Learn the skills and concepts you will need to become a Kitchen and Bath Designer. The page below lists schools and colleges that offer excellent programs and degrees in Kitchen and Bath Design. Study basic design, drawing, plumbing and lighting designs that will train you to be a success in the Kitchen and Bath Design Industry.

Why a Career in Photography Might Be for You
Many of us have dreamed about a successful career in photography. Whether the dream was of shooting photos of famous models in exotic locations, or capturing images of wildlife in their natural habitat, the idea of an exotic photography job approaches mythic proportions.

In real life, however, the image isn't always as clear. A career in photography is difficult as the field is very hard to break into. A successful photographer needs not only a keen eye and creativity, but must also be hard working, able to adapt to changing technologies and, in most cases, adept at running a small business. With the right photography degree and desire, there's no reason, however, that you can't become one of the successful ones.

The Independence of Photography Jobs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 130,000 people made their living as photographers in 2002. More than half of all photographers were self-employed, a much higher proportion than the average for all occupations. Those who were self-employed held a variety of positions, fulfilling contracts with advertising agencies, magazines and others on project-based photography jobs. Other self-employed photographers run portrait studios or sell their work to stock photo agencies.

Photojournalism is also a large field for those seeking a career in photography. Many photographers who work at newspapers, magazines, television stations and other news-gathering institutions are salaried employees. These people enjoy a career in photography with a steady paycheck and benefits.

Photography Degree
Having a successful career in photography can be a catch-22. That's because the way to get photography jobs and assignments is to have a good reputation and portfolio. But how can you go about earning that portfolio if no one will give you the chance? You might need to start with a photography degree.

You can earn a photography degree at a college or university, or even an online institution. Employers will not only want someone with a good eye for capturing an image, but someone who has a good technical understanding of the field, often including digital photography.

Your photography degree courses might cover elements like:

• Design and composition


• Photography equipment


• Film processing


• Commercial photography


• Fine arts photography


• Liberal arts


• Business courses

If you are more interested in photojournalism, your photography degree will also teach you how to understand a story so that you can properly document it, determine which images are newsworthy and how to sell your work. Choose the photography degree that offers the most classes in the specific area you want to pursue.

What Will You Earn from a Career in Photography?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average annual earnings of salaried photographers were $24,040 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $17,740 and $34,910. Median annual earnings in the industries that employed the largest numbers of salaried photographers were $31,460 for newspapers and periodicals, and $21,860 for other professional or scientific services. Those with salaried photography jobs tend to earn more because they work full time, and spend less money on equipment purchases and maintenance.

Whether you can achieve a successful career in photography is up to you. But it's hard to get started without the right photography degree. Check out the courses and start snapping away!

Posted on March 14, 2005 at 01:09 PM