Photography Course: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Career Scope
Anshuman SinghSenior Executive - Content
Photography is the art of capturing or creating real images by recording light, colour, and scenes. Everyone loves to take photographs but to excel in the field of photography; one must learn the various modes, settings, and the working of camera. Candidates can pursue courses such as BDes, BVA from popular design colleges in India to pursue a career in Photography.
Photography courses can be pursued at undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and certificate levels. Students who have completed their 10+2 from a recognised board can pursue Photography courses from several top colleges. Photography courses fees ranges between INR 2 lakh to INR 5 lakh. Aspirants can study Photography courses under Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC), or Bachelor of Mass Communication (BMM).
Several companies hire professional photographers for wedding photography, corporate events, media and entertainment, etc. Some of the top recruiters in the field of Photography are National Geographic, Discovery, Architectural Digest, UTV Motion Pictures, ESPN Sports, Star Sports, and so on.
The average salary of a photographer in India in entry level position is INR 3.8 Lakh.
- Photography Highlights
- Important Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) on Photography
- What is Photography Course?
- Photography Courses Eligibility Criteria
- Photography Course Fees
- Online Photography Courses
- Types of Photography Courses
- Photography Course Syllabus
- Top Colleges for Photography Courses - Government and Private
- 9.1 Top Private Colleges for Photography
- 9.2 Photography Courses in College (Government)
- 9.3 Photography Courses in College (Private)
- Photography Courses: Career Scope, Salaries and Job Profiles
- 10.1 Photography Job Profiles and Salaries
- 10.2 Photography Top Recruiters
- How to Become a Photographer
Photography Highlights
There are various courses offered in the field of photography. Listed below are some of the photography course details, such as course structure, course level, examination type, average starting salary, top recruiters and top job profiles:
Particulars |
Details |
---|---|
Courses |
BA in Visual Arts and Photography, MA Commercial Photography and Cinematography, Certificate in Photography, Diploma in Photography, |
Degrees |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Certificate, Diploma |
Duration of Photography Coourse |
|
Admission Process |
Entrance-based or Direct-Admission |
Examination Type |
Semester-wise |
Photography Course Fees |
INR 2-6 LPA |
Entrance Exams |
XIC OET, IIMC Entrance exam, FTII JET, PUBDET, MAAH AAC CET, CUET, NSD Entrance Exam, etc. |
Photography Courses in Colleges |
Amity School of Communications, National Institute of Photography, Nagpur University, NIFT Delhi etc. |
Annual course fee |
INR 2 lakh to INR 5 lakh |
Top Recruiters |
National Geographic, Discovery, Architectural Digest, UTV Motion Pictures, ESPN Sports, Star Sports |
Specialisations |
Wildlife Photography, Nature Photography, Wedding Photography, Sports Photography, Journalism |
Important Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) on Photography
Q. Do I need any prior experience for pursuing a Photography course?
- No prior knowledge or experience is necessary for a basic photography course. However, if you are willing to go through an advanced course, you need to have a sound knowledge of cameras, lighting, and frames.
- Candidates must be willing to put in extra hours in order to hone their skills and become great photographers.
- They can also freelance in order to develop their contact and clientele base.
- Therefore, this course doesn't need any expertisebut once they complete this course, their reputation will depend on the skills they possess and the experience they gather.
Q. Can a basic course in Photography help me to start a career in this field?
- If you are looking to make a career as a professional photographer, a basic course in photography can help you to some extent.
- After completing a Photography course, you have to hone your skills through advanced courses, workshops, trainings, etc.
- Many candidates who don't have any prior experience in Photography can also take up short-term courses in order to understand the basics of handling equipment and understanding photography techniques.
- Therefore, basic courses can be a great game-changer in order to start a career in this field.
Q. Do I need any computer skills for Photography?
If you have basic knowledge of computer, then using digital camera will be easy for you.
- Apart from this, you will also be able to do photo editing.
- Computer skills are extremely important in order to enhance the look of the photograph with the help of various editing tools.
