Photography is a versatile degree that can lead to jobs and careers in many different areas. Visit the department website, watch the videos below, or scroll down and select an option under Related Career Fields to see more information about potential careers you can pursue.
Photography Minor
Related Career Fields
Select a career field below to see some of the various areas it encompasses, types of employers, and some sample occupations.
Photography
Career Areas
- Fine arts
- News
- Commercial and industrial
- Portrait
- Nature
- Scientific
- Journalism
- Food
- Underwater
- Weddings/Events
- Fashion
Employers
- Museums
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Websites
- Photo agencies
- Studios
- Libraries
- Large corporations
- Self-employed
- Venues
General Information
- Develop proficiency with photo editing software.
- Because more than half of all professional photographers are self-employed, it is important to develop knowledge and understanding of business principles.
- Apprentice with a freelance photographer.
- Maintain an up-to-date portfolio of both black and white and color photography.
- Obtain an internship or part-time job with the campus newspaper, local newspaper, website or other media outlet.
Print Design
Career Areas
- Magazine design
- Newspaper design
- Book design
- Brochure, flyer, newsletter, menu, packaging, poster publication design
- Cover/label design
- Advertising layout
- Photo editing/Photoshop art
- Illustration
- Logos, business cards, stationery, billboard, car wrap design
- Infographics
Employers
- Magazine, Periodical, Book, Directory, Newspaper, Textbook, Greeting card publishers
- Design firms
- Advertising agencies
- Publishing houses
- Business form companies
- Publicity firms
- In-house creative departments
- Large retail stores
- Toy companies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Government agencies
- Universities
- Self-employed (freelance)
General Information
- As a designer, you are creating numerous visual and text communication works, small to large, from posters to identity systems.
- Research all the niche areas and gain the tools and technological skills to succeed in that area.
- Assemble a portfolio of work samples.
- Complete a related internship to gain relevant experience and to contribute to your portfolio.
- Work on campus publications in design or layout or find a part-time position with a local publication.
- Develop excellent communication skills and learn to work well on a multidisciplinary team.
- Volunteer to create brochures, newsletters, or other publications for campus organizations.
- Develop problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines.
- Join professional associations as a student member.
- Become knowledgeable in production and printing processes.
- Develop broad software application skills in MAC and PC based programs and a solid background in design.
- Participate in local or campus design contests.
Media
Career Areas
- Journalism production, design, art criticism, editing
- Art direction
- Sales
- Programming
- Video
- Illustration
- Animation
- Story board
- Film
- Social media
- Digital imaging and editing
Employers
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Websites
- Book publishers
- Studios
General Information
- Develop excellent grammar and writing skills along with knowledge of the history and culture of art.
- Learn HTML and other computer programs to prepare for online work.
- Work with campus or local newspapers.
- Create a portfolio of work samples, especially those that have been published.
Social Media Management
Career Areas
- Strategy
- Content planning
- Community management
- Marketing and promotions
- Blogging
- Copy writing
- Search engine marketing
- Online customer service
Employers
- Public relations firms
- Marketing agencies
- Advertising agencies
- Social media management companies
- Media outlets
- Corporations in a variety of industries
- Web application companies
- Freelance
General Information
- Get experience with social media platforms, (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter) and location-based social media sites, (e.g., Yelp and Gowalla).
- Be adept at learning new technology and tools quickly.
- Stay up to date with industry news.
- Establish an online presence for yourself, and use it in your job search.
- Complete an internship in social media.
- Volunteer to maintain social media for campus organizations.
- Develop skills important to this field including: communication, creativity, relationship building, and project management.
- Take courses in marketing, journalism, copy writing, and technology.
- Research an industry of interest to learn about its social media presence.
- Learn how to effectively manage negative press.
Join Organizations
Being active in both student and professional organizations can help boost your career. You'll have the opportunity to network with and learn from peers, mentors, and professionals. Working within these groups helps build leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. You'll gain hands-on experience, showing employers your proactive attitude and commitment to growth, making you a stronger job candidate.
Student Organizations
Check out the organizations listed below, search Laker Life, or talk with a Career Coach to find others.
Search for Employers
General Guidelines and Strategies
- A bachelor’s degree is valuable for entry-level positions, but an advanced degree is usually necessary to attain competitive, upper-level positions.
- An art-related degree can and should be tailored to areas of specialization.
- Save artwork for a strong portfolio – too much is better than too little.
- You may need to relocate to the larger markets of metropolitan areas where more opportunities exist.
- Join appropriate professional and student organizations.
- Volunteer with fundraising efforts for the arts.
- Gain valuable experience through volunteering, internships, part-time and summer jobs, and apprenticeships.
- Seek exposure to photography by visiting museums around the country and world.
- Conduct informational interviews with professionals in areas of interest to learn more about opportunities and strategies for these areas.
- Pair this area with other career interests to increase opportunities and provide supplemental income.
- Develop skills in business management, computers, marketing, and other related areas to increase marketability.
- A career in the arts takes dedication, patience, flexibility, talent, and some luck.
- Develop proficiency with photo editing software.
- Because more than half of all professional photographers are self-employed, it is important to develop knowledge and understanding of business principles.
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Phone: 315-312-2255
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