Last Updated on July 31, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar
Do you like to click photographs? Do you like to edit photographs and play around with camera? Have you been pursuing photography as a hobby and want to take this hobby to the next level? If yes, professional photography courses will be of help to you! In this article, you will be reading about photography courses available in India. These courses can be pursued after 12th standard as well as after graduation.
Article covers topics such as details about professional photography courses, eligibility criteria and career prospects.
Photography can be described as the art and science of taking photographs and processing it. It involves equipment such as cameras, lenses, computer software (for image processing and editing) etc.
Professional photography course covers topics such as use of cameras, angles, computer graphics, image editing, lighting, lenses, editing software, digital photography and exposure.
This profession is suited for those, who have a passion for photography and are creative. These skills will help one excel in this field.
The job of a photographer is exciting and creative at the same time. This profession has evolved over time and has undergone significant changes. A photographer may work independently or as a staff photographer for setups like NEWS papers, magazines, websites, companies etc.
To thrive in the field of photography, one must possess a set of qualities and skills. They include-
- Passion for photography
- Creativity
- Will to travel and work at odd timings
- Patience
- Concentration
- Technical expertise
- Computer and software skills
- Communication skills
If you think you’ve got the qualities and skills mentioned above, let us find more details about photography courses available in India.
In India, three main course formats are available, when it comes to photography-
- Bachelor’s Degree courses
- Diploma courses
- Certificate courses
The Bachelor’s Degree courses falls under the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts categories. Bachelor of Science courses are available too. Visual Communication is a course that covers the art of photography. Pursuing that course will also help one gain photography skills and knowledge. Let us check out Bachelor’s Degree courses-
List of Photography courses in India –
1 Bachelor’s Degree courses
- BA Photography
- BA Visual Arts and Photography
- BFA Photography
- B.Sc. Photography and Video Visual Production
- B.Sc. in Photography and Cinematography
It is evident from the above list that the Bachelor’s programs are various forms of BA and B.Sc. programs. Apart from the above entries, Visual Communication courses, Media Production (BA) and Journalism & Mass Communication courses also deal with photography. But those courses are generalized ones though!
The above mentioned photography courses are UG Degree programs.
Course duration: Each program listed above lasts for a period of 3 years.
Eligibility criteria: 10+2 pass (any stream- Science, Commerce or Arts) from a recognized board. Students who satisfy this criteria are eligible to pursue this course.
2 Diploma courses
Diploma courses related to professional photography are offered by numerous private institutes across India. Such Diploma programs can be classified into three types, based on training and content- Beginner’s course, Intermediate course and Professional course.
Some of the well known Diploma programs are-
- Diploma in Digital Photography
- PG Diploma in Photography
- Diploma in Fashion Photography
- Diploma in Professional Photojournalism
- Diploma in Photography and Cinematography
- Diploma in Advertising and Commercial Photography
- Diploma in Photography and Digital Imaging
- Diploma in Digital Cinematography
Course duration: It may vary from one institute to another. Generally, it is around 1-3 years. Shorter duration Diploma courses are available too (example- 6 months long program).
Eligibility criteria– 10+2 pass (any stream- Science, Commerce or Arts) from a recognized board. Students who satisfy this criteria are eligible to pursue this course. Note: Few institutes also accept 10th passed students.
3 Certificate courses
Certificate programs are the shortest of all. Many private institutes across India offer certificate photography courses. Some of the well known certificate programs are-
- Digital Photography
- Fashion and People Photography
- Commercial Photography
- Photography and Image Editing
Course duration: Certificate courses lasts for a period of 3-6 months.
Eligibility criteria– 10+2 pass (any stream- Science, Commerce or Arts) from a recognized board. Students who satisfy this criteria are eligible to pursue this course. Note: Few institutes also accept 10th passed students.
Other than the above mentioned course formats, one may also attend photography workshops to learn new skills and know more about digital photography, equipment and image editing!
Specializations in photography
Photography is a vast field. It has many areas of specializations within it. Some of the well known ones are-
- Fashion Photography
- Fashion and People Photography
- Product Photography
- Business & Industrial Photography
- Nature and Landscape Photography
- Wildlife Photography
- Sports Photography
- Event Photography
- Fine Art Photography
- Automobile Photography
Based on one’s interests, one may specialize in any of the above mentioned fields using courses mentioned above.
