• Commercial Photography: Commercial or industrial photographers shoot a wide variety of subjects, from people to products to architecture, for books, business reports, advertisements, online media, and other publications.

• Fine Arts: Some photographers approach their work in much the same way as painters or other artists. They sell their images as fine art in galleries or at art markets or festivals.

• Photojournalism: News photographers cover current events for newspapers and some magazines. They may be freelance or salaried, and their work typically involves traveling often and working odd hours.

• Portraiture: Portrait photographers photograph people, both for families and business. These photographers often work out of their own studio but may travel for on-site shoots.

• Science and Nature Photography: This field encompasses environmental photography, medical photography, and microscopy. These photographers may specialize in a particular area, like wildlife photography, or they may bridge several scientific disciplines.

• Certification: Variable time to complete, depending on the type of certification

• Associate degree: 2 years to complete

• Bachelor's degree: 3-5 years to complete

• Master's degree: 2 years to complete

Students seeking an associate degree in photography can enroll in an art institute or community college. These programs help students develop the essential knowledge they'll need to begin a career in photography, from design and composition to equipment and editing skills. Students may either enter the workforce following completion of the degree (usually after two years) or continue at a university.

Bachelor's degrees in photography expand on the coursework offered in associate degree programs. These are usually four-year programs, though students entering with an associate degree may complete the degree in less time. In addition to coursework on practicing photography, students may take classes on the history of photography, business and marketing skills, and the inner workings of the equipment they'll use in the studio and out in the field. Most programs require students to submit a cumulative portfolio at the end of their degree.

Students wishing to earn a master's in photography generally seek to specialize in a particular field, like landscape photography or portraiture. Such students take further coursework in photography techniques and art history, and they develop a more comprehensive portfolio of their work.

You can check if the photography programs you're interested in are accredited at this U.S. Department of Education site. Bear in mind that non-accredited schools don't necessarily offer a substandard education, but you may not be able to apply your non-accredited degree at another institution if you seek further study.

There are no certification requirements for becoming a professional photographer. That being said, a degree—be it an associate, bachelor's, or master's—or certification in a particular field (e.g. wedding photography) from a photography organization or a reputable school will indisputably help you advance in your career and make you more attractive to potential clients and employers.

The salary you earn in the photography industry depends more on your experience and ability than your level of education. In general, entry-level photographers or those with minimal training (for instance, professional certification but no degree) can expect to earn less than $17,000 per year.

Photographers with an associate or bachelor's degree can earn $20,000 to $29,000 at first but can expect to see their annual income rise as they gain more experience and network with more clients. The top professional photographers—generally those with a master's degree and years of shooting experience—make $44,000 to $62,000 or more per year.

While health insurance and retirement options are often included in salaried positions, freelancers must provide their own plans. The same is true of equipment, travel costs, and other job-related expenses (BLS wage information).

It's cliché but undeniably true: a picture is worth a thousand words. Even in a struggling economy, businesses and news organizations still seek photographers to supplement articles, reports, and advertisements. Job growth in the photography industry is expanding on par with other professions, with employment opportunities expected to rise 18% between 2008 and 2018. This increase is aided by the burgeoning demand for photographs in online media.

Still, competition for photography jobs can be stiff, especially as prices for equipment fall, making professional gear accessible to the average consumer. The growth of online photography markets is likely to be somewhat offset by the decline of printed photos; struggling newspapers in particular have trimmed their photography staff. Many newcomers begin their careers as freelancers, as salaried positions are outnumbered by the number of photographers seeking such opportunities. (BLS)

Photographers are able apply their camera skills in a variety of similar careers. For instance, photographers can apply their creative eye and understanding of visual placement techniques to work in advertising design. In this field, creation of appealing advertisements, commercials, and product designs are critical to success.

Those wishing to make the jump from still images to moving pictures may be interested in film and television production. Photographers can employ their knowledge of lighting techniques and image composition to film making. Also, photographers may work to create movie stills for posters or promotions, or to build a storyboard in the developing stages of film creation.

Work in the fine arts is another related career that may appeal to photographers. Fine artists may work in a single medium, like photography, or may dabble in mixed media. They can also use their photography skills to preserve or market other types of art, like sculpture, fashion design, or cooking and food photography.