Most of the top digital photography schools require students to complete coursework that involves studying the history of photography. In brief, photography is a rooted subject that needs time and concentration.
Therefore, a 4-year undergraduate degree in this field is ideal. It is popular for preparing students for a diverse range of career opportunities. From photojournalism to commercial photography and cinematography, graduates can find fulfilling roles in various industries.
Moreover, the easy availability of online programs ensures flexibility and affordability, making this field accessible to many. As the industry continues to evolve with technological advancements, a strong foundation in digital photography is a must. So, you can gain this from accredited programs, courses from online platforms, internship opportunities, and freelance work.
Don’t forget to check out a range of other undergraduate programs and whether you are fit for it. Explore the following: