work in progress

become a photographer

Gordon Parks. Moneta Sleet, Jr., James Van Der Zee, Carl Van Vechten. The names of these African American trailblazers in the field of photography provide a stirring reminder of the great strides that have been taken in this field. But what kind of commitment would it take to follow in their larger-than-life footprints? Well for starters, do you have a great eye for color and composition? Have you always been intrigued by the mechanics of photography and wondered how you could engage in it full-time? If your answer is yes, then there are a slew of opportunities available to you as a professional photographer. Like most careers, the more education you garner, the greater your opportunities become. By earning an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, you will attain the skills necessary to work in the commercial, science and fine arts industries, all of which rely heavily on photographers. 

The Lowdown

Money seems to make the world go ’round, so it’s understandable if salary plays a significant role in your career decision. Below are a few basic facts and figures to consider when contemplating stepping into the field of photography.

Average hours per week: 40

Average starting salary: $27,000

Average salary after 5 years: $31,600

Average salary after 10 to 15 years: $41,700

(The Princeton Review)

Now that you’ve uncovered more about the exciting world of photography, it’s time for you to investigate some of the top schools around the country. Who knows what might come of it – you’ll never know if you don’t try. Check out the following list of schools in your area that offer the training you’ll need to succeed as a professional photographer. 
AtlantaAtlanta Area Technical School www.atlantatech.org
Chicago Olive Harvey College www.oliveharvey.ccc.edu
Kennedy King College www.kennedyking.ccc.edu
Los Angeles Brooks Institute of Photographywww.brooks.edu
New York New York Universitywww.nyu.edu 
Houston The Art Institute of Houston www.artinstitutes.edu/houston
Charlotte The Art Institute of Charlotte www.artinstitutes.edu/charlotte