The art of photography is a skill that can be mastered by anyone who has a passion for it. However, like any other form of artistic expression, only raw talent isn’t enough to build a successful career doing photography at a professional level. If you are interested in pursuing photography as a career, you might want to consider enrolling in a Bachelor of Visual Arts course.
But what makes the BVA course, as it is commonly known, the preferred choice for learning professional photography? In this blog, we try to find out as we explore the BA visual arts interior design course in more detail.
All About the BVA Course
A Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA) course is a 4-year undergraduate program that offers an all-round education in various expressions of visual arts, with the aim of developing your artistic vision, technical skills, and critical thinking abilities. Along with learning about the history, theory, and practice of visual arts in different contexts and cultures, in this course, you will also learn artistic skills in mediums such as:
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Printmaking
- Digital media
- Photography.
For more information regarding the Bachelor of Visual Arts course, check out the table below.
| Course Name | Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA) |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Mode of Examination | Semester System |
| Eligibility Criteria | 10+2 passed with a minimum of 50% marks |
| Mode of Admission | Merit-based or entrance exam |
| Average Course Fee | INR 50,000 – INR 6 Lakhs |
| Average Salary | INR 5 LPA |
How to Learn Photography in a BVA Course?
A Bachelor of Visual Arts course provides a solid foundation to learn skills in different types of art forms, like sculpture, painting and mixed media – which includes photography. Here’s how the BVA course at Anant National University will help you in your journey to learn photography:
Learn Photography Skills and Techniques
A BVA course will teach you the basics of camera operation, training you to take advantage of the following invaluable concepts of photography in your work:
- Exposure
- Lighting
- Composition
- Colour theory
- Editing.
This course will also introduce you to different styles and techniques of photography, allowing you to explore and find out what suits you the best. Some of these formats or styles are:
- Black and white
- Analogue
- Digital
- Studio
- Documentary
- Experimental
- Conceptual.
Gain Practical Experience Under Expert Guidance
The BVA course at DesignX University will provide you with the opportunity to develop your own projects under the guidance of experienced faculty members who will try to bring out the best of your art through receiving feedback and critique. This culture of constant learning and execution encourages you to express your creativity and originality through your photographic presentations.
Learn About the Background of Photography
A Bachelor of Visual Arts course exposes you to the wider context and culture of photography, by offering you glimpses and insight into the history and evolution of photography from its origins to the present day. This will help you understand how photography has been used as a tool of expression and revolution throughout the years, and you’ll be able to the implications of photography in various contexts:
- Social,
- Political,
- Ethical, and
- Aesthetic.
Develop Your Portfolio
A Bachelor of Visual Arts course will help you build your professional portfolio and network by teaching you how to market yourself and your work effectively. The course encourages you to participate in events that showcase your work and connect you with potential employers and clients. These can take the form of:
- Exhibitions
- Competitions
- Festivals
- Workshops
- Internships.
Common Photography Careers
A Bachelor of Visual Arts course can prepare you for various career opportunities in the creative photography industry, some of which are listed in the table below:
| Job Role | Description | Average Salary |
| Photographer | A professional photographer usually specialises in different genres of photography, such as portrait, landscape, wildlife, documentary, fine art, etc and can work for newspapers, magazines, advertising agencies, fashion houses, studios, or freelance. | INR 3.7 LPA |
| Photojournalist | They use their photography skills to report on current events and social issues, working for media outlets, NGOs, or independent platforms. Photojournalists also create their own photo stories and projects that showcase their perspective and voice. | INR 5.5 LPA |
| Photo Editor | A photo editor works for publications, websites, or agencies, selecting, editing, and arranging photos for various purposes and audiences. They also collaborate with photographers and writers to create engaging visual content. | INR 1.7 LPA |
| Photography Teacher | Teach photography to students of different levels and backgrounds, working as a faculty member in schools, colleges, or institutes. They also conduct workshops, seminars, or courses online or offline. | INR 4 LPA |
| Photo Curator | Photo curators work for museums, galleries, or festivals, and organize, display, and promote photographic works by various artists. They can also research and write about the history and significance of photography. | INR 3.8 LPA |
Conclusion
A career in photography might be your dream job for various reasons, most of all probably for the freedom of life and creative expression it offers. That is not to say that photography doesn’t pay well – it does have the potential to give you opportunities of a lifetime if you know what you’re doing and do it well every time.
For this reason alone, courses like the Bachelor of Visual Arts exist – so that students with a creative knack can pursue their interests in a safe and encouraging environment. A BVA course not only teaches you all the underlying principles and knowledge you need to build an ace career in photography but also includes other artistic mediums for you to explore and derive inspiration from.
Hence, if you want to build your photographic basics to have a successful career while learning practical skills and concepts, sign up for a BVA course today!
FAQs
1. Are BVA programs for 4 years only?
No, while the BVA program at ANU is of 4 years duration, some universities offer a 3-year BVA course too.
2. Is it necessary to do a BVA for a photography career?
No, it is not absolutely necessary to do a BVA to build a photography career, but it sure does help a lot in getting you better jobs as it helps you build your portfolio throughout your 4 years of study, and even offers options to diversify.
3. What can I do after a bachelor of visual arts?
You can either look for a job or pursue a master’s degree in visual arts or related topics after completing your bachelor of visual arts course.
4. What job roles other than photographer can you get with a BVA degree?
Some of the job roles other than that of a photographer that you can get with a BVA degree are artist, researcher, academician, curator, and creative director.