Photography Schools: Where to go to Learn Photography

Photography has long been a favorite hobby for many. But what do you do when you are ready to take your hobby to the next level and become a professional photographer? DO you go to school and get a degree? Or do you teach yourself via online classes?

There are pros and cons to both paths. First, going to a photography school can get very expensive and it can be time consuming. Some people do not see this as a problem, but rather as an investment in their career. Others have the passion to learn, but not the time and money. For them learning online is the way to go. When you are learning photography on your own, you have to have the discipline to keep up with your studies, something that is more structured when you take a class. Also when attending a photography class, you have a teacher to look over your photos and give you criticism and advice. If you are learning on your own, you will need to find someone to do this for you. In the end it is up to you to decide with path to photography is best for you according to your needs. In this article, you will receive the resources to research your decision.

According to ResourceOnline, here are 15 great photography schools in the US

• Virginia Commonwealth University  
  

  Our department aims to facilitate a comprehensive artistic, technical and intellectual understanding and use of the mediums of photography and film; to provide a rigorous education in the arts, specifically in photographic and moving image media, and a broad education in other academic subjects; to foster a climate that inspires creativity, intellectual curiosity, freedom of expression, and critical thinking. We emphasize hands-on experience in the fields of fine art, studio and location photography, and narrative, documentary and experimental filmmaking and sponsor a wide variety of guest lectures, seminars and workshops. All students become adept in chemical based processes and the latest digital technologies.

• Massachusetts College of Art and Design  
  

  The MassArt Photography Program teaches photography as fine art with an emphasis on personal vision, experimentation, and an understanding of the history of photography and the body of criticism that surrounds it. Students are introduced to a wide array of both film-based and digital tools; they become well-versed in the medium’s technical and aesthetic traditions while exploring contemporary directions through slide lectures and critiques. Our curriculum covers both analog and digital production and offers a wide variety of elective courses providing a strong foundation for critical thinking, collaboration, and a career in photographic arts.

• University of Arizona
  

  The Photography division faculty and students conduct a rigorous investigation into the nature and meaning of photographic representation and its role in contemporary culture. Students are expected to demonstrate commitment to expressive inquiry, maturity of vision and take responsibility for their professional development as artists. The division takes a broad and progressive approach to the practice and definition of photography, encouraging you to question and expand the boundaries of the medium. The curriculum offers courses in traditional black and white darkroom techniques, digital and other image-forming technologies, color processes, large-scale photography, video, and performance. Facilities include group and semi-private black and white darkrooms and film processing areas, color enlargers and a 20” processor, professional lighting studio and large format digital output facilities. See more in the Photography Facilities section.

   The Center for Creative Photography plays an important role in the education of photography and art history students by offering access to all      of the Center’s resources, including semester-long internships and lectures by distinguished photographers, historians, and critics. Studio         photography and art history students studying the history of photography take advantage of photographic exhibitions, lectures, print viewings, gallery talks, an extensive photographic library, an artists’ book collection, and a world class archive of photographs and related material.

• Maryland Institute College of Art  
  

  One of the first programs of its kind worldwide, the photography program at MICA was established more than 100 years ago. Building on this legacy, the program today thoroughly examines both still and digital photography while encouraging a diversity of approaches. Students master technical skills as they work in state-of-the-art digital facilities, learn traditional and alternative darkroom processes, and develop a deep understanding of the medium’s history and contemporary directions.

• Arizona State University
  

  Students learn from faculty with diverse creative concerns and who cultivate technique in the service of ideas, parallel to the critical and cultural analysis of the medium. Students have access to the widest range of photographic possibilities, including silver gelatin, chromogenic color, digital imaging, video, alternative processes and mixed media. Students explore interdisciplinary options in their art through other disciplines, including printmaking, intermedia and sculpture.

• Columbia College (IL)
  

  We’ve never lived in a more visual society. Within it, there’s a growing need for photographers and image innovators––professionals who conceptualize, create and drive future advances in visual technology. Columbia’s internationally known Photography Department and its renowned faculty and facilities will give you an unparalleled foundation for an enduring career.

• California College of the Arts
  

  In our Photography Program, you’ll discover inspiration all around you, whether you’re capturing the small, human details of everyday life or exploring larger, abstract ideas about culture and identity. As you map this creative territory, you’ll also be developing your technical digital and analog skills. You will make images that have a real impact on your personal and professional communities.

• University of California(Los Angeles)
  

  Focusing on the interrelation of photography and art, study in this area is directed toward works of art made using photographs. Ability to understand and discuss photography’s unique historical, material, and narrative potential is emphasized over technical considerations. Work in installation art and video in conjunction with photography is encouraged.

