How do professional photographers still enjoy such high demand in age where digital technology and editing software allow amateurs to produce stunning photos? The answer is simple. Professionals receive training, connections, and experience that are only available through photography colleges.

If you have a camera, you can take amazing photos. If you have a computer, you can enhance these photos and make them even better. So what separates amateur photographers from professional ones? Why do companies, magazines, families, and individuals still pay top dollar for services they could provide to themselves for free?

The answer is simple.

Professional photographers have the training and connections to ensure that their skills never become obsolete. Even as technology improves, allowing amateurs to take better and better photos, professionals remain ahead of the trend because of the formal education they receive from photography colleges.

What Can You Learn from Photography Colleges?

Most programs start you off with the basics, stressing areas such as:

composition
lighting
framing
aperture and contrast
35mm developing

However, because of recent advances in digital technology, many programs also specialize in:

editing and cropping
enhancements and special effects
printing
desktop publishing

And because more than 50% of all photographers are self-employed, it is important that you master areas such as:

promotion and marketing
client management
Web site design and management
accounting and finance
entrepreneurship

In addition, by attending a professional photography college, you potentially have access to a vast network of fellow students, alumni, industry professionals, and career support services.

Photography College and Career Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, new job opportunities for photographers should keep pace with the national average for most other occupations through 2018. However, competition for many of the top paying positions with studios, magazines, and advertisers is expected to remain high due to the allure that professional photography has with many people. This fact merely underscores the importance of formal training. The more education you have, the better.

Stanley Rubenti

Stanley Rubenti is a world traveling writer and editor who has lived in Japan, the US, Thailand, and France. He currently resides in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where he offers college admissions advice for international students interested in studying abroad.

Bureau of Labor Statistics • Photographers • Dec 17, 2009 • http://www.bls.gov • http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos264.htm#outlook • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections

Schools are listed in alphabetical order by state then city.
Canadian schools are listed at the bottom.

The Art Institute of Phoenix

[Phoenix, AZ]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Digital Photography
  Fashion Marketing/Merchandising
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Tucson

[Tucson, AZ]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Apparel/Fashion Design
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Digital Photography
  Fashion Marketing/Merchandising
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

The Art Institute of California - Hollywood	[North Hollywood, CA]
Programs: Apparel/Fashion Design Digital Film & Video Production Digital Photography Fashion Marketing/Merchandising Graphic Design Interior Design Media Arts & Animation Web Design & Interactive Media Request More Information >

The Art Institute of California - Orange County

[Santa Ana, CA]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Apparel/Fashion Design
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Digital Photography
  Fashion Marketing/Merchandising
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

Brooks Institute - Santa Barbara

[Santa Barbara, CA]

The Santa Barbara campus houses our Photography Program. The campus has several locations in and around the community, all within a convenient five mile radius. With over 30 studios, the Santa Barbara educational facilities are among the finest in the world today.
Programs:
  Film & Video Production: Commercial Film
  Film & Video Production: Feature Film
  Graphic Design
  Professional Photography
  Visual Journalism
Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Colorado

[Denver, CO]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Apparel/Fashion Design
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Digital Filmmaking & Video Production
  Fashion & Retail Management
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Photography
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University - DC

[Washington, DC]

The Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University is one of the nation’s leading centers to study digital arts. Students choose the center for its hands on approach, state-of-the-art facilities, and individualized teaching methods. Career-track programs are offered in 3D Animation, Photography, Filmmaking, and Graphics & Web Design. Extensive career services are available as well as financial aid for students who qualify.
Programs:
  3D Animation
  Digital Filmmaking
  Graphic and Web Design
  Photography
  Web Development
Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale	[Fort Lauderdale, FL]
Programs: Advertising Apparel/Fashion Design Digital Film & Video Production Digital Filmmaking & Video Production Fashion Marketing/Merchandising Graphic Design Illustration Interior Design Media Arts & Animation Photography Web Design & Interactive Media Request More Information >

Miami International University of Art & Design

[Miami, FL]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Apparel/Fashion Design
  Computer Animation
  Fashion Marketing/Merchandising
  Film
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Photography
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

International Academy of Design & Technology -- Tampa	[Tampa, FL]
Programs: Computer Animation Digital Photography Fashion Design and Marketing Graphic Design Interior Design Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Tampa

[Tampa, FL]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Digital Photography
  Fashion & Retail Management
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Atlanta

[Atlanta, GA]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Commercial Photography
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Digital Filmmaking & Video Production
  Fashion & Retail Management
  Graphic Design
  Illustration
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Photography
  Video Skills
  Web Design
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

Harrington College of Design

[Chicago, IL]

It's time to design your future. Located in the heart of Chicago's famous ‘Loop', the Harrington College of Design has been providing professional design education for over 70 years. Associate degrees, bachelor's degrees and certificates are available in various aspects of Interior Design. Day and evening classes are offered and financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Programs:
Digital Photography
Interior Design
Request More Information >

The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago

[Chicago, IL]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Apparel/Fashion Design
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Digital Photography
  Fashion Marketing/Merchandising
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
Request More Information >

