What Can You Do With a Digital Photography Degree in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What Can You Do With a Digital Photography Degree in 2025?

A digital photography degree equips you with the creative, technical, and business skills needed to capture, edit, and market compelling visual content. Students learn about camera operation, lighting techniques, composition, digital editing software, and visual storytelling. The curriculum often blends art and technology, preparing graduates for careers in both creative industries and commercial fields. This degree can also provide a strong foundation in portfolio development, which is essential for attracting clients or securing employment in competitive markets.

With these skills, graduates can pursue diverse roles such as commercial photographer, photojournalist, portrait photographer, product photographer, or event photographer. The degree also opens opportunities in related fields like digital marketing, social media content creation, photo editing, and visual arts education.

Many graduates choose to freelance, run their own photography business, or work for agencies, media outlets, or corporate marketing departments. As visual content continues to dominate online and print media, the demand for skilled photographers with digital expertise remains strong.

For those looking to accelerate their education, exploring a fast track bachelor degree can help you complete your studies more quickly while gaining the same valuable skills. 

What is a digital photography degree and what will I learn?

A digital photography degree is an academic program that focuses on the art, science, and business of creating images using digital technology. It blends creative skills with technical knowledge, teaching you how to capture, process, and present photographs for artistic, commercial, or journalistic purposes.

Programs can be offered at the associate, bachelor’s, or even master’s level, and often include both classroom instruction and hands-on practice to help you build a professional-quality portfolio.  If you're interested in expanding your design skills alongside photography, you might also consider programs like a graphic design school online to complement your creative toolkit.

In a digital photography degree, you will learn essential photography skills such as camera operation, lighting control, composition, and exposure. You will also gain proficiency in post-production tools like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom for editing and retouching.

Courses often cover visual storytelling, color theory, image formats, and printing techniques, as well as business topics like marketing, branding, and client relations. Many programs also emphasize industry trends, ethical considerations, and emerging technologies to prepare you for the evolving demands of the photography field.

What is the difference between a photography degree and a certificate program?

A digital photography degree is a longer, more comprehensive program. Usually offered as an associate’s or bachelor’s, it combines technical training with broader education in art, design, and sometimes business. Degree programs typically take two to four years to complete and cover a wide range of topics, from camera operation and editing to visual theory, marketing, and portfolio development. Among photographers in the U.S., 51% holds a bachelor's degree.

A photography degree often include general education courses, such as writing or history, which can expand your career options beyond photography.  For those exploring options, some may even consider pursuing one of the easiest college degrees to balance workload with learning.

A photography certificate program is shorter and focuses on developing specific photography skills without general education requirements. Certificates are ideal for beginners who want a quick entry into the field or professionals who want to upgrade their skills in areas like lighting, digital editing, or portrait photography.

While certificates can help you build a solid skill set and portfolio quickly, degrees provide a deeper, more versatile foundation that may be preferred for certain competitive or advanced roles.

This chart shows the most common degrees held by photographers, highlighting the educational background typical in the field. It provides insight into how formal education influences career paths in photography.

What factors should I consider when selecting a digital photography degree program?

When choosing a digital photography degree program, start by looking at the curriculum. Make sure it covers both the technical and creative aspects of photography. This includes camera operation, lighting, editing software, visual storytelling, and business skills like marketing and client management. Check if the program offers opportunities for hands-on projects, internships, or portfolio development, as these experiences are critical for launching your career.

You should also consider the school’s facilities, equipment access, and faculty expertise. Look for programs that provide up-to-date cameras, lighting gear, and editing labs, as well as instructors with industry experience. Location, cost, accreditation, and alumni success are other important factors. 

For budget-conscious students, exploring the cheapest bachelors degree online options can help find quality programs that fit financial needs. Finally, think about flexibility. Check if the program offers part-time, online, or hybrid options. Choose the option that best fits your lifestyle while still delivering the skills and experience you need.

What are the most popular specializations for a digital photography degree?

