Do you love to take pictures? If so, you can put your photography skills to use by applying for photography scholarships. Whether you are snapping pictures for your Instagram account or are a serious photographer, there are a number of great scholarships available to you.
Jump ahead to:
- How to win scholarships for photography students
- Resources for photography students
- Frequently asked questions about photography scholarships
- Other scholarship lists to explore
Keep on reading to learn more about our top photography scholarships including eligibility, award amounts, and deadlines!
How to win scholarships for photography students
Don’t forget to brainstorm!
Photography scholarship applications may look a little different from your average scholarship. Rather than strictly submitting essays, you’ll probably be submitting your photographs, perhaps with artist statements or essays to accompany them.
Before you start sending out submissions, it’s a good idea to do a bit of brainstorming. Think about your goals and aspirations as a photographer. Try going over the following questions and jotting down the first things that come to mind when you ask them of yourself. Don’t worry about writing elegantly or succinctly; just get it down on a piece of paper to reference later. Try asking some trusted family members, friends, and mentors the same questions of yourself to get some other perspectives. This will prove invaluable as you begin your applications.
Questions to consider
- What was the first moment you know you wanted to be a photographer?
- Who are your photographer heroes and why?
- How do you want to change the world with your photography?
- Why photography, out of all the artforms out there?
- What do you want to say with your photography and why is it best said through the art of photo?
- How have your personal experiences informed your work so far?
Write strong statements and essays
Once you have done some reflecting, it’s time to get to writing! We can help you write strong statements and essays with our guides on how to write an essay about yourself, how to write a winning scholarship essay, and how to tailor your writing to 250 and 500 word limits.
It may also be your first time writing an artist statement. This is a unique type of writing that has its own style. Check out Art Prof’s guide on the artist statement to get an idea of what scholarship providers may be looking for. We can also help you start and end your essays, and respond to common scholarship essay prompts. Good luck!
Also see: How to create your best college portfolio
Resources for photography students
National Press Photographers Association
If you’re interested in photojournalism, this is a great association to check out and eventually join. They serve as advocates for the profession and connect photojournalist around the country to share ideas and resources. They also offer membership discounts to students.
Professional Photographers of America
As with any major, it’s a great idea to connect with some people in the field as you study your material. The Professional Photographers of America gives you the opportunity to do just that. You’ll connect with people who take photographs for a living and have the opportunity to ask them about their experience. You’ll be able to get advice and testimony about the field from people all over the world and of all different ages and fields of photography.
Federal financial aid
This one may seem obvious, but we want to make sure that every single student is filling out the FAFSA. The application qualifies you for institutional aid, as well as federal grants such as the Pell Grant and loans such as Stafford Loans. It’s free and easy to apply, and no matter your income or assets, you will qualify for at least some benefits. Be sure to complete the FAFSA before its deadline.
Frequently asked questions about photography scholarships
Do I have to major in photography to get a photography scholarship?
Are there scholarships for photography students?
Can photography students apply for art scholarships?
Other scholarship lists to explore
- Top art scholarships
- Top dance scholarships
- Easy scholarships to apply to
- Top scholarships for high school seniors
- Top scholarships for women
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