- It can also help the photographer to create high-resolution pictures.
- Computer skills are required in terms of handling editing software such as Adobe which can help to fix the lighting, colour, and clarity of the images captured.
Relevant Link: Editing Course Overview
Q. What things should I keep in mind while choosing a Photography course?
- You should ensure that the Photography course structure is up to date and that the latest cameras are being used in the training sessions. Also, note how well-versed teachers are in this area.
- Another thing which is important is to consider the mode of the course, whether it is offered full-time or part-time. For more technical courses, it is suggested that the candidates undergo full-time courses to understand how to handle the equipment and the technicalities of image production.
- Hence, the right photography course can help candidates to make a good career in this field.
Q. What is the scope of Photography?
- There is a great demand for good professionals in the field of Photography. You can choose any specific area according to your talent or interest and master it.
- Candidates who have pursued courses in this field can not only work for companies or organisations but also start their own business venture and photography studio.
- Photographers are required by government departments to capture the moments of the Parliament or election processes as well as by media houses for organising interviews and commissioning portraits of the leaders.
Q. What is the structure of a photography course?
A pursuant has to study theory as well as devote time in the field for practical knowledge in order to achieve expertise in the subject.
They have to acquire knowledge of the activity, strategy, process, and art of creating and inventing still photographs and video photographs. The general topics included in the photography course curriculum are listed below:
- History of Photography
- Introduction to Image-Making
- Basics of Digital Photography
- Basics of Photoshop
- Basics of Printing
- Street Photography and
- Photojournalism
Students are taught about the basics of documentary photography, studio lighting for portraiture, studio lighting for still life, typography etc.
They are also given exposure to the industry through internship programmes.
Q. What is Digital Photography?
Digital Photography is the course related to using DSLR or Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera which help the photographers to capture the images in the real time.
- They can review and delete the picture in the real time and need not wait for the negatives to be turned into colored pictures.
- Therefore, it is a form of instant photography which saves time and also enhances the quality of the images.
- It also provides the liberty to adjust the aperture of the camera in order to generate better focus for the images.
Q. Are there any special courses for digital Photography?
- There are some courses which are completely focused on digital photography such as Certificate in Digital Photography, Diploma in Digital Photography
- However, to become a good photographer, it is also important to know the basics of the camera.
- If you have good creative ability, composition and technical expertise, you like to take on challenges and want to see the world through camera, then Photography is a good career option for you.
- An average photographer can earn from INR 80,000 to 1 Lakh per month.
Q. Which specialisations of Photography has the most scope?
- Although there is a good scope of career in all the specialisations of Photography, but some are very popular such as - Commercial Photography, Fashion Photography, Wedding Photography, Photojournalism
- Amateur photography is practised by people within their personal domain and post it in their social media handles.
- Commercial photography is practiced by professionals who are working in the field of Fashion and Design, Advertising Agencies, Film Industry, Paparazzi and Food photography etc.
- Therefore, the various branches of Photography are great career options.
Q. How can I become a Wildlife Photographer?
- Wildlife photography is related to capturing the animals in their habitats and it helps in documenting the movement of animals.
- One can become Wildlife photographer by completing various photography courses as per one's suitability and also possessing the knowledge about the wild animals.
- They must develop their portfolio by taking up freelance projects and assignments in order to apply at top wildlife institutes and media houses in the field of nature and environment such as Discovery, National Geographic Channel, etc.
Q. How do I learn professional photography?
Understanding exposure, composition approaches, and mastering the fundamentals are the first steps in starting a professional photography path.
- Start with a mirrorless or DSLR camera if you want manual control.
- To expand your knowledge, study books on photography, go to workshops, and enroll yourself in online courses.
- It's important to practise frequently so you can try working under different subjects, lighting conditions, and setups.
- Learn how to use photo editing software so that you can perform post-processing.
- Investigate several types of photography to find what fascinates you.
- Join photographic clubs and look for internet communities to expand your network.
- Create a portfolio of your finest work and think about enrolling in formal education to benefit from an organised learning environment.
