Photography
The technical and artistic craft of still image-making.
Photography trains you in both the technical craft (camera operation, lighting, editing) and the artistic practice of making still images, often across genres like portraiture, documentary, commercial, or fine art photography. Programs vary in how much they lean commercial versus fine-art.
Studio and darkroom or digital-editing courses build technical skill, while critique-based courses push students to develop a consistent artistic point of view across a body of work.
Typical courses you might take
- ✓Photography Fundamentals
- ✓Digital Imaging & Editing
- ✓Studio Lighting
- ✓Documentary Photography
- ✓Portrait Photography
- ✓History of Photography
- ✓Critique Seminar
- ✓Senior Portfolio / Exhibition
Sample four-year plan
Illustrative, not a registration planOne possible way these courses could be sequenced alongside general education and elective credit. Real programs vary in order, pacing, and prerequisites by school, use this to get a rough sense of the arc, not to plan actual registration.
- ✓Photography Fundamentals
- +General education requirement
- ✓Digital Imaging & Editing
- +General education requirement
- ✓Studio Lighting
- +General education requirement
- ✓Documentary Photography
- +Free elective
- ✓Portrait Photography
- +Free elective
- ✓History of Photography
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Critique Seminar
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Senior Portfolio / Exhibition
- +Capstone, thesis, or culminating project (common in many programs)
Skills you'll build
This major might be a good fit if you...
- ★Visually observant with a strong eye for composition
- ★Enjoys both technical craft and creative vision
- ★Comfortable working with people (for portrait/documentary work) or in technical studio settings
- ★Interested in building a distinct photographic voice
Common minors & double-major pairings
Journalism · Film Studies · Graphic Design
Roles this major could lead to
Factual, day-to-day descriptions from our Career Role Encyclopedia, not a guarantee this major leads to any specific job.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Photography major?
The technical and artistic craft of still image-making.
What courses do Photography majors take?
Typical coursework includes classes like Photography Fundamentals, Digital Imaging & Editing, Studio Lighting, among others, see the full course list above for this major's typical lineup.
What skills do you build in a Photography program?
Photography coursework typically builds skills like Camera and lighting technique, Digital editing and post-production, Developing a cohesive visual style, Giving and receiving critique.
Is Photography a good major for me?
It tends to be a good fit if signals like "Visually observant with a strong eye for composition" or "Enjoys both technical craft and creative vision" describe you. See the full "good fit if you..." list above for more.
What can you do with a Photography degree?
Majors in this field often go on to roles like Photographer. See our Career Role Encyclopedia for more, a major shapes what you study, not a guarantee of any specific job.
What other majors pair well with Photography?
Common minor or double-major pairings include Journalism, Film Studies, Graphic Design.
How is Photography different from Fine Arts / Studio Art?
They're related but distinct. Photography: The technical and artistic craft of still image-making. Fine Arts / Studio Art: Developing an original artistic practice across media. Use the compare tool to see courses and skills side by side.
How long does it take to earn a Photography degree?
Most bachelor's degrees, including this one, are designed to be completed in about four years of full-time study. Exact timing depends on your school, course load, transfer credit, and any changes of major along the way.
Printed from majoratlas.com/majors/photography