The Illinois Institute of Art - Schaumburg

[Schaumburg, IL]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Apparel/Fashion Design
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Digital Photography
  Fashion Marketing/Merchandising
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Web Design
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Indianapolis

[Indianapolis, IN]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Apparel/Fashion Design
  Digital Photography
  Fashion & Retail Management
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

The Art Institutes International Kansas City

[Overland Park, KS]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Fashion Marketing/Merchandising
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Photography
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

The New England Institute of Art

[Brookline, MA]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Broadcasting
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Fashion & Retail Management
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Photography
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

Hallmark Institute of Photography - Turner Falls	[Turner Falls, MA]
Programs: Professional Photography Request More Information >

Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University

[Waltham, MA]

The Art Institute of Michigan

[Novi, MI]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Digital Photography
  Fashion Marketing/Merchandising
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

Brown College

[Mendota Heights, MN]

Get into a career you love. Brown College, located in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, is dedicated to providing quality Associate degree programs in Design, Broadcasting or Technology. The programs emphasize hands-on education, and focus on areas that offer strong long-term employment opportunities. A.A. programs can be completed in as little as eighteen months. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Programs:
  Digital Photography
  Interior Design
  Radio Broadcasting
  Television Production
Request More Information >

The Art Institutes International Minnesota

[Minneapolis, MN]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Fashion & Retail Management
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Interior Planning with AutoCAD
  Media Arts & Animation
  Photography
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Las Vegas

[Henderson, NV]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Digital Photography
  Fashion & Retail Management
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

Briarcliffe College - Bethpage

[Bethpage, NY]

Get the education you need for the best jobs. With a convenient New York campus in Bethpage, Briarcliffe is dedicated to meeting the career-oriented needs of its student body. Briarcliffe offers degree programs in Business, Technology and Graphic Design. For over 35 years, Briarcliffe College has had one mission: to prepare students just like you for success in the business world.
Programs:
Digital Photography
Graphic Design
Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Charlotte

[Charlotte, NC]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Fashion Marketing/Merchandising
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Photography
  Web Design
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology - Dayton

[Dayton, OH]

Ohio Institute of Photography & Technology (OIP&T) provides career-based programs to students wishing to work in the fields of Photography, Graphic Arts, Multimedia, and Medical Services.
Programs:
  Associate of Applied Science: Graphic Design
  Associate: Photographic Technology/Commercial Photography
  Associate: Photographic Technology/General Applied Photography
  Associate: Photographic Technology/Portrait Photography
Request More Information >

Ashworth College - US	[Online]
Programs: Fashion Retailing Graphic Design Interior Decorating Intro to Photography Landscape Design Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division	[Online]
Programs: Advertising Graphic Design Interior Design Media Arts & Animation Photography Web Design Web Design and Interactive Media Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Portland

[Portland, OR]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Apparel/Fashion Design
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Fashion Marketing/Merchandising
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Photography & Design
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Philadelphia

[Philadelphia, PA]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Apparel/Fashion Design
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Fashion Marketing/Merchandising
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Photography
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh

[Pittsburgh, PA]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Apparel/Fashion Design
  Digital Filmmaking & Video Production
  Fashion & Retail Management
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Photography
  Web Design
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Charleston ℠

[Charleston, SC]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Commercial Photography
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Fashion & Retail Management
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Photography
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

International Academy of Design & Technology -- Nashville	[Nashville, TN]
Programs: Digital Media and Animation Digital Photography Fashion Design and Merchandising Graphic Design Interior Design Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Tennessee - Nashville

[Nashville, TN]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Digital Filmmaking & Video Production
  Fashion & Retail Management
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Photography
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Austin	[Austin, TX]
Programs: Digital Film & Video Production Fashion & Retail Management Graphic Design Interior Design Media Arts & Animation Photography Web Design & Interactive Media Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Dallas

[Dallas, TX]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Apparel/Fashion Design
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Digital Filmmaking & Video Production
  Fashion & Retail Management
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Photography
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Houston

[Houston, TX]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Fashion & Retail Management
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Photography
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Houston - North

[Houston, TX]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Fashion & Retail Management
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Photography
Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Salt Lake City ℠

[Draper, UT]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Digital Photography
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Washington

[Arlington, VA]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Commercial Photography
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Digital Filmmaking & Video Production
  Fashion & Retail Management
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Photography
  Video Skills
  Web Design
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

The Art Institute of Seattle

[Seattle, WA]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Animation Art & Design
  Apparel/Fashion Design
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Digital Filmmaking & Video Production
  Fashion Marketing/Merchandising
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Media Arts & Animation
  Photography
  Web Design & Interactive Media
Request More Information >

Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts)	[Vancouver, BC]
Want a career in the visual or performing arts? VanArts offers diploma programs in animation, acting, digital photography, game art and design, and more. Let our dedicated faculty teach you the skills you need to get the job you want. Full-time programs, part-time courses, and one-month intensives available Programs: 2D Animation 3D Animation Digital Photography Request More Information >

Ashworth College - Canada	[Online]
Programs: Fashion Retailing Program Interior Decorating Program Landscape Design Program Photoshop for Photographers Professional Photography Request More Information >