- Keep abreast of developments in technology and industry.
- Establish a polished digital footprint via a website or social media accounts to establish connections with clients and partners.
Q. What is the difference between Nature Photography and Wildlife Photography?
Nature Photography and Wildlife photography are different specializations Photography that are closely linked but not the same.
Candidates can refer to the table given below to differentiate between Nature Photography and Wildlife Photography:
Nature Photography |
Wildlife Photography |
---|---|
It majorly covers natural elements around us. |
It majorly covers the life in wilderness. |
Its focus is more on water, land, trees, flowers etc. |
Its focus is more on animals, birds, insects etc. |
Q: What does a Photographer do?
Some of the major responsibilities of a photographer include:
- Communicating with clients to understand their needs
- Choosing and setting up locations
- Choosing and setting up photography equipment
- Taking photos
- Editing photos using different software programs
- Selling photos or promoting business in other ways
What is Photography Course?
A photography course teaches the art of capturing images using cameras. Photography combines creativity and technical skills to preserve moments and tell stories through visuals. Photographers document everyday events, nature, and human experiences. Some focus on wildlife, capturing rare animal behavior, while others highlight social issues through photojournalism. Many photographers create visual archives of personal and public milestones.
Theses course are ideal for individuals passionate about saving memories and producing visually appealing images. It also suits those who enjoy working with cameras and other photography equipment. Students learn to collaborate with clients, industries, and media companies to meet various photography needs. Those aspiring to work in multimedia or communication fields can explore design and mass communication programs that include photography as a major or minor.
Q: What are the different types of photography to learn?
Types of Photography | Description |
Abstract Photography | Focuses on shape, color, pattern, and texture. There are no set rules, allowing for creativity in capturing different elements within the composition. |
Art Photography | Captures the artist’s perceptions and emotions, aiming to express a personal vision rather than simply what the camera sees. |
Architectural Photography | Highlights the aesthetics of buildings and structures, including diverse forms such as tall buildings, estates, bridges, and warehouses. |
Urban Photography | Encapsulates people in their daily lives, as well as objects, urban landscapes, and surreal moments, capturing a decisive moment or idea. |
Portrait Photography | Focuses on capturing the physical appearance and emotions of a person, often highlighting key facial features or body posture. |
Advertising Photography | Aims to market or promote a product or idea, with the goal of generating consumer interest and driving sales. |
Aerial Photography | Involves capturing scenes from a high vantage point, creating stunning images of various locations. |
Underwater Photography | Requires specialised diving equipment and underwater cameras to capture images below the water’s surface. |
Black and White Photography | Utilizes shades from white to black, excluding color, to focus on contrast, texture, and composition. |
Fashion Photography | Captures clothing, jewelry, and accessories, often with a vibrant, eye-catching aesthetic that’s hard to ignore. |
Photojournalism | Uses storytelling techniques to visually convey a story, aiming to capture emotions and moments in time. |
Food Photography | Highlights the appeal of food, often aiming to evoke the desire to taste it, commonly seen on social media. |
Minimalist Photography | Emphasizes simplicity and harmony, using few elements in the composition to create a sense of visual peace. |
Astronomical Photography | Also known as astrophotography, it captures celestial bodies like planets, comets, and satellites, and is challenging due to technical requirements. |
Sports Photography | A branch of photojournalism focused on capturing critical moments in sports events, highlighting athletes in action. |
Lifestyle Photography | Transforms everyday moments into artistic compositions, often capturing the essence of daily life. |
Photography Courses Eligibility Criteria
Photography is a vocational course that emphasizes practical knowledge, with plenty of hands-on training. To excel in Photography, aspirants will have to devote hours to practical work. Here's the eligibility criteria list based on different academic levels:
Course |
Eligibility Criteria |
---|---|
UG Level |
|
PG Level |
|
Certificate-Level |
|
Q: Who should pursue a career in photography?
