Black and white or color, snapshot or staged work of art: what would our world be without photography? Photos give faces to famous names, show us other landscapes and showcase the latest fashion. They document the events of the day, keep your memories and open up new perspectives on the world. They hang in homes, restaurants and museums, and illustrate newspapers, magazines and websites.
Every smartphone now has a camera function that can be used to capture situations and post them directly on their own website. If you don’t just want to take pictures as an amateur, but also want to learn the craft of photography professionally , the photography course is the right choice.
Photography studies at a glance
Mainly technical colleges and art colleges offer a degree in photography. In the courses, students get to know all facets of photography – from analog processes and the latest digital technologies to image design and processing.
Bachelor programs
At the beginning of the bachelor’s degree , the theoretical and technical basics of photography are in the foreground. The students get to know the technical basics of analog and digital photography. You will deal with different possibilities of image design and deal with art and photo history. According to Maternityetchic, the digital image processing, the setting of layouts and the basics of the publication are also on the curriculum.
In the higher semesters, the focus is on practical work . The students develop their own photo projects and put them into practice. At most universities it is possible to concentrate on one focus. The choices are, for example
- Advertising photography
- Documentary photography
- Artistic photography
- Photo design
- Photo journalism.
In addition to practice, reflection on one’s own work and those of others plays an important role in the course. The students get to know the basics of scientific work and have courses in image analysis or work criticism . In addition, subjects such as business start-ups or project planning are on the curriculum, which should make it easier for students to enter the world of work.
At almost all universities, the course ends with your own practical thesis and a corresponding written elaboration.
Masters programs
Anyone who would like to gain further qualifications after completing their bachelor’s degree or several years of professional experience has the option of adding a master’s degree . The master’s programs are mostly practice-oriented and offer the opportunity to specialize in a field of photography and to find your own photographic style. Job- related courses such as self-management and scientific reflection are also important components of the master’s degree.
Application requirements
Admission to the photography course takes place in several steps:
- The “portfolio test”: The applicants first submit a portfolio with their own work, on the basis of which their artistic talent is assessed
- Practical aptitude test: The examinees are given several small tasks. This is to ensure that they can work artistically even under time pressure.
- Theoretical aptitude test: The main aim here is to get to know the applicants and find out their reasons for studying photography.
In order to be successful in their studies and in their professional life, applicants not only need artistic talent and creativity , but also technical understanding . Since today’s photographers do a large part of their work on the PC, using the computer and digital image processing programs should not be a problem either.
Fields of application for photographers
Many photographers work freelance after graduation . You accept commissioned work for companies or private individuals. Some specialize in a particular field of work such as food photography, fashion photography, or advertising photography.
Also employment in press and publishing houses or advertising agencies are possible. Photographers are then involved in photo productions, for example, or work as picture editors.
A few graduates establish themselves in the artistic field and earn their living with artistic photography.
Reasons for studying photography abroad
Other countries offer photographers a wealth of inspiration and motifs. Therefore, studying abroad is particularly suitable for photographers. Abroad, students have the chance to realize a photo project in another country . At the same time – depending on the focus of the foreign university – you will get an insight into other techniques and styles of photography.
In addition, a stay abroad offers a unique opportunity to improve foreign language skills and make international contacts . Both can prove to be helpful for later professional life.
