Wildlife photojournalists get shots like this for wildlife magazines, zoos and websites.
Becoming a wildlife photographer takes dedication, a well-developed eye for nature and the ability to catch motion. Individuals looking to become wildlife photographers need a degree in photography or photojournalism. Between 2008 and 2018, photojournalism is expected to experience a 12-percent growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entering the field--which is mostly freelance-based--offers rewarding experiences for aspiring wildlife photographers.
Associate's Degree in Photography
Typically earned at a community college, the associate's degree in photography gives aspiring wildlife photographers basic skills that will help them enter the wildlife photography field. Classes teach students use camera equipment, film development, photo enhancement, and light and composition. Earning an associate's degree takes about two years.
According to World Wide Learn, an associate's degree states that a student has not completed all the required credits necessary to earn a bachelor's degree. However, students with an associate's degree can enroll in a bachelor's degree program to complete the credit hours necessary to earn a bachelor's. An associate's degree in photography signifies to employers that students learned the photography trade.
Bachelor's Degree in Photojournalism
For the bachelor's in photojournalism, students must take classes that teach basic digital and non-digital camera usage, editing and take still and motion shots. For this degree, students will also gain field experience as some classes will send students on nature and news photo shoots.
Master's Degree in Photojournalism
A master's in photojournalism helps photojournalists place better jobs in magazines and in the media. Photojournalism students enrolled in master's degree courses must fulfill requirements such as sending photos to professional publications for publishing and creating art exhibits. While in the master's classes, students learn more about photography ethics, photo editing and documentary photography.
The photojournalism master's program is a two-year program and requires students to have a bachelor's degree in photojournalism or photography.
Schools with Photojournalism Degrees
Several colleges in the United States offer degree programs in photography and photojournalism. These schools include the Harrington College of Design in Chicago, Illinois, Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado, Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.
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