A photography career can be pursued by anybody who has an underlying passion for it. However, some of the skills that you need in order to be up in the game include:
Technical skills
- Understanding of all the settings and modes of a camera
- Understanding the working of different lenses, tripods, covering videos, etc.
- Editing skills
Soft skills
- A vision for what exactly a photographer wants to click
- Artistic approach
- Aesthetic taste
- Creativity
- Good concentration
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Team working skills
Photography Course Fees
Photography course fees generally range between INR 2 lakh to INR 5 lakh.
Online Photography Courses
In this digital age, candidates can gain essential knowledge required for pursuing Photography as a career through online Photography courses. These courses enable a candidate to learn about basic concepts of Photography, editing software and other skills. Candidates can find below some Photography Online courses along with duration and fee:
Photography Online Course Name |
Offered By |
Duration |
Fee (in INR) |
---|---|---|---|
Adobe Lightroom Classic CC and CC: Photo Editing Masterclass |
10 hours |
640 |
|
18 Hours |
Free |
||
15 Hours |
Free |
||
Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization |
Coursera |
Self-paced |
Free |
Udemy |
2 Hours |
- |
|
Photography Masterclass 1.0: A Complete Guide to Photography |
Udemy |
13.5 hours |
451 |
Coursera |
23 Hours |
Free |
Types of Photography Courses
The Diploma courses in Photography are tabulated below:
UG Diploma Courses in Photography | |
---|---|
Diploma in Photojournalism | Diploma in Fashion Photography |
Diploma in Photography | Diploma in Wedding Photography |
Diploma in Professional Photography | Diploma in Digital Photography |
Diploma in Still Photography | Diploma in Wildlife Photography |
Diploma in Photography and Digital Imaging | Diploma in Tabletop Photography |
Diploma in Travel and Nature Photography |
Diploma in Photography & Videography |
A certificate is also a short term course. A candidate who wishes to pursue a short term or certificate course can opt for below mentioned courses:
Certificate Courses in Photography | ||
---|---|---|
Basic Course in Photography | Still Photography Course | Professional Certificate in Professional Photography, wedding photography, Fashion Photography, Contemporary photography |
Certificate in Advanced Photography and Photojournalism | Certificate in Photography | Certificate in Digital Photography |
Certificate in Camera and Photography | Black & White Photography Workshop with Iqbal Mohamed | Wildlife Photography Workshop |
Professional Travel and Nature Photography | Advanced certificate in Photography | Certificate in Still Photography |
Photography Course Syllabus
The entire course of one-year duration has been divided into three modules. Photography syllabus has been framed to make the aspirants acquire sufficient knowledge and skills of photography.
In the table below, we have endeavored to provide a glimpse of the photography curriculum:
Part-1 | ||
---|---|---|
Theory |
History of Photography: early experiments and later developments |
Films cameras & Processing |
Photographic optics |
Different parts of a camera |
Types of Lenses |
Aperture: Functions |
Shutters: Functions | Focusing: Spot, Matrix |
Part-2 | ||
Digital Imaging |
Lightroom, Photoshop |
Photo Tools |
Photo Corrections |
Portrait Photography basic lighting systems |
Photographing in available light |
Sensors | Close up: Accessories and techniques |
Depth of Field Exercises (Practical) |
Part-3 | ||
Photographing a subject with different lenses |
Preparing full and ¼ portraits under different lighting conditions | Photograph, use of bounce and reflected lights |
Group photos and arrangements |
Use of Colour Filters-Lighting and Effects |
Photographic light sources natural and artificial. |
Selection of Shots |
Colour Filters –Different Kinds |
Composition rules of composition |
Relevant Links Related to Photography:
Top Colleges for Photography Courses - Government and Private
Students can choose a college from where they wish to pursue the course taking into consideration their seats, fees, and placements. The colleges mentioned in the table are listed alphabetically and not in any order of ranking hierarchy.
