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Photography - Overview

Overview

Photography programs teach people to express ideas and feelings using still photos. Students learn to operate cameras, lighting, and editing equipment. They also study business management and marketing.

A great photographer, such as the late Ansel Adams, takes us to places we have never been and inspires us to appreciate the world's beauty. It has been said that he waited for hours in one spot just to get the "perfect" shot. Art, in general, can connect us to each other, make us see things in a new way, and simply show us things of beauty.

In photography programs, your course work teaches you basic art principles such as art history, drawing, and design. You then concentrate on your specific area of photography, from black and white to macro (close-up) to experimental. You study the principles of editing and using computer software to help enhance and produce your work. You can also study how graphics software can be used to manipulate your original work into original or even abstract works of art.

Many colleges and universities have photography programs that lead to the bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree and the master of fine arts (MFA) degree. Community colleges and independent schools of art and design also offer studio training and programs. They may lead to associate of art (AA) degrees. In some cases, schools offer certificate programs. These are usually more technically focused and allow you to gain or update your skills in an area of photography for personal enjoyment. Certificate programs are also very common in photography. There are also a few independent photography schools.

It takes four to five years after high school to earn a BFA degree and six to seven years to earn an MFA degree. The MFA is usually considered a "terminal" degree, meaning that you do not need a doctorate if you desire to teach at the college level. Keep in mind that graduate study is almost always offered through a larger art and fine arts program, so be sure to read this program of study as well.

Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.
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