College training for photographers focuses on individuals seeking a degree. This means that in addition to photography training, there will be a core set of subjects that the student will have to complete. Yet, college and/or university training for photographers can range from being proficient in the basic skills all photographers need to enter the field to specialized photography for a specific field of endeavor. Because of this, the photographer should have a general idea of what area of photography he or she wants to pursue before selecting a major. Keep in mind, however, that the college or university level training will be required if the individual wants to enter the field as a photojournalist or become a professional photographer within industry.
Training for photographers in specialized classes can be received through local junior colleges, universities and regular colleges, through technical or vocational schools and through private individuals. The individual should select specialized training classes based on the skills and knowledge that he needs. For instance, there are classes in the use of equipment, designing the photographic composition, business skills in growing a photography business, skills in working with clients, portrait taking, photography of landscapes and/or nature and many other skills.
Many freelance photographers gain their knowledge and skills from hands-on training. Some have no formal education, but they learn simply by doing over the course of time, increasing their knowledge and skills as they perform their work.
Hands-on training, however, is often required of even those who have degrees because in many cases college or specialty school graduates will be asked to perform as assistants to established photographers prior to being allowed to function on their own. This is important because freshly trained photographers must learn how to apply what they have learned to their craft in all aspects of a business.
Each individual should begin the selected course of training knowing that a photography portfolio must be created to demonstrate the level of expertise that he has achieved. This will aid in assisting the individual in getting into other training courses, as well as in being hired in the chosen field after training has been completed.