Individuals who enroll in online photography programs hone their skills behind the lens, learn how to best capture images for print, and study photo manipulation to achieve the best results. These programs may benefit those who are artistic, computer savvy, detail oriented, and self-motivated. Online photography programs are available at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degree level as well as a career diploma or certificate option.

Those who secure a diploma, certificate, or degree in photography may seek employment in areas such as production, news and media, publishing, and photography. Programs may provide students with the skills needed for a career as travel, portrait or commercial photography, or as a photojournalist or photo editor.

Available Degree Levels

• Career Diploma: Varies
• Certificate: One to two years to complete
• Associate Degree: Two years to complete
• Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
• Master’s Degree: One to two years to complete

Online career diploma programs in photography are designed to train students on the most up-to-date digital technologies while also equipping them with the necessary business skills to work successfully in the field. These programs may cover image editing techniques, camera operations, small business finances, and digital workflow. Students may also be able to gain additional training in a specialty area, such as wedding, sports, nature, or event photography.

An online certificate in photography provides students with the basic tools of operating a camera and the fundamentals of photography as a whole through coursework focused on lighting, choosing photography subjects, photography business skills, and image design. Individuals who may benefit from a photography certificate may include those with limited photography experience, or those who desire additional training in an aspect of photography, such as scenery, portraits or clothing.

An associate degree in photography may earn students the necessary training to seek entry-level employment. Most programs place an emphasis on photography fundamentals as well as the technical and problem-solving tools essential to working in the industry. Coursework may cover studio photography, studio techniques, digital photography, color management, and design fundamentals.

Those interested in an online bachelor’s degree program in photography may study photography basics in-depth, covering topics such as how to achieve the best lighting, what type of camera to use, and how to photograph images. Students may work to achieve a photographic vision and strong visual literacy. Courses may cover color theory and application, controlled lighting, photography history, digital imaging, and inkjet printing for photography.

Master’s degree programs in photography expand a students’ ability to manipulate cameras and lighting to take the best photographs. Students may learn about black-and-white techniques, studio lighting, and the different types of camera systems. Typical coursework may include contemporary art, digital and studio craft, digital printing, and photographic technique. Many programs also include a final portfolio requirement.

Career Options

Graduates seeking employment should have a keen eye for photography and know when to use color filtration, shadowing, lighting, and distances to enhance their pictures. Highly sought after skills in photography include strong marketing, organizational, interpersonal, and technological skills. Graduates may find employment in news and media, production, and publishing.

Possible career fields include:

• Travel Photographer
• Portrait Photographer
• Commercial Photographer
• Photo Editor
• Photojournalist