About 181,000 professional photographers are working across the U.S. in fields like portraits, events, and commercial photography, earning an average of $53,380 annually. Here are some of the most popular specializations in a digital photography degree:

• Commercial Photography: Focuses on creating images for advertising, product promotion, and corporate branding, often requiring strong lighting and styling skills.
• Portrait Photography: Specializes in capturing individuals or groups, with emphasis on posing, expression, and personalized lighting techniques.
• Photojournalism: Trains you to tell stories through images for news outlets, magazines, and online media, blending photography skills with ethical reporting practices.
• Fashion Photography: Centers on photographing clothing, accessories, and models for magazines, designers, and marketing campaigns.
• Fine Art Photography: Explores photography as an artistic medium, focusing on creative concepts, personal expression, and gallery exhibitions.
• Sports Photography: Involves capturing high-speed action and emotion at sporting events, often requiring advanced technical skills and specialized equipment.
• Event Photography: Covers weddings, concerts, conferences, and other live events, demanding versatility, timing, and people skills.
• Nature and Wildlife Photography: Focuses on capturing landscapes, plants, and animals in their natural environments, often involving travel and patience.
• Architectural Photography: Specializes in photographing buildings, interiors, and structures, with attention to perspective, lines, and lighting.

What photography skills are essential for career success?

Around 15% of photographers work for media-related industries. Essential photography skills for career success include:

• Camera Operation: Mastering manual settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to capture high-quality images in different lighting conditions.
• Lighting Techniques: Understanding natural and artificial light, as well as using tools like reflectors, softboxes, and flashes to create the desired mood and effect.
• Composition: Applying rules like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to create visually appealing and balanced photos.
• Post-Processing: Proficiency in editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom for color correction, retouching, and enhancing images.
• Attention to Detail: Spotting and correcting issues like unwanted shadows, distractions in the background, or incorrect focus.
• Creativity and Storytelling: Developing original concepts and using images to convey messages or emotions.
• Time Management: Meeting deadlines for shoots, edits, and client delivery, especially in fast-paced environments.
• Communication Skills: Directing models, understanding client needs, and collaborating with creative teams effectively.
• Business and Marketing Knowledge: Managing a photography business, promoting services, and networking to attract clients.

Many of these skills overlap with those in related creative careers, such as graphic design. For instance, strong post-processing and composition abilities are also highly valued in design roles. Looking at data such as the average graphic designer salary can give aspiring photographers perspective on how their skill set compares across industries and where diversifying into design could provide additional career flexibility and income potential.

What are the top career paths for a digital photography degree graduate?

Portrait photography is the most popular specialization, practiced by 65% of photographers nationwide. Top career paths for digital photography degree graduates include:

• Commercial Photographer: Produces images for advertising, branding, and marketing campaigns.
• Photojournalist: Works for newspapers, magazines, or online outlets to document news and events. As of 2023, about 1,580 photographers were in this sector.
• Fine Art Photographer: Creates artistic works for exhibitions, galleries, or personal projects. Many professionals in this field also pursue advanced degrees, and exploring master of fine arts jobs can lead to opportunities in higher education, museum curation, or creative direction, expanding career options beyond independent artistry.
• Portrait Photographer: Specializes in capturing individuals, families, or professional headshots.
• Sports Photographer: Captures high-speed action and emotions in athletic events.
• Event Photographer: Covers weddings, concerts, corporate events, and other live occasions.
• Fashion Photographer: Shoots clothing, accessories, and models for designers, brands, and publications.
• Wildlife or Nature Photographer: Documents animals, landscapes, and natural environments, often for media or conservation groups.
• Architectural Photographer: Photographs buildings, interiors, and structural designs for real estate, architects, and designers.
• Photo Editor or Retoucher: Enhances and prepares images for publication or marketing.

Graduates may also explore crossover fields where photography and film intersect. For example, if you’ve ever wondered what can you do with a cinematography degree, many of the creative opportunities—such as visual storytelling, directing, and editing—parallel careers in photography, making it possible to move fluidly between still and motion-based media.

This chart highlights the industries that employ the largest number of photographers, showcasing where photography professionals find the most opportunities. 