• Yale School of Fine Art
  

  Photography is a two-year program of study admitting nine students a year. Darkroom, studio, and computer facilities are provided. Students receive technical instruction in black-and-white and color photography as well as nonsilver processes and digital image production.

The program is committed to a broad definition of photography as a lens-based medium open to a variety of expressive means. Students work both individually and in groups with faculty and visiting artists. In addition, a critique panel composed of faculty and other artists or critics meets weekly, as well as for a final review each term, to discuss student work.

• School of Visual Art
  

  The BFA photography program at the School of Visual Arts grounds students in the creative and technological skills of the medium as well as in the job opportunities available in the field. This means that by the end of your four years here, you’ll know how to process and print both black and white and color material; how to light a studio; how to use medium- and large-format cameras and how to work with digital materials. You’ll have had the opportunity to pursue fashion photography, landscape photography, still-life photography, portraiture, photojournalism and other genres of the medium. But equally as important, you’ll have an understanding of the professional world outside of SVA—practical and strategic knowledge to land a position where you can put your formidable skills to work.

• University of New Mexico
  

  The University of New Mexico Photography Program is a fluid investigation into visual literacy focusing on the creative possibilities of lens-based imaging. Emphasis, in both the graduate and undergraduate programs, is placed on the student’s personal growth through aesthetic and intellectual development.

• Rhode Island School of Design
  

  RISD approaches photography as an ever-changing set of technical, conceptual and aesthetic conditions that exist within a broad social and cultural context. Students delve into the making, presentation and interpretation of photographic images, exploring photography as both a language and a craft. Ultimately, they learn how to use cultural signifiers, symbols and metaphors in the content and structure of image making.

• School of the Art Institute of Chicago
  

  Our multifaceted approach to the medium includes traditional forms of image making and conceptually oriented practices and makes the SAIC Photography program uniquely diverse.

As a student in the Photography department, you will: explore the practice and theory of photography, practice your art in a supportive, non hierarchical community among faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students, and work with state-of-the-art equipment and enjoy access to all the resources of the school.

• Rochester Institute of Technology
  

  The School of Photographic Arts and Sciences prepares students for a wide range of exciting careers in photography and the modern ever-changing field of imaging. Image making is taught through courses investigating methods and aesthetics required in pictorial and information-based images, videos, websites and publications.

• California Institute of the Arts
  

  The Program in Photography and Media is committed to educating independent artists in a world where photographic imagery and new media representations and strategies are omnipresent. From foundation work through graduate studies, courses are designed to challenge conventional notions of artistic practice and to question the position of representation within contemporary culture. The program encourages debate and experimentation, since nothing is stable or even particularly comfortable in photography’s relation to the other arts-especially in an environment that includes so many new practices. The faculty represents a broad range of those practices, some purely photographic, some entirely digital and others branching off into writing and publishing, painting, video, film-making, assemblage, net art, digital media and installation.

FREE ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES

There are many online photography courses out there, free and paid. Here is a list of some of the best free online photography courses according to PetaPixel:

Introduction to Photography and Related Media

Basics of Photography: The Complete Guide

Free Beginner Nikon Digital SLR Photography

Photography: Ditch Auto – Start Shooting in Manual

Karl Taylor’s FREE Photography Course

A Complete Introduction to Photography (aka Reddit Photoclass)

Strobist

Cambridge in Colour

Using a Photographic Light Meter

Pixels After Dark: Shooting the Night

Getting Started with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5

Photoshop & Lightroom for Photographers

Create a Gorgeous Photography Site with SmugMug in 90 mins

Computational Photography

Phlearn

Anthony Morganti’s Video Series on Lightroom 5

An Introduction To Tilt + Shift Photography

The Art of Photography

Documentary Photography and Photojournalism: Still Images of a World in Motion

Photography and Truth

History of Photography Podcasts

Digital Photography School

Creative Live Photography

Tuts Plus Photography Tutorials

No matter how you take your photography lessons, you need to get started. Do your research on the photography schools listed above as well as the free online photography courses. Decide where you’d like to start and get going. Here is a video from Phlearn to get you started. The best of luck to you.

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How to Start a Photography Business

Guide to Starting a Photography Business

So your passion in life is photography. You’ve loved it since you got your first camera and you’ve even taken numerous photography courses on your journey of learning how to become a photographer.  You’re always the person taking the photos at all the family events and you love it!  Your family and friends are always suggesting to you, “Hey, why don’t you become a photographer?”  And now you’re thinking to yourself, “Hmmm, why not?”  So let’s get serious and really consider how to start a photography business.

