Types of Photography Courses and Fundamentals
Written by Kaela English, Gooroo Instructor
I’ve been an artist my entire life. When I was young, I thought being an artist meant painting or drawing. I was disappointed when I quickly realized I wasn’t very good at either of those things. As time went on, I explored many mediums, and my understanding of what it means to be an artist grew. Soon, I discovered different types of photography. The prospect of capturing beauty through a lens instantly captivated me.
Discovering Photography as a Passion
I found that beauty is everywhere. It’s in the way the sun shines through my living room at 8 am. It’s in my best friend’s shy smile when she looks down. And it’s in the soft dewy glow that covers my neighborhood right after a mid-day rain. After years of exploring all kinds of mediums, I eventually decided to pursue photography in college. While getting my degree, I’ve learned that the word photography actually means, “to draw with light.” I may not be a traditional artist, but I think my younger self would be proud to know I still found a way to “draw.”
Throughout college, I’ve learned that the world of media arts is vast and ever-changing. Photography alone can open doors to jobs I’d never considered. I began college wanting to be a studio portrait photographer, but will be leaving college with interests in advertising. Learning about photography doesn’t have to lead to the types of photography jobs you’d expect. I’ve met other students who aspire to be journalists, art directors, and stylists. Regardless of our futures, photography has become an important and useful skill set for all of us. I love teaching Gooroo Courses to educate young artists on what it takes to be successful in this industry. Above all, I want to help you learn, much sooner than I did, that these types of photography jobs aren’t as narrow as you may think.
Entering the Photography Field
For anyone breaking into photography, the best advice I can give is do your research! Taking the time to find the right equipment for your photography goals and study how your camera works will help you develop a strong portfolio, which will also lead to jobs. I also recommend exploring all sides of the photography industry. You may find you enjoy planning shots, brainstorming concepts, and scheduling models more than taking pictures. Or maybe your creativity really shines during the photo editing process, so being an editor or retoucher could be the job for you!
So Many Types of Photography!
Just as you should explore every side of photography, I’d recommend trying out different niches as well! I would’ve never considered food photography as a real job if I didn’t take advertising and lighting classes. These experiences showed me just how fun it is to shoot still lifes, and that I could make a career out of it! As I mentioned, I thought I wanted to be a portrait photographer. Though that’s not my goal anymore, portrait photography taught me a lot about how to get started, find jobs, and communicate with clients. My work running a wedding photography business also created connections that led to more jobs. While my career goals have shifted, my previous experiences will help me succeed in my future role.
All in all, I’d recommend being open to everything and learning as much as you can! You never know what may come of the opportunities presented to you. I always knew I’d be an artist. And by exploring every creative opportunity presented to me, I’ve developed skills in filmmaking, journalism, and all kinds of photography. Being a multifaceted person in this industry is increasingly important as technology and business change. If you’re going to take anything away from reading this, I hope you get out and seize the day! I know it’s cliché, but by living these words, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities and potential photos!
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