If you enjoy taking photographs for their own sake or to document news and history, we have a wonderful selection of photography scholarships to help you study while eliminating or reducing the need for student loans.
There are scholarships and grants available to students of all ages and backgrounds, yet aspiring photographers may apply for a variety of awards.
For example, the National Press Photographers Association offers a scholarship for college juniors and seniors who are passionate about photojournalism.
And the American Society of Media Photographers provides a need-based grant to students enrolled in photography programs.
College can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. If you are a photography lover, there are ways to get scholarships and save money on your education. In this blog post, we will discuss how to get photography scholarships and some of the best ways to find them. We will also provide tips on how to make yourself a more competitive scholarship candidate.
So whether you are just starting out in your college search or you have already been accepted to a school, read on for information that could help you reduce the cost of your education!
The Most Popular Photography Scholarships to Apply
Bodie McDowell Scholarship
The Outdoor Writers Association of America — an organization dedicated to developing professional communicators’ abilities in the great outdoors — provides a Bodie McDowell Scholarship. The Digital Photography Scholarship is open to students studying print, film, art, or broadcasting at an undergraduate level. If you want to win anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 for demonstrating clear and essential objectives in outdoor communications, you may apply now. The applications generally open on January 1 and close on March 1.
Janie Moore Greene Scholarship Grant
The Janie Moore Greene Scholarship Grant is a $2,000 scholarship given to college-level photography students by the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA). Students must be enrolled in two-year or four-time colleges, art/design institutions, or photography schools. The scholarship does not demand that your research be focused on nature, however, NANPA’s is. The following application period is expected to begin in the fall of 2022. The NANPA High School Scholarship Program is available to high school students who wish to pursue a career in nature photography. It’s not a college scholarship, but it’s an immersive summer program taking place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
National Press Photographers Foundation Scholarships
There are several grants available for National Press Photographers. Fortunately, you only need to fill out one application to be considered for all of them. These bursaries are designed specifically for photojournalism students. The majority provide $2,000 in funding, and they’re open to students with talent as well as financial needs. The application process for the NPPA Scholarship generally begins in January and ends in March. The deadline for applying is typically in early December.
The James Alan Cox Foundation For Student Photojournalists Awards
This scholarship is open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. To be considered for the award, all applicants must have at least one semester of schooling remaining. Here’s what you could win if you’re one of the first to register:
- A digital camera may be given to high school students;
- At a college or technical school, high school students can win a $2,500 scholarship in video production or still photography;
- A $2,500 scholarship is offered to graduate students who submit a video project;
Between July 15, 2021, and Nov. 15, 2021, you have to submit applications for the next round of competitions.
Worldstudio AIGA Scholarship
The Worldstudio AIGA Scholarship is intended to assist minority and economically disadvantaged individuals in pursuing an art or design education. To be eligible, you must not only have talent and financial need but also a plan for giving back to your community as a result of your career. For school, grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 are available for photographers (as well as other artistic talents). Additionally, there are honorable mentions of $500 in cash for outstanding high school seniors. The next application deadline is April 13, 2021.
Lucie Scholarship Program
The Lucie Scholarship Program does not provide funds for higher education, but it does give money to assist you in pursuing your calling. The following are the scholarships available to individuals who want to pursue a career in photography:
- Photo Made — The $1,000 Emerging Scholarship. Given for a new or continuing project in the fine arts;
- Photo Taken — $1,000 Emerging Scholarship. For a new or continuing project with a documentary or photojournalism slant;
- Emerging Artist— $1,500 Open Genre Scholarship. For any sort of photography in the development of a new or continuing dynamic project, you may win this distinction;
Tips For Applicants
How To Find Even More Photography Scholarships
There are several grants available for students of particular backgrounds, such as the Against the Grain Products Artistic Grant for art students with at least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity, for example. Given the many specialized grants available, a Google search for “photography grants” and adding your race, gender, or hometown might provide more relevant results. Overall, don’t just look at photography grants. To discover as many grants as possible that you qualify for, use grant searching tools. It might be well worth your time.
Don’t Forget To Look For Photography Competitions
In addition to looking for stipends, also search for photography competitions. Many of these have stipend money as prizes. Just be sure to check the eligibility requirements before you enter! A great way to increase your chances of winning a photography competition is too early. The earlier you submit, the less competition you’ll face. Consider the National YoungArts Foundation, for example. Winners of this competition can win up to $10,000 in cash prizes as well as:
- Professional photography master classes with renowned artists;
- To be considered for nomination as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts, become eligible.
- There are several options for lifelong creative and professional development;
Remember that competitions aren’t only about making money. If you win, you may get exposure, enhance your CV and improve your skills as a photographer. All of this can help you develop as an artist while also preparing for the next stage in your education.
