Are you interested in a career in photography? Working in this field requires more than just an interest in snapping the camera. Let’s take a look at what it means to work as a photographer and how you can make your dreams of becoming a photographer into a reality.

Daily Duties as a Photographer

Photographers work in a myriad of different industries; you don’t have to work at weddings or taking headshots to be a photographer (though these certainly are choices). You could work photographing celebrities for magazines, take pictures of food or consumer products for advertising purposes, work with photo manipulation, or even work as a crime scene photographer. You’ll be responsible for more than just clicking a button. Photographers set up shots, maintain equipments, work with marketers and graphic designers, and more. Although many photographers work exclusively with digital photography, some still work with chemicals, so you may also be responsible for developing film.

Photography Salary and Outlook

According to Salary.com, the average salary for all photographers as of March 2011 was $53,805. Some photographers are paid on commission rather than a base salary, and others work for magazines, ad agencies, etc. on a freelance basis and are paid by the project or even by the picture. This field is growing about as fast as average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which means that while jobs are competitive, they aren’t impossible to find. Photographer jobs in some industries are undoubtedly easier to find than in others, with the most salaried positions being available in commercial photography studios.

Photography Education

Working as a photographer requires little more than a working knowledge of your camera, but to get a job in this industry, most studios, ad agencies, and other employers require a college degree. Many entry-level positions accept an associate’s degree, and you can also go to a four-year school to get a more comprehensive education. Bachelor’s degree programs also allow you to earn your degree in a related area and specialize or minor in photographer so you can work as a photographer in that field (for example, if you want to work as a medical photographer, you could earn a degree in biology).

While amateur photographers abound, professional photography requires a high degree of knowledge and skill that can be gained through online learning. Currently, only the Art Institute of Pittsburgh offers an online photography degree (more details below). But many other colleges offer related online programs like graphic design.

BS in Photography	Art Institute of Pittsburgh — The BS in Photography from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh will help you to create thought-provoking imagery. If photography is your passion, then this is the place that can help transform you into a professional photographer. You will develop the skills that will allow you to compete with some of the best photographers around.
BS in Multimedia Design & Development	DeVry University — DeVry University is a leader in higher education with accredited campuses across the nation and several degrees available online. The BS in Multimedia Design and Development explores the theory and technical aspects behind today's design world. Students will combine tested practices and principles with the latest technology and software to breathe life into their ideas.
BA in The Arts	Union Institute & University — The BA in liberal studies - the Arts offered by Union Institute & University focuses on honing the skills of established artists through classes in photography, sculpture, painting, and other forms of art. Students of this online program will work closely with a mentor. Many graduates pursue the Master of Fine Arts degree upon graduation.
AOS in Web Design	Sessions College for Professional Design — Sessions College for Professional Design offers an Associate of Occupational Studies in Web design that comprises six 15-week semesters. Students of this entirely online program will take courses in Adobe Photoshop, color theory, composition, digital photography, drawing, typography, online marketing, and more.
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