Top Private Colleges for Photography
Interested students can have a look at the table below to learn about Popular Colleges in India for Photography Courses. These colleges have established themselves as leading institutes in the field of mass communication and other allied courses. Some of these colleges are as follows:
Photography Courses in College (Government)
Candidates can choose the best institute as per their preference and suitability. Candidates often prefer government colleges as the fees in government colleges is usually much affordable.
Government colleges for photography also offer short-term certification and diploma courses which can be pursued after completing Class 10th or 12th. The colleges are as follows:
Name of College |
Total Course Fees (in INR) |
---|---|
40 K - 1.71 Lakh |
|
74.32 K |
|
24.2 K |
|
5 K |
|
40 K |
|
30 K |
|
30 K |
|
1 Lakh |
|
16.53 K |
|
75.32 K |
|
4.12 K |
Photography Courses in College (Private)
Some Private colleges for Photography have established themselves as leading institutes in the field of mass communication and other allied courses. These Photography colleges in India along with Photography Course Fee are given in the table below:
Name of College |
Total Course Fees (in INR) |
---|---|
30 K |
|
1.65 Lakh - 4.98 Lakh |
|
2.6 Lakh |
|
12 K - 1 Lakh |
|
3 Lakh |
|
50 K - INR 2 Lakh |
|
81K - INR 3 Lakh |
|
1.3 Lakh - 8.4 Lakh |
|
10 K - INR 90 K |
|
3 Lakh |
|
12 Lakh |
Photography Courses: Career Scope, Salaries and Job Profiles
In an age of ‘media explosion’, the need for photographers is in high demand. After completing the course of photography, students may receive plenty of opportunities to work. They may work as photojournalists in print media, digital media, fashion photographers for magazines, video photographers for digital media, wildlife photographers, etc.
Photography Job Profiles and Salaries
Here, we have prepared a table to provide some idea about the Careers in Photography. Also, students can check the average annual salary and job description of different types of photographers:
Job Profile |
Job Description |
Average Annual Salary |
---|---|---|
Fashion Photographer | Fashion models are photographed while wearing apparel and accessories by fashion photographers. They work for apparel companies, advertising firms, and fashion periodicals. | INR 3 LPA-INR 5 LPA |
Advertising Photographer | Photographs taken by advertising photographers are used in ads. They work for companies and advertising firms. | INR 5 LPA-INR 6 LPA |
Portrait Photographer | People are captured on camera by portrait photographers. They serve families, individuals, and corporations. | INR 4 LPA-INR 6 LPA |
Editorial Photographer | Photographs are taken for periodicals, newspapers, and websites by editorial photographers. They work on a range of assignments, including features, news articles, and photo essays. | INR 3 LPA-INR 6 LPA |
Fine Art Photographer | Photographs taken by fine artists are meant to be appreciated as works of art. | INR 4 LPA-INR 7 LPA |
Photography Top Recruiters
The top recruiters for Photography include various industries which hire photographers for their commissions. They seek candidates who can produce large volumes of images and capture the true picture and effectiveness of their companies. Some of these industries include:
- Journalism- Newspapers and Magazines
- Event Management- Birthday Parties, Weddings
- Advertising-Billboard banners, Magazines
- Wildlife Photography
- Sports Photography- Sports Channels, Tournaments
- Colleges and Universities
- Film and Drama Industry
- Fashion Design and Design industry
How to Become a Photographer
Photography starts as a passion, becomes a hobby, and eventually, you learn and grow along the way. Actually, it is not the degree but the number of hours spent behind the camera that makes you a great photographer. Here are some of the ways you can pursue a career in photography.
- Enroll in a photography course: To pursue a photography career, the first step should be enrolling in a course. With the technology evolving rapidly, you need to enroll in a photography course to understand the working of professional cameras and understand all other theoretical and practical parts of photography.
- Take up an internship: Once you have understood all the basics of handling a camera and photography as a whole, pursue the internship. Taking an internship will help you explore the outside world and gain knowledge from professionals in the field.
- Build an online portfolio: Apart from taking the internship, start building your online portfolio in the form of a blog or website to display your work to your potential employers or clients later.
