Highly advanced digital cameras are now available in stores for the everyday consumer at a relatively affordable price. Because of the widespread appeal, cameras that previously were only used by qualified professionals are now being utilized by beginners and hobbyists. While it is possible to become self-taught by reading Photography books or just practicing by trial and error, one may consider enrolling in photography schools to really excel at their craft.
Larger colleges or universities with undergraduate programs may offer a major in photography. The difficulties with that route is that, generally, the students in those programs are already past the beginner stage and the courses can be expensive and time consuming. Whatever one’s major is, usually the college requires taking a few liberal arts classes as well, which you may be uninterested in. In some cases, though, a college that specializes only in art degrees may have a program that allows you to take the courses you want in a shorter span of time, like nine months. Still, you could search more locally for individual classes run by a smaller organization or a master photographer. These classes may be less expensive but it also may be more difficult to find a variety of topics or a time that you could fit into your schedule.
Whichever photography school you end up going to, expect to learn both the art and the business of photography. Many may believe that owning a professional camera means that every photo taken with it will look professional, but that is not the case. Merely putting a photo in black and white and tilting the camera slightly does not make artistic talent. Expect to learn specific aspects of point of view, composition, white balance, shutter speed, aperture, and various lighting techniques. If you are working with digital photography, it would benefit you to also take an intensive class on a photo editing software, like Adobe Photoshop or a similar program. If you opt for the older technique with film cameras, be sure you understand how to process and develop in an official dark room.
Photography is not only about the art, though. While in photography school, you should also concern yourself with the requirements of copyright laws and advice for starting a business. You can begin by taking individual head-shots and then advance to scheduling lucrative events like weddings.
There are online digital photography schools. Two websites that are online digital photography schools are www.schoolofphotography.com/ and webphotoschool.com/.
You can look for schools specifically geared towards photography on Photography Schools fanpage - http://www.facebook.com/photographyschoolsThe fanpage also has fun facts and useful info on photography and answer your questions regarding photo schools!
The largest concentration of photography schools are located in Santa Monica. There are six schools, four of which are positivly reviewed in top photography magazines.
There are several schools photography schools in Sacramento, CA. Most colleges and universities also have colleges of arts that can teach photography.
One photography school that is the best is The Art Institutes International Minnesota. There are probably not any free photography schools. Yes, you could get a job doing photography work.
Brooks Institute of Photography is the top rated photography school in America. You can find information on this and other local schools at the following link: http://blogs.photopreneur.com/top-photography-schools-in-the-usa-to-learn-photography.
Photopreneur, a photography blog, has a list of well-known photography schools by state at http://blogs.photopreneur.com/top-photography-schools-in-the-usa-to-learn-photography. Besides learning the artistic and technical aspects of photography, potential photographers should consider classes in photojournalism to become even better photographers.
There are various photography schools all around the country. The New york Institute of Photography would be a great place to start. It's known as a great school for photography in New york.
Photography schools exist all over the United States. Many local universities are a good starting point in the search. Us News lists the top 20 photography schools at their website.
Online photography schools teach different areas of photography. The courses range from photojournalism, digital photography, and conventional photography.
There are many photography schools in the United Schools. Each school has its pros and cons. You have to compare schools in your area to make and informed decision.
You can look at the following website: http://www.vancouvereducation.org/. The have a list of several schools in the area where you can study photography.