There are, of course, so many things to consider when starting a photography business…or any business for that matter.  But the following tips will help you at least get started on the right track.

The Photography Business is a BUSINESS

Sure this might sound obvious, but it’s listed as the number one tip because so many people tend to forget this when setting up their photography business.  Once you decide to move from hobby to business, you need to treat it as such.  This may become the most difficult part for photography business owners.  But there are a number of business issues that need to be considered:

• You need to set up a business entity, such as Sole Proprietor, LLC, Partnership, or Corporation.
• You will need a Tax ID number for both Federal and State.
• Name: Have you consider photography business names?  You’ll need to register that name.  While you’re at it you may want to purchase the domain for your website.
• Licenses and permits at the state and local levels.
• Business insurance.

These are just the basics of setting up a business.  You’ll need to handle each of these based on your specific situation.  Check out the U.S. Small Business Administration website for more details on what you need to consider.

Photography Marketing 101

Do some research into the market for photography services in your area.  Segment your potential customers and choose a specialization that makes sense.  Understand that the photography business is likely to be saturated in your market area.  So you need to specialize in order to gain credibility and to differentiate yourself from other photographers.  You can broaden your services later when you’ve established yourself as a known brand within your market.  There are so many specializations within the field of photography that there’s bound to be one that both appeals to you and is a market need in your area.  Here are just a few:

• Wedding photography
• Infant photos, Kids photos
• Maternity photography
• Family portraits
• Landscape photography
• Glamor photos
• Fashion photography

And the list goes on.  Pick one or two that make sense for you and become the authoritative expert for that type of photography for your market area.  Once your customers recognize you to be a great photographer in one type, they’ll surely ask you to do a different types of photography for them.  As that happens you can then take advantage of your brand to expand into other areas of expertise and gain more customers.

Know How to be a Photographer

Yes, this also sounds quite obvious but you need to know your stuff.  You must have a level of technical skill in photography that is beyond the knowledge of your customers.  They are paying for your expertise so you must provide what they are looking for.  Don’t think that just because you are the go-to person in your family to take pictures at birthday parties and holiday gatherings that you can charge people as a professional photographer.

Make sure you not only understand what aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc. are, but that you know how they all work together to achieve a desired look and feel of a photograph.  Know your lenses, which ones will you need for a particular shoot?  Understand lighting and how various types of lighting can dramatically change a shot.  Sure you can read about all the technical aspects of photography, but only experience through trial and error can really provide the expertise and understanding of what works and what doesn’t in the “real world.”

By the way, being a good photographer often means more than just having the technical knowledge and skill.  It’s also about knowing how to manage people in many cases.  Do you know how to get a crowd of people to follow your instructions for a pose?  Can you anticipate a good shot for a toddler who isn’t about to sit still for even a moment for the camera?

Be sure to understand what is most important for your clients as well.  For instance, if you’re shooting a wedding, find out from your clients what their expectations are for the types of shots they want.  Perhaps they’re very family oriented and want lots of photos with various family members.  Maybe they want to capture certain special moments (bouquet toss, father-daughter dance, etc.)  Yes, you should capture as much of the event as possible, but by knowing what is most important for your client you can be sure to deliver the best product and service.  This type of personalized attention, over time, can really differentiate you from the competition.

Create a Portfolio of Your Work

Photography is a visual business.  Potential customers need to SEE what they can expect from your service.  This is especially true when you are just starting a photography business.  You must be able to show potential clients the work you’ve done in the past.  If you are truly just starting out and have no past clients, not to worry, just put together a portfolio of photos you’ve taken in the past.  They don’t have to be from jobs for previous paying clients.  They just have to be great work that shows off your skill as a photographer.

Of course the type of portfolio you build needs to match the type of photography you are trying to specialize in.  For instance, if you are looking to enter the field of wedding photography, your portfolio should showcase several weddings you’ve shot.  If you don’t have any weddings under your belt, you might consider working under an established photographer as a second shooter.  This can provide invaluable experience for you prior to launching your own photography business.

Whichever way you decide to create it, a professional portfolio of your work is a must have for building credibility.

Learn How to Sell

The term “selling” might give off the wrong connotation but as a business owner you need to learn how to sell.  This doesn’t mean the “used car salesman” type of selling that you might immediately think of.  Rather, you’ll need to learn how to talk and listen to potential clients by asking the right questions in order to understand their needs.  Once you understand their needs you can offer the right solutions.