How much can I make with a digital photography degree?

Here’s a clear view of what you might earn with a digital photography degree in the U.S.:

• General Photographer Earnings: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for photographers was around $42,520 as of May 2024, or about $20.44 per hour. Entry-level roles in photography often hover in this range, especially for those starting out in studios or as assistants.
• Digital & Commercial Photography: More specialized roles offer better pay. The average salary for a commercial digital photographer is about $70,795 per year. Similarly, commercial photographers can expect a base pay ranging between $62,000 and $82,000, with an average around $71,677 annually.

Glassdoor reports a higher median total pay of around $99,000 a year for commercial photographers, sometimes reaching up to $139,000, depending on experience, location, and project type. 

With a digital photography degree, expect to earn between $40K and over $100K, depending on your specialization, experience, and business model. The industry favors freelance work, with 64% of photographers self-employed, giving them greater career flexibility and control. Entry-level studio roles lie toward the lower end of that scale, while careers in high-end commercial, fashion, or digital content creation can push you into six figures.  For those interested in expanding their technical toolkit, comparing related fields such as design or drafting can be eye-opening—for example, reviewing trends in AutoCAD certification salary highlights how adding technical design credentials can create additional earning potential when paired with creative skills.

Meanwhile, those who would like to take their design skills further, pursuing one of the best online masters in UX design can open additional high-paying opportunities in the digital creative industry.

What is the job outlook for photographers in the next 10 years?

In the U.S., the job outlook for photographers over the next decade is expected to grow around 4% from 2023 to 2033, aligning with the average pace across all occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts about 13,700 job openings per year, largely driven by the need to replace retiring or transitioning professionals.

Still, that modest growth comes with strong competition. Smartphone photography, stock image platforms, and AI-generated visuals are reducing demand for some traditional roles. Yet, niches like portrait work, commercial advertising, and self-employed gigs are projected to remain stable or even expand.

As of 2024, the largest market were photo shoots and session fees at 60%. However, emerging areas—such as drone photography, e-commerce product shots, and real estate virtual tours—are showing promise.

For those interested in expanding their creative skill set, enrolling in a graphic design online school can provide complementary expertise to stay competitive. For instance, drone photography markets are expected to grow dramatically by 2030.

This chart illustrates the primary ways photographers earn income, breaking down the different revenue streams within the profession. It helps reveal which services and markets contribute most to a photographer’s overall earnings.

Here’s What Professionals Have to Say About Their Digital Photography Degree

Other Things You Should Know About Digital Photography Degree Programs

What types of graduate programs are available for a photography degree holder?

Photography graduates can pursue Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs to deepen their creative practice and artistic vision. They may also enter Master’s programs in related fields like visual arts, media arts, or art history. For those interested in the business or educational side, options include graduate degrees in arts administration, marketing, or education. Some choose specialized programs in photojournalism, film, or digital media to expand career opportunities.

What's the difference between commercial and fine art photography?

Commercial photography is created for business purposes, such as advertising, branding, and product promotion, with the goal of selling or marketing something. It is client-driven, meaning the work is shaped by a brand’s needs and target audience. Fine art photography, on the other hand, is focused on personal expression, creativity, and conceptual ideas, often intended for gallery exhibitions or collectors. While commercial work prioritizes market appeal, fine art photography emphasizes the artist’s vision.

Can digital photography graduates work in archiving and curation?

Yes, digital photography graduates can work in archiving and curation, especially if they have skills in digital asset management and photo preservation. These roles may involve organizing, cataloging, and restoring images for museums, galleries, or historical societies. Knowledge of metadata, image formats, and digital storage systems is valuable in this field. Additional coursework or certifications in museum studies or archival science can further strengthen qualifications.

How can I build a strong portfolio during my photography degree?

A strong portfolio comes from diverse, high-quality work that showcases your technical skill and creative style. During your degree, take on different types of projects—commercial, portrait, event, and artistic—to show versatility. Seek feedback from professors and peers, and continually refine your images through editing and curation. Include only your best work and present it in a professional, easy-to-navigate format, whether digital or printed.