Cameras And Photography Tools To Invest In
DSLR Camera
If you’re serious about photography, then you’ll need a DSLR camera. DSLR cameras are the best type of camera for taking high-quality photos. They’re also very expensive, so if you’re looking to save money on your college tuition, then getting a scholarship for a DSLR camera is a great way to do it. There are many different brands of DSLR cameras, but the most popular ones are Canon and Nikon. If you’re not sure which brand to get, then ask your photography instructor or another photographer that you know for their opinion.
Camera Lens
The aperture, focal length, and depth of field on camera lenses are all different. These are all important variables that might significantly impact the final image. For example, if you’re after photographs of individuals, consider investing in an 85 mm lens to be able to get close-up images of your subject regardless of how far away they are. Those who wish to take up food photography, on the other hand, might find it useful to have a 100 mm macro lens that can capture sharp and focused images of delectable meals.
Tripod
Tripods are essential for getting clear and sharp images, especially when taking photos in low light conditions or when using a long shutter speed. A tripod will also come in handy if you want to take self-portraits or group shots since you’ll be able to set up the camera and frame the shot perfectly before taking the photo. Investing in high-quality photography equipment is important if you want to take great photographs. But if you’re looking to save money on college, then getting scholarships for your photography gear is a great way to do it. So don’t forget to search for photography scholarships when you’re applying for financial aid!
Photo Editing Software
After you’ve taken your photos, you’ll need to edit them before you can share them with the world. There are many different photo editing software programs available, but the most popular ones are Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Both of these software programs are very powerful and have a lot of features. However, they can also be quite expensive. If you’re looking to save money on your college tuition, then getting a scholarship for Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom is a great way to do it.
Essential Accessories
Beginners should invest in top-notch camera filters to safeguard their lenses and give special effects to their photos. You must also bring extra batteries with you in your camera bag so you can continue working even if the electricity goes out. Finally, acquire a memory card that can handle a lot of high-resolution photographs. Numerous organizations want to help you reach your goals. You may create a portfolio for your photography scholarship by developing your photography abilities and investing in high-quality camera gear.
Tips For Winning A Photography Scholarship
- Start early. Begin researching and applying for scholarships as soon as possible. This will give you the best chance of getting an award;
- Do your research. Make sure that you understand the eligibility requirements for each scholarship and that you meet all of them before applying;
- Be creative. Put together a strong portfolio and application that will make you stand out from the other applicants;
- Stay positive. Even if you don’t win every scholarship you apply for, don’t get discouraged. Keep applying, and eventually, you will be successful;
FAQ
What is the easiest scholarship to get for college?
To increase your chances of receiving a scholarship, it is important to research and apply for as many awards as possible. You should also make sure that you meet all of the eligibility requirements for each scholarship before you submit your application. By taking the time to do your research and put together strong applications, you will improve your chances of being awarded a scholarship.
Where is the best place to look for college scholarships?
There are a number of places to look for college scholarships. Start by searching the internet, as there are many scholarship databases that can be easily accessed online. You can also check with your school’s guidance counselor or financial aid office for more information on scholarships. Additionally, you can search for private scholarships through organizations or businesses in your community. No matter where you look for scholarships, it is important to be cautious of scams. Be sure to do your research before submitting any personal information or paying any fees. By taking these precautions, you will ensure that you find legitimate scholarship opportunities and avoid being scammed.
When should I start applying for scholarships?
It is never too early to start searching for scholarships. However, you should start the application process at least a year before you plan to attend college. This will give you plenty of time to find awards that you are eligible for and complete all of the necessary paperwork. Additionally, many scholarships have deadlines that are several months in advance of the start of the school year, so it is important to begin your search early.
How many scholarships should I apply for?
There is no set number of stipends that you should apply for. However, it is important to remember that each application takes time and effort to complete. Therefore, you should not apply for so many stipends that you are unable to put forth your best effort on each one. Instead, focus on a few awards that you are really interested in and make sure that your applications are strong. By taking the time to do this, you will improve your chances of being awarded a stipend.
What GPA do you need to get a full-ride scholarship?
It is the responsibility of a scholarship provider to define each scholarship’s requirements. A 4.0 GPA is one of the most popular grade point average standards. However, some scholarships are available to students with lower GPAs. In addition to GPA requirements, other common eligibility criteria for scholarships include financial need, academic achievement, leadership qualities, community service involvement, and extracurricular activities.
What information should you never give out when applying for a scholarship?
When applying for a stipend, you will be required to submit some personal information. However, there is some information that you should never give out. This includes your social security number, bank account information, and credit card number. Additionally, you should be cautious about sharing any other sensitive information, such as your birth date or home address.