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Career prospects and job opportunities
A professional photographer may work independently or under supervision of others. Based on specialization, a photographer could don any of the many roles, like-
- Fashion Photographer
- Product & Commercial Photographer
- Business & Industrial Photographer
- Wildlife Photographer
- Sports Photographer
- Event Photographer (Wedding, Party, Concerts etc)
- Fine Art Photographer
- Automobile Photographer
- Photojournalist
- Forensic Photographer
One may also work as a freelancer. Opening own Photo Studio is another excellent job opportunity available in front of photographers. They may also indulge in repair and marketing work (related to equipment and cameras). News papers, magazines and websites are known to hire photographers. One may join them as a staff photographer or freelance photographer.
Salary
Salary depends on the role that a photographer dons (freelancer, staff photographer, specialization etc). Average starting salary for a staff photographer could be anywhere between 10-25K Rupees. Depending on the specialization, salary figure may vary.
I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.
I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.
Sir i am doing inter in cec gropu is eligible for wildlife photography and i want some more breaf information
Hi sir I’m in 12th now but I’m doing mobile photography from 6years and knowledge about camera I have basic knowledge only.. And I’m interested in photography and I’m doing editing in photography also by self only and I clicks product Photography, nature photography and fashion photography by phone can u pllz tell me that which line should I choose..
You may pursue a job oriented photography course.
I would also love to be a photographer, I have passion on takin pictures as we all know that passion and love pays you . This is my passion
Hiiii sir, Im Dinesh,im finished bca in this year,i like to do photography&cinemotography in diplomo course,In my future i want a satisfied salary,which course i want to do,prefer me some diplmo courses sir.
You may pursue M.Sc. in Film making course.
Sir I have done my 12th cleared, and i am interested in FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY can you please suggest me which course is suitable for me
Hey I am Tybmm student.i am interested in nature n landscape photography.can you help plzz what can I do For photography career
Hy…i am 12th pass and am very interested in wildlife photography so can you help what can I do for photography career
You may pursue relevant Bachelor’s Degree course and specialize in this domain.
Hii.. i am 12th pass and am very interested in wildlife photography so can you help or suggest what can I do for photography career.
I want to sell online photos
Sir,i have high interest in photography. I want to learn from begining about photography.iam in 12th now which course should i pursue after 12th?
Can i approach photography in my career after 12th science
Yes, you may.
I’m a girl and passionate about photography and student of class 12th going to join college.
Can you please suggest me colleges for BSc photography.
I’ll be very thankful to you.
I want to job with good salary
in professional photography …… So what do I do.
You may pursue a good Bachelor’s Degree course mentioned here.
Suggest me which is Best Course completed 12th
You may pursue a relevant Bachelor’s Degree program.
May I know how much Donation to enter in photography university i think it may be 1 lakh above bro can u say exact Ammount i wanna do CINEMATOGRAPHY I Completed 12 th
It varies from one institute to another. You must enquire at a college to get the general idea about the amount.
I’m in 11 standard I’m interested in wildlife photography can u tell me which place is better for its education and which course I need to take
You may pursue B.Sc. in Photography course.
Sir i have a big dream in photograpy course so you suggested me who is best course in photography my dream is world tour ???? within photography
You may pursue a relevant BA or B.Sc. course mentioned in the article.
Im in std 11 and I want to be FASHION photographer
Which is the best collage for studying photography?
I want to be a wildlife photographer.
I m in 11 STD now
Can you tell me which is the best place in Mumbai to learn the course
Iam studing Bsc Biotechnology final year and i want to study diplomo course in photography what can i do
I want to be a cinematographer. But I have no knowledge about it. I am a commerce (with maths) student. Can I pursue any of the courses given?
Yes, you may.
What is the best photography course after 12th pass out for best carrer in photography
Can i go abroad with photography?
You may. It depend on your skills and work.
Kya aap mujhe suggest kr skte h ki professional wildlife photography ka course kaha seekh skte h. With address..
Generally asking just for my knowledge What would be the lowest income of a fashion photographer?
Sir,
How to join photography course.
After 12 class.
what about salary sir? it depends on company we have joined or it depends on our work we do?
Both and other factors such as job location, your qualification etc.
What is the best option in photography whether it is harder for me, I can handle the situation.
Check out the Degree Photography courses.
which are the best colleges for BA in photography?
I’m not knowledgeable about the quality of institutes.
How can I become wildlife photographer?
Pursue any of the course mentioned in the article and choose Wildlife photography as your area of specialization.
can i learn photography after 1o th class study ??
Yes. You may pursue ITI Digital Photography course after 10th.
How can I become a fashion photographer?
You may pursue any one of the above mentioned Bachelor’s Degree (Photography courses) and specialize in the field of fashion photography.