Photography Scholarships
Careers through a Camera Lens
Love taking pictures? I mean really love shooting images because photography programs are rigorous and competitive. Most students are part of art and design programs and many photography majors are required to complete curriculum related to art history and general design and graphics.
Professional photographers may pursue careers as freelancers, as photojournalists and in an array of commercial advertising and design fields. Be prepared to assemble a nicely presented sample of work when applying for scholarships. Photography is a visual arts field and the caliber of work is important.
Professional Scholarships
North American Nature Photography Association offers scholarships to photography students who would otherwise not be able to afford the travel expenses for the annual NANPA Summit conference. Students must be members to qualify. The Janie Moore Green Grant is funded by the NANPA Foundation and provides students with up to $1,000 for their tuition in a photography program. Students are chosen on academic merit and photographic talent.
The Millotte Scholarship Fund provides up to $4,000 to students studying photography with a special emphasis on natural subjects. Qualified applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA and preference is given to residents of Washington State.
World Studio Foundation is an international organization committed to promoting and encouraging the arts. Students may apply for scholarships in a range of arts programs including photography. Applicants must prove financial need to be considered as well as a 2.0 GPA. Preference is given to minority students and severely disadvantaged students. Applicants must also be prepared to submit a professionally prepared sample of work, which will also be considered.
The Association of Women Journalists sponsors the AWJ Scholarships for students majoring in journalism, communications or photojournalism programs. Qualified applicants must be enrolled in a college in Texas and must be female upperclassmen.
Vermont Professional Photographers sponsors the Ivan and Bernice Burnham Memorial Fund. Member photographers may apply for these awards. Applicants must be planning on studying a program of photography. Funding varies.
Scholarships available from the National Press Photographers Association include:
- Bob Baxter Scholarships go to photojournalism students. Up to $1,000.
- Reid Blackburn Scholarship goes to outstanding undergraduate students in a four-year photojournalism program. Qualified applicants must have a philosophically sound career goal that is in keeping with the spirit of the fund.
- Bob East Scholarship is awarded almost solely based on the merit of a photojournalism student's work. Qualified applicants must also be planning on graduate school. Awards are up to $2,000.
- Still Photographer Scholarships are designed to encourage severely economically disadvantaged students who exhibit career potential.
College Scholarships
San Francisco State University Department of Photography offers the Jules Strauss Photography Scholarships to outstanding seniors. Qualified applicants are selected for an exemplary portfolio of work. Academic excellence is also a consideration.
Photography students enrolled at the Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology are likely interested in a distinctly professional photography career. Concentrations in commercial, medical and portrait photography are common. Scholarships available for students include:
- Larry Holland/AGI Commercial Scholarships are awarded to photography students are outstanding in attitude and committed to professional and commercial photography. Academics, portfolio and financial need are not a consideration.
- PPO/OIP&T Scholarship provides students with a $550 award. Applicants must have demonstrated commitment to the profession.
