by Jonathan Haeber
jonathan.haeber@hqpublications.com
Ever dreamed of traveling the world and taking photos for a renowned magazine? Chances are, you won't have the chance to do this without training from a photography school. Today's technology requires more than a simple understanding of light, composition, and exposure.
The rise of digital photography schools
Since the days of Louis Daguerre and Fox Talbot, the fathers of photography, the practice has evolved dramatically. No longer does processing take hours. Today, you can have a digital print in seconds.
Digital photography has burgeoned, and specialized digital
photography classes are on the rise. National Geographic recently published its first photo essay that was shot in an all-digital format. National Geographic photographer, David Alan Harvey - who recently tried using a digital camera - said, "the first thing that I tried to do when I picked up a digital camera was to simplify it."
In other words, digital photography is complex; it takes training, and many would say that the only way to receive the best photography
education is to go to a dedicated school of digital photography. Film photography – according to David Hockney, a renowned pop artist – is a "dying art," partly due to its susceptibility to digital manipulation.
From film to memory cards – photographic evolution
The hey-day of film photography is nearing its end. Signs everywhere point to the end of the 35mm era. Kodak reports a loss in stock value of nearly 50% since 2000. Analysts say it's because Kodak is too focused on the dying market of film photography, and was slow to respond to growing demand for digital photography equipment and digital storage devices for cameras.
The growth of technology, especially in the digital imaging arena has never been greater. Statistics from Lyra Research report that digital printing from home will be a 10 billion dollar business by 2008. That's no pocket change; and camera manufacturers know that.
What you learn at photography school
Of course, with high technology comes the great responsibility to use such technology ethically. In no other time has photography been under such high scrutiny.
In many digital photography photojournalism
classes, ethics now play a major role. Students are taught how to manipulate their digital images without compromising the editorial truth of the photo. In the world of journalism, such digital manipulation straddles a fine line, and digital photo editing classes will teach you the difference between right and wrong. On the other hand, some classes will teach you an infinite range of editing skills that can be utilized freely in the artistic photography world (unlike journalistic photography).
One of the best photography schools is - perhaps not surprisingly - located in Rochester, New York, where Kodak was born. Another photography school, consistently ranked in the top five is Brooks
Institute of Photography, located near Santa Barbara, California. Both schools offer digital photography courses.
Talent will set you apart from the crowd
Today's photographers need to be highly talented, possess extensive experience, and have a natural ability to market themselves. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects photography to be a competitive job field, and notes that, "photographers can expect keen competition for job openings because the work is attractive to so many people."
Such a high demand for jobs in photography ensures a low salary compensation bar, but some of the best photographers manage to earn six-figure incomes through print sales and royalties. Generally, photographers who go into business for themselves - and are successful - earn more.
Individuals with digital
photography schooling under their belt, and an understanding of Photoshop, often have an upper hand in applying for photography positions. Photography
school and talent, combined, usually make for a powerful case when applying for a highly competitive photography job.
Job specializations range in everything from sports photography, studio photography, commercial photography, photojournalism, or portraiture to nature photography, high-speed photography, and even highly technical surveillance photography for government or civilian security intelligence.
Increasing use of computer manipulation software and the newest photographic equipment will not replace the need for artistic individuals who can use these facilities. If you're not afraid of technology, and you have creative flair, a career in modern photography could be right for you.
About the Author
Jonathan Haeber has been an avid photographer for almost a decade, and published his photography in National Geographic News, CollegeBound Magazine, and a number of smaller newspapers. He served as Staff Photographer for Berkeley's independent daily, The Daily Californian. He has also served as copy editor and production assistant for National Geographic News, and a West Coast writer for CollegeBound Magazine. He holds dual bachelor degrees in English and Geography from U.C. Berkeley.
Sources
- http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?1003036
- http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/08/0813_030813_davidharvey.html
- http://www.etrade.com
- http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/news/story/0,11711,1161737,00.html
- http://www.bls.gov
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