A degree in photography will give you the experience needed in handling camera equipment, photo editing and photography theory that you will need for entering into the field of photography. You will gain this experience through practice accompanied with feedback from professional photography teachers. A school's focus is to get you up-to-date on the artistic techniques and technical skills required in the production of professional photographs. A degree in photography will allow you easier access to photography jobs. In addition, you can learn how to establish a photography business and manage your career in photography.
Though many schools offer general photography majors, others offer more specific majors including commercial photography, photo media and portraiture. Commercial photography emphasizes the business aspect of photography, preparing students to enter a photography business or establish their own careers. Photo media majors teach students about the technical design and production of professional photographs, with a focus on the digital revolution of photography. Portraiture majors prepare students to enter the fields of photography associated with family, wedding and event photography.
Photography degrees offer myriad classes focused on improving your skill and knowledge in the field. Classes can include fashion photography, stop-action photography, portrait methods and undersea photography. Many schools allow students to choose an area of expertise and focus on classes devoted to that area. For example, if your focus is photo media, you might consider taking a course on digital illustration, which teaches you photography software and the concepts of illustration and page layout.
A photography degree can prepare you to move into the photography job market upon graduation. The degree is evidence of your skill and experience in the field and will give you access to a large list of photography-related professions. Jobs include scientific photography, news photography, fine arts photography, freelance photography and government photography.