Popular Photography Colleges in India
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Popular Private Photography Colleges in India
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)LPU - Lovely Professional University
- B.A. in Still PhotographyAsian Academy of Film And Television
- B.A. in Visual Arts and PhotographySymbiosis School of Visual Arts and Photography, Symbiosis International, Pune
- B.Sc. in Media ScienceiLEAD Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Development
- NLP Practitioner & NLP Master Practitioner Cert (ACCREDITED)UDEMY
Popular Photography UG Courses
UG Courses
- UG Diploma
106 Colleges
- B.A.
17 Colleges
- BFA
8 Colleges
- B.Sc.
7 Colleges
- B.Voc
3 Colleges
Popular Photography PG Courses
PG Courses
- PG Diploma
22 Colleges
- M.A.
7 Colleges
- MFA
4 Colleges
- M.Des
1 College
- M.Sc.
1 College
Popular Photography Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Fashion Design
26 Colleges
- Cinematography
8 Colleges
- Video Editing (Post Production)
8 Colleges
- Photoshop
7 Colleges
- Graphic Design
5 Colleges
- Visual Communication
5 Colleges
- Web Design
5 Colleges
- 3DS Max
4 Colleges
- Camera Handling & Lighting
4 Colleges
- Maya
4 Colleges
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Student Forum
Answered a month ago
There is no explicit details available at about the ranking of Light and Life Academy as it offers quite unique range of PG Diplomas. However, in the year 2020, Knowledge Review Magazine identified Life and Light Academy as one of the top 10 fine arts course providers in whole India.
Answered 2 months ago
A photography career can be pursued by anybody who has an underlying passion for it. However, some of the skills that you need in order to be up in the game include:
Technical skills
- Understanding of all the settings and modes of a camera
- Understanding the working of different lenses, tripods, coverin
S
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
Some of the major responsibilities of a photographer include:
- Communicating with clients to understand their needs
- Choosing and setting up locations
- Choosing and setting up photography equipment
- Taking photos
- Editing photos using different software programs
- Selling photos or promoting business in other w
S
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 months ago
Types of Photography | Description |
Abstract Photography | Focuses on shape, color, pattern, and texture. There are no set rules, allowing for creativity in capturing different elements within the composition. |
Art Photography | Captures the artist’s perceptions and emotions, aiming to express a personal vision rather than simply what the camera sees. |
Architectural Photography | Highlights the aesthetics of buildings and structures, including diverse forms such as tall buildings, estates, bridges, and warehouses. |
Urban Photography | Encapsulates people in their daily lives, as well as objects, urban landscapes, and surreal moments, capturing a decisive moment or idea. |
Portrait Photography | Focuses on capturing the physical appearance and emotions of a person, often highlighting key facial features or body posture. |
Advertising Photography | Aims to market or promote a product or idea, with the goal of generating consumer interest and driving sales. |
Aerial Photography | Involves capturing scenes from a high vantage point, creating stunning images of various locations. |
Underwater Photography | Requires specialised diving equipment and underwater cameras to capture images below the water’s surface. |
Black and White Photography | Utilizes shades from white to black, excluding color, to focus on contrast, texture, and composition. |
Fashion Photography | Captures clothing, jewelry, and accessories, often with a vibrant, eye-catching aesthetic that’s hard to ignore. |
Photojournalism | Uses storytelling techniques to visually convey a story, aiming to capture emotions and moments in time. |
Food Photography | Highlights the appeal of food, often aiming to evoke the desire to taste it, commonly seen on social media. |
Minimalist Photography | Emphasizes simplicity and harmony, using few elements in the composition to create a sense of visual peace. |
Astronomical Photography | Also known as astrophotography, it captures celestial bodies like planets, comets, and satellites, and is challenging due to technical requirements. |
Sports Photography | A branch of photojournalism focused on capturing critical moments in sports events, highlighting athletes in action. |
Lifestyle Photography | Transforms everyday moments into artistic compositions, often capturing the essence of daily life. |
S
Contributor-Level 9
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