Photography is a dream career for many, and it is a great way to express your creativity. In fact, most people have started photography as a side hustle. In the era of social media influencers, photography has become a lucrative career option. There are ample courses available in photography, and depending on your interest, you can choose from diploma or online photography courses after the 10th or 12th.
However, before you enrol, it is important to understand the photography course details, including the duration, fees, and prerequisites. There are diploma courses that take three years to complete, while some may also provide a certificate or diploma in one year. The fees vary according to the type of course you choose, as well as the institution offering it.
Keep reading as we explore more about photography courses after the 10th and 12th.
Career in Photography
Photography is an amazing career option for those who have an eye for detail and are creative. It is an ever-evolving field and requires the right skills and dedication.
Apart from having artistic insights, one must also have an understanding of the technical aspects. It is also important to stay updated with the latest trends in photography and embrace them.
As a photographer, you can work in multiple fields, such as fashion, product, sports, and wildlife photography. You can also specialize in wedding, documentary, or portrait photography.
However, there are some photographers who specifically focus on a single type of photography and market their expertise in that particular domain.
Your primary aim as a photographer should be to capture interesting moments, tell stories in a creative way, and create visuals that are engaging.
With that being said, things are not just about knowing the angles and lighting; you also need to understand the technical aspects of photography. This involves knowing the tools and accessories used in photography and how to use them effectively.
That’s why it is important to pursue online photography courses from reputed institutes and gain knowledge about industry trends.
Photography Course Details: Eligibility
In India, any student who has completed their 12th standard can pursue a diploma in photography.
The eligibility criteria vary depending on the type of photography course you choose, such as long-term diploma courses, short-term certificate courses, or online photography courses.
It is important to check the institute’s credentials and read reviews before enrolling in any photography course. You must also ensure that the curriculum covers all the aspects of photography that you require.
Most importantly, you need to have a professional camera and other photography equipment. You must also have the motivation and dedication to learn and refine your skills.
Photography Course Details: Job Roles
Once you complete a diploma in photography after the 12th, there are plenty of job opportunities available.
You can be employed as a freelance photographer, advertising and marketing photographer, fashion photographer, wedding photographer, photojournalist, wildlife photographer, or any other specialized role. There is no dearth of opportunities if you have the right skills and knowledge.
Here is a list of the most popular job roles for photography graduates:
- Camera Operator: Camera operators capture good-quality images and videos in different fields, such as sports, wildlife, media, and entertainment.
- Commercial Photographer: Commercial photographers specialize in taking product photos for advertisements or catalogues.
- Studio Photographers: Studio photographers work with clients on the studio set to produce professional portraits.
- Event Photographers: Event photographers are responsible for capturing moments at weddings, parties, and other social gatherings.
- Aerial Photographers: Aerial photographers take photographs of landscapes from helicopters or aeroplanes.
- Food Photographer: Food photographers document dishes for menus, magazines, and websites.
- Photojournalists: Photojournalists capture newsworthy stories and cover events from around the world.
- Wildlife Photographers: Wildlife photographers focus on capturing images of animals in their natural habitats.
- Portrait Photographer: Portrait photographers take pictures of people in a variety of settings.
- Fashion Photographer: Fashion photographers specialize in taking high-quality images for clothing catalogues and fashion magazines.
- Photo Editor: Photo editors are responsible for selecting, editing, and retouching photographs.
- Video Editor: Video editors work on film and television projects to capture, edit, and modify video clips.
These are some of the most popular job roles for photography graduates. However, there are other related roles that you can explore as well.
Photography Course Details: Salary
The salary of a photography graduate depends on various factors, such as experience, qualifications, and the field you choose.
Generally speaking, photographers earn anywhere between INR 20,000 to 1 lakh per month. Experienced professionals can even earn up to 5 lakhs per month.
Apart from salary, you can also earn money through freelance photography. You can charge an hourly or daily fee for your services, depending on the type of project you’re working on.
Photographers with 5-6 years of experience charge 10-15k per day. That said, if you’re an expert in a particular field of photography, you could earn handsomely.
Photography Course Details: Employment Opportunities
As a photographer, you can find employment in a variety of fields, such as advertising, media, film and television, fashion, magazines, newspapers, industrial photography, wildlife photography, and so on.
You could also work with private firms or start your own business. There are plenty of opportunities in the field of photography if you have the right skills and knowledge.
The job market for photographers is very competitive. You need to be creative and passionate about what you do in order to stand out from the rest.
What does It take to Be a Photographer? Skills and Personality Traits
Photography requires technical skills, creativity, and business acumen. You need to have a good eye for detail in order to capture the right moment or scene.
Apart from that, you also need to have excellent communication skills and be able to work with people of all ages and backgrounds.
The ability to manage your time effectively is essential, as photography jobs can be demanding and require long hours. You need to have patience too so that you can take multiple shots until you get the perfect image.
Finally, photographers must have an entrepreneurial spirit if they want to succeed in this field. Having the willingness to learn new techniques and technologies will help you stay ahead of the competition.
What are the Courses You Can Take to Become a Professional Photographer?
There are a few options available for those who want to pursue a career in photography.
If you’re still studying, you can take a photography course after the 10th or a diploma in photography after the 12th. These courses are designed to help you develop your skills so that you can become a professional photographer.
- BFA in Photography and Digital Imaging
- BA (Hons) Communication Design – Photography
- Diploma in Photography
- BA in Visual Arts and Photography
Apart from formal education, there are plenty of online courses available which can teach you the basics of photography and post-processing techniques. You should explore these options too if budget is an issue.
Conclusion
Photography is an exciting and rewarding career. With the right skills and qualifications, you can find work in a variety of fields and earn a good salary.
Make sure to do your research before deciding on any course or taking up photography as a full-time job. You need to have patience, dedication, creativity, and business acumen to be successful in this field. Good luck!
