10 reasons to study photography online

**This is an updated post**

There are plenty of reasons people choose to study photography and take their creative skills to the next level. You might be interested in learning the basics of photography to up your Insta game. Or maybe you’re looking to formalise your skills with a qualification and accelerate your photography career.  

Whether your passion is a part-time hobby or a full-time job, there are loads of reasons why you should stop considering an online photography course and just do it! Here’s our top 10 reasons why you should study a photography course online.  

1. Photographers need a higher education, too

Most professionals have some sort of formal qualification and for many roles it’s a pre-requisite to obtain a position. While it may not be the only way to secure a career as a Photographer, having studied the subject will make you more employable and help you get a foot in the door. 

2. Online study emulates the real working world

For most online students, one of the most important reasons for choosing to study online is that it offers a flexible style of learning that can fit in around their life’s other commitments. Online learning allows you to study at your own pace, set your own study schedule and work towards your own goals without the pressure of strict deadlines. It takes discipline and dedication, but it also gives you the freedom to study how and when you want.    

For many professional Photographers this is how their working lives are also setup, especially for freelancers. This helps to establish discipline for study and work. 

3. You need more than just practice

Many aspiring photographers and artists believe that all they need is practice, especially when they’ve already got the talent. However, this isn’t usually the case. Photography is a much wider subject than simply pointing and shooting, and you need to work hard to master your technique. Real study embraces the entire subject, taking into account its history, theory and future industry trends, as well as the technical aspects of capture and post production.

4. Learn business skills

To succeed as a professional Photographer, you need a lot more than just photography skills; you need business smarts, too. Many Photographers are freelancers. Some may start out that way or create their own business, and this means you’ll need the business savvy to match your creative talents.

5. Get out of your comfort zone

While some aspiring Photographers may have already found their niche market, a photography course will better allow you to challenge your structure and already established skills, helping you to become more creative and innovative with your photography. This is especially important when you first start taking jobs as you’ll often have assignments that aren’t your norm. An online course will push your boundaries and help you better develop your skills and creativity.

6. The creative community

By studying a photography course online you’ll establish a community of photography peers, all going through the same courses, learning the same ideas and practices. 

At OC, we’re proud of the superior support we offer to our students. A common misconception about online study is that you’re studying alone. This is not true. Just because you’re not in a crowded classroom doesn’t mean you’re studying all by yourself! In fact, you can team up with a study buddy through OpenSpace, our world-class online learning platform. You and your study buddy can help to keep each other motivated and bounce ideas off one another. You can also chat to other students through the OpenSpace forums.  

7. You can work at your own pace

Studying online will allow you to work at your own pace, in your own hours. This way you have the flexibility to really let your creative juices flow, working with your inspiration rather than against it and against the clock.

8. You will learn things you can’t learn on your own

If you were teaching yourself photography, it may take years of practice and trial and error. It could take double the time double or even triple the time it would take you to learn the same techniques and skills in an online course, which can offer you direction and guidance from vocational experts. That’s because when you’re trying to teach yourself, you often end up spending your time troubleshooting rather than learning something new.

9. Work will always be there

While some may argue that there are too many Photographers and not enough photography jobs, the truth is, photography is an art and a marketing tool that will always be around. Unlike other professions there is no fear that the medium, niche or need will go away any time soon. Even when everyone fancies themselves to be a great shot, there are some shots that only a professional can get.

10. You’ll potentially enhance your opportunities for employment

Whether you’re a freelance photographer, a hobbyist or already have a decent career in the market, studying a photography course will give you professional skills. In the competitive market, this could lead to further professional activities.

Ready to start learning?

Are you ready to start studying a photography course online with Open Colleges?

Our CUA41115 Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging will help teach you the skills and knowledge you need to take your natural talent to the next level. Embrace your passion and get even greater enjoyment out of your hobby, or begin an exciting career path.

Find out what an online photography course can offer you.