Available programs vary by institution. Some schools hold classes in basic skills, while others, such as the New York Institute of Photography, also offer courses specific to digital photography, editing and design. Students planning to pursue a career in freelance photography may want to look for a school that offers business classes, as well. These skills can help entrepreneurial photographers efficiently manage their contracts and accounts. For example, the New England School of Photography curriculum includes numerous management and finance courses.
Degree programs -- such as those offered at the Hallmark and New England schools of photography, which run 10 months and two years, respectively -- require a traditional application process and begin at specific times of the year. The acclaimed Brooks Institute offers a Bachelor of Arts program with multiple starting dates throughout the year. Other schools, such as the NYIP, have a rolling admissions policy, and students can complete courses at an individual pace. Most schools require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED and proficiency in English.
The cost of attending photography school varies widely by institution and course. A two-and-a-half month summer intensive at the Rocky Mountain School of Photography runs $7,495. Annual tuition at the NESOP is $22,400, as of January 2011. In addition to tuition, students need at minimum a digital point-and-shoot camera. Some schools may require or strongly encourage students to have supplemental equipment, including tripods and photo editing software. Financial aid programs and scholarships generally are available to help cover costs.
For photographers looking to sharpen their skills without enrolling in a full-time degree program, workshops, seminars and online courses provide focused, cost-effective alternatives. Websites such as BetterPhoto.com offer online classes that cover composition, lighting and photo editing, among other topics, and range from $150 to $350, as of January 2011.