Technical schools, community colleges and universities offer professional certificates, associate's degrees and bachelor's degrees in cinematography and film production. Cinematographers learn about finding the right lighting, camera angles, focusing lenses and shooting locations. Courses teach camera operators how to plan shots for television or film productions. Camera operators also acquire the skills needed to analyze wedding or party locations before setting up their camera equipment. Film production classes teach camera operators how to work with actors, film producers and directors. They learn how to edit video using computer software programs. Videos completed in college become part of their professional portfolio.
Private photographers often work as an apprentice with an experienced photographer, but enrolling in a vocational or technical school, community college or university provide additional training. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says training includes learning to use different camera techniques, types of photo equipment, capturing lighting, film development and Photoshop. Photography certificate programs offer courses in professional photography, digital workflow management, commercial photography, digital photography and wedding photography. Photographers bolster their credentials by obtaining certification from the Professional Photographic Certification Commission. To earn certification, applicants must complete a written exam and submit a portfolio for review.
Photojournalists working in print media or in forensic journalism generally need an associate's or bachelor's degree. Coursework for associate degrees includes classes in news writing and collecting, mass communications, journalism, online media, color photography and photo editing. Four-year degrees require extensive courses in multimedia journalism, photo essays, digital imaging, advertising, and documentary photography and production. The last year of college usually includes an internship at a newspaper or magazine. Photojournalism majors should start creating a professional portfolio as they complete journalism projects.
Degrees in photography and camera operation also open doors for working in forensic photography at crime scenes. The International Association for Identification provides the list of requirements for earning forensic photography certifications. Applicants need at least three years working in photography and digital imaging. Educational requirements include 40 or more classroom hours of photography in college or at the police academy, IAI conference classes and workshops, and digital imaging classes with the FBI or local law enforcement academies. Applicants must verify their educational backgrounds and submit two endorsement letters --- one from an immediate supervisor and one from a working photographer. Once they pass an examination, they receive their certificate.