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First, some facts. Of the Photography graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 502 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 56%, Photography graduates have a much lower likelihood (-11%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 16% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Photography graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 40% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from Art Institute of Houston - North with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Photography. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONIntern Hugh Hargrave Photography Apr 2013 - Jun 2013 Team Member  Teavana May 2014 - Aug 2014 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing the job histories of various individuals who graduated with degrees in photography, it's clear that the paths they have taken vary tremendously, with many roles being only tangentially related to their primary area of study. A significant number of graduates have pursued careers in fields that do not directly utilize their photography skills. For example, positions such as retail sales associate, account manager, and even roles in hospitality dominate many individuals’ career highlights. These jobs typically emphasize customer service, administration, and operations rather than any artistic or photographic practice.
However, there are also notable examples of graduates who have found work directly tied to their education. Many have pursued careers as photographers, photo editors, and retouchers. These positions require the application of the technical skills and artistic vision cultivated during their programs. Roles in photography, such as event photographer, product photographer, and freelance photographer, are common and demonstrate a direct connection to their academic background. Additionally, jobs like photography instructors and gallery managers also highlight the relevance of their degrees, allowing graduates to apply their expertise in educating others or curating photographic art.
Interestingly, while there's a mix of largely unrelated jobs and those that perfectly align with their photography degrees, many graduates have opted for roles in marketing, digital media, and social media management. These paths often incorporate visual storytelling and may involve the use of photography skills, but they do not necessarily focus on core photographic expertise. This trend suggests that the skills learned through a photography program are often transferable and can be adapted to various fields, including marketing and visual content creation.
To sum it up, the job landscape for individuals with degrees in photography appears to be split. On one hand, there are ample opportunities that leverage their photography skills directly, while on the other, many have charted paths in unrelated fields. The graduates' diverse experiences demonstrate the versatility of a photography degree, but also raise the question of how well educational institutions are preparing students for the current job market. It seems like there's still a journey ahead for many to effectively align their passions and professional aspirations with suitable career paths in photography.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Photography graduates:
Analyzing the career trajectories of photography graduates reveals a mixed bag of outcomes for those starting from various art schools. Many graduates find fulfilling jobs directly related to the photography industry, while others drift into unrelated fields or alternative vocational paths. It’s clear that the first job after graduation often sets the tone for career direction, with several graduates beginning as assistants or interns in photography-related positions. However, some end up in roles that exploit skills outside of photography, such as sales, marketing, or customer service roles.
For many graduates, their first jobs are closely tied to photography—positions like “assistant photographer” or “photo assistant” frequently pop up. For example, graduates from places like the School of Visual Arts often land assistant positions at established studios or brands, providing a springboard into freelance work or further photography roles. However, as we look five to ten years down the line, the paths start to diverge. While some graduates evolve into successful photographers, creative directors, or marketing roles within artistic fields, a notable number shift to unrelated sectors like customer service, hospitality, or office management. A significant portion still maintain a side hustle in photography, which indicates a strong passion for the craft even when their main employment diverges.
Ultimately, the varied career outcomes for photography graduates reflect broader trends in the job market. Those committed to building a photography-oriented career often find their footing, but many struggle to break through in a competitive field, leading them to pursue roles outside of their degree. The artistic community remains vibrant and essential, yet promising pathways within the photography space might often be slippery; it's not uncommon to see graduates balancing their passion for photography with day jobs that seem miles away from their creative intentions. This highlights the unpredictable nature of creative careers and emphasizes the importance of networking, internships, and continued skill development to navigate the often turbulent waters of professional creativity.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Photography can vary in difficulty depending on how passionate you are about the craft and how much effort you're willing to put into it. While some might find it easier than other degrees since it’s often more about creativity and hands-on work than hardcore theory, there are definitely aspects that can challenge you, like mastering technical skills, understanding lighting, and developing your unique style. You've got to be prepared to critique your own work and that of others, which can be tough sometimes. So, if you’re genuinely into photography and ready to dive in with an open mind and a lot of practice, it can be a pretty rewarding experience, but don’t underestimate the commitment it takes to really get the most out of it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Photography.
Looking at the job history of these photography graduates, it's a mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Some individuals have climbed up to managerial roles, account management, and creative director positions, which usually come with a pretty sweet paycheck. For example, recent grads from schools like the Savannah College of Art and Design and the School of Visual Arts have secured various creative roles that often pay well, especially in areas like marketing or project management. Meanwhile, others have spent years in primarily lower-paying positions, such as photography assistants or servers, which might not lead to substantial earnings, especially in the early years after college.
All in all, those who progressed into roles with more responsibility seem to be doing alright financially, but several others are still trying to break out of entry-level positions. This signifies that while many still have the potential to grow and boost their income, it's essential for them to keep networking or looking for opportunities that could elevate their careers. So, if I were you, I'd keep my options open and aim for those higher-paying gigs right after graduation; it's a jungle out there in the job market!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Photography. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Photography (ordered by the average relevance score of their Photography graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 School of Visual Arts
|
78 | 14 |
 Academy of Art University
|
73 | 11 |
 Fashion Institute of Technology
|
72 | 11 |
 Savannah College of Art and Design
|
70 | 24 |
 Columbia College Chicago
|
62 | 12 |
 The Art Institutes
|
42 | 11 |