We believe it does, and we’re here to tell you why.
As our Photography Program Leader, Rikki Bunder, puts it, “Undertaking a photography degree offers a rare opportunity to dedicate time and focus to developing your creative voice, supported by expert mentorship and critical feedback. It provides a structured, immersive environment where you can explore and refine your ideas, techniques, and ambitions.”
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of getting a degree in photography, so you can decide whether it’s worth it for you.
One of the most valuable tools in a photographer’s kit is an experienced, empathetic and helpful mentor. The benefit of pursuing a photography degree is that mentorship and guidance are baked right into the curriculum.
At Collarts, all our lecturers and academics are experienced industry professionals who are actually working in the industry they’re teaching about. This means you can learn how to become a professional photographer from professional photographers and benefit from expert mentorship from day one of your creative journey.
Diploma of Photography graduate Nighty Okot is currently running her own business as a portrait and event photographer, as well as facilitating photography workshops (including one at the upcoming KWABO Festival).
She says of her Collarts experience:
“My lecturers have really gone above and beyond to see me succeed. There were many opportunities for 1:1 time with lecturers and mentors which, for my kind of learning style, really helped me succeed in my units and develop my own business alongside studying.”
There are so many career pathways in photography that budding creatives can wander down. Gaining industry experience in even one photography niche means acquiring a wide variety of gigs, which can be a struggle when you’re just starting out.
“The degree environment offers a rare kind of freedom, a space where you're encouraged to take creative risks, make mistakes, and even fail, without the pressure of client expectations or industry deadlines,” says Photography Program Coordinator, Christina Simons.
“It’s also a space for self-discovery. Many students begin the course unsure of exactly what direction they want to take within photography. Through exploration, experimentation and reflection, they not only learn about themselves but also begin to define their own aesthetic and creative voice.”
While studying at Collarts, you’ll gain hands-on experience across photography styles such as:
Portraiture
Commercial photography
Landscape photography
Photojournalism
Mobile photography
This means you can build up your portfolio with a diverse range of work and discover where your passion really lies – all before you graduate.
Learning how to take fantastic photos is one thing. Learning how to run a successful photography business or work within an existing creative business is another.
All Photography students at Collarts study units centred around creative entrepreneurship – because we believe in producing career-ready graduates with an in-depth understanding of the industries they’re entering, as well as the practical business skills they need to thrive as a professional photographer. Which is why 82% of our graduates land jobs shortly after they finish their courses.
Bachelor of Photography graduate Aya Kajewski is currently working as an event photographer in Melbourne. They say of their Collarts experience:
“I would definitely recommend that any aspiring photographers complete a degree in photography because there is so much to learn about how the photography industry works. Collarts helped me understand the photography industry and the importance of building rapport with potential clients.”
The creative industries thrive on collaboration and networking, no matter what stage of your career you’re at. Building your portfolio in the early days of your career often means getting together with other budding creatives to collaborate on projects that show off your different skills.
Fortunately, institutions like Collarts are a melting pot of every kind of creative under the sun. Which means you don’t have to look far to find eager, talented collaborators.
Photography students at Collarts have the opportunity to work with students in other courses to fill their portfolios while they’re studying. This includes working with Fashion & Sustainability students on creative editorial shoots, or shooting live performances by Music Performance students.
Nighty Okot says, “Where there’s a will there’s always a way to achieve your dreams, and one of the most inspiring and motivating environments you can find yourself in is one where you’re surrounded by people with a passion for creativity and photography like Collarts.”
On the topic of networking and collaboration, it’s equally important to gain real-world industry experience. Getting your foot in the door is often the hardest part of launching a creative career, and finding people willing to give newer professionals a chance can be a challenge.
While completing a photography degree, you’ll be able to lean on the network, connections and reputation of the institution you’re studying with. Collarts prides itself on its connections within a variety of creative industries, as well as its industry partnerships with a wide range of companies, brands and events. This means we can arrange industry placements and opportunities for hands-on experience to help our students build up their skills, confidence and portfolios.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Photography and Diploma of Photography here, or head here to learn about studying photography 100% online with Collarts Online.