Selling is not about being pushy or techniques to pressure people into buying something.  Particularly in a service business like photography, selling is much more about creating trust and rapport.  Get to know your potential clients’ wants and needs.  Sincerely try to figure out how you can best service them.  Once they feel that you understand what they are looking for and that you care about providing the best service for them, they will feel comfortable with you.

Also research the photography prices in your area.  Find out what the range of photography rates are for various competitors.  You will most likely find that there is a wide range of pricing.  when starting out, you may want to keep your prices a bit lower than the most established photographers, but don’t sell yourself too cheaply.  Provide a high  level of service so that you can feel confident enough to justify a higher end fee.  It may be difficult at first, but try not to use price as differentiator to gain customers.

So do you still want to start a photography business?  If you’re passionate about photography and you keep these tips in mind, you’re sure to be a huge success!

For some great tips on how to GROW your photography business, read this article <link to: other article on salarypress.com>

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Black and White Photographs

Image credits to pixabay.com

 

Black and white photography, which is associated with the old times when color could not be captured in images, has become quite popular of late. It has of course been received with mixed feelings with some saying it should be left in the past when the options to capture color were limited.

Black-and-white photography is considered by some to add a more emotional touch to the subject, compared with the original colored photography

Why Black and White Photography

The choice between mono photography and color photography is personal and each person has their own reasons for their preference. The choice however depends on the emotion/message the photographer wants to put across to his audience. Some images are best captured in color and some in black and white so one needs to know when to use it and when not to.

Every lover of black and white photography has their own reasons why the use it. Here are a few of the reasons put forward:

• Versatility

Not only does black and white photography adapt well to all types of lighting, it is also suitable for any photography type whether you are working on portraits, architecture, or urban landscapes. This is unlike color photography which requires perfect lighting

• No more color distractions

Color has the ability to distract focus from the subject being photographed. Taking color out in some images results in a raw and honest photograph that lets the true person stand out. The image black and white image relies on its communication ability rather than visually attractive colors.

The absence of color, the temperature difference and colorful backgrounds allows focus on other factors such as lighting, composition and other elements in the frame or out. You are no longer focused on whether the different colors blend well together.

What is lost in not being able to capture color is gained through focus on the various aspects of lighting including quality, direction and quantity. It also helps build your skill in playing with different elements of lighting to transform your photos and videos.

• Subtlety of tones

In an age where millions of colors can be displayed on devices such as TVs, black and white photography may sound boring to many. However, there are so many subtle tones in ‘mono’ photography that makes it very interesting. There is a large variety of what can be achieved with a photo.

• Variety

Black and white photography offers a great deal of variety. Such photographs can be powerful with high contrast or soft and subtle. Furthermore, the process of creating black and white photographs can be very artistic and enjoyable; much like molding clay, there’s so much you can do with the photographs.

• Exercises you photographic eye

Working within the confines of a world in black and white exercises the photographic eye muscles and pushes creativity; forcing a photographer as well as the audience to see things differently.

• Helps emphasize emotion

Though not always the case, lack of color helps emphasize emotion that would otherwise be lost when the distraction of multiple colors on the subject and their background is present. Without color, the connection with subject becomes important. The sharp contrast between the emphasized blacks, soft whites and subtle grey tones draws close attention to the subject.

• classic quality

There a particular timeless quality that black and white photography lends to images.

• Better use of negative space

You can better showcase those areas in your frame that have nothing with black and white photography. It allows you to focus on the dark and light frame areas and how they relate. It also helps in separating the subject from the background and adds depth to the photograph.

• It highlights form, patterns and shapes in an image
• Helps highlight beauty and skin tones.

Pigments and other elements that would otherwise be distractive in color photography are less obvious. It provides a beautiful range between the different colors from the deepest black to the extreme white.

Creating Black and White Photographs

Image credits to pixabay.com

 

There are many ways you can create your own black and white images depending on the type of device you are using. Below are some ways you can convert your images to black and white:

• Cameras on mobile devices

Just about every phone or tablet has an inbuilt camera that not only allows you to take photos but also to edit them

• Digital cameras

These modern devices allow you to convert an image on the camera to black and white before or after you’ve taken the shot.

• Photo editing software on computers

You can take shots in color, upload them to your computer then use the multitude of photo editing software such as Photoshop, Pixlr, Lightroom and PicMonkey to convert them to black and white.

Some Tips For Great Black-and-White Photography

• Know when to use black-and-white. Some characteristics aren’t very well captured in black-and-white such as when trying to portray an old run down item like an old building. In such a case, color photography would show the peeling paint and old structures better.
• The subjects should not appear posed in the image but should instead look as though they don’t notice the camera. Get them in an environment where they are relaxed and comfortable.
• The environment should appear real and the subject should not look directly to the camera
• Look for interesting and natural lighting.
• Create a sense of possibility by selecting a location with a distant horizon or a pathway.
• Do not use ‘mono’ and color photography in the same image. The entire image should be in black-and-white.

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25 Traditional, Thoughtfull & Festive Photos of Christmas Time (Part2)

It’s time for more festive photos of christmas time! If you missed it, take a look at yesterday’s post where I posted 25 more christmas-themed photos to get you in the mood for the holidays!

Untitled

Untitled by Dustin Diaz

All she wanted

All she wanted by robertjosiah

Garden Decoration

Garden Decoration by cindy47452

Untitled

Untitled by Silvia Sala

Starved rock fireplace

Starved rock fireplace by kern.justin

christmas project #3 : advent boxes

christmas project #3 : advent boxes by ali edwards

we’re ready for santa, are you?

we’re ready for santa, are you? by sarah …

Driskill Tree

Driskill Tree by atmtx

Happy Holidays from Savannah!

Happy Holidays from Savannah! by UGArdener

lick

lick by horizontal.integration

De Kerst Tijd Is Er Weer

De Kerst Tijd Is Er Weer by Gryphes

A Time And A Place

A Time And A Place by Taylor.McBride™

Cupcakes Navideños

Cupcakes Navideños by dmmalva

‘Tis The Season Of The Shopping Mall Lights

‘Tis The Season Of The Shopping Mall Lights by pni

Gracie

Gracie by life is good (pete)

200,000 Christmas Lights

200,000 Christmas Lights by terren in Virginia

Christmas Came Early

Christmas Came Early by Extra Medium

Bokeh Balls

Bokeh Balls by jurvetson

Star lights

Star lights by martinak15

Christmas Cookies

Christmas Cookies by Stephen Poff

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas!!! by Toni Blay

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! by Hallenser

santarchy 2349

santarchy 2349 by john curley

bratislava christmas market

bratislava christmas market by -12°C

holidays are comin

holidays are comin  by Raleene

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25 Traditional, Thoughtfull & Festive Photos of Christmas Time (Part1)

Christmas time is fast approaching which is an excellent time to get shooting as family and friends come together for drinks, meals and sharing of gifts. With some preparation you can grab some great shots – we’ll look at some tips for shooting at christmas time soon, but first lets get some inspiration and take a look at some great shots taken by the photographers on Flickr.com …

Santa Lulu Reacts to Your Christmas Request with Alarm

Santa Lulu Reacts to Your Christmas Request with Alarm by garlandcannon (on hiatus)

Gingerbread

Gingerbread by Stuck in Customs

The magic of Christmas bokeh

The magic of Christmas bokeh by kevin dooley

Christmas Time

Christmas Time by andywon

… happy holidays …!!!

… happy holidays …!!! by Denis Collette…!!!

christmas in a theater

christmas in a theater by zoomyboy.com

Grotto of the Nativity

Grotto of the Nativity by Christopher Chan

Miska Noel

Miska Noel  by celinda

baby fratelli! (88/365)

baby fratelli! (88/365) by alexis mire

The Holly w/o the Ivy

The Holly w/o the Ivy by Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton

Candy Cane Curve

Candy Cane Curve by TPorter2006

Christmas in Blue

Christmas in Blue by Eustaquio Santimano

Untitled

Untitled by Barry Yanowitz

Snowflakes.

Snowflakes. by Andy.Schultz

Main Street Holiday Magic

Main Street Holiday Magic by andy castro

there’s always tomorrow [Explored!]

there’s always tomorrow [Explored!] by Shandi-lee

The purple building

The purple building by {e u g e n e}

Magic Kingdom Toy Soldiers

Magic Kingdom Toy Soldiers by Tom.Bricker

Off the frame

Off the frame by Alex Dram

bright lights

bright lights by open-arms

Where is the spirit of Christmas ?

Where is the spirit of Christmas ? by Gilderic Photography

Welcome to Marina Bay Promenade Singapore…

Welcome to Marina Bay Promenade Singapore… by williamcho

Truro_Z11190

Truro_Z11190 by Ennor

Sterne – Stars

Sterne – Stars by Gertrud K.

Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad by duane.schoon

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