Read the FAQs

1) Course Overview → 2) Curriculum → 3) Meet the Faculty → 4) FAQ’s → 5) Enroll Now

A collection of frequently asked questions about the Travel Photography Program.

Who is this program designed for?

MatadorU’s Travel Photography program is designed to allow someone with very little or even no photography experience to be able, within 3 months, to have a solid foundation in travel photography, to know how to pitch or query an editor, to build an online presence and audience, and, in general, to begin working as a new-media professional, whether a freelance photographer, blogger, or unique mix of jobs that allows one to live off of travel and photography.

At the same time, the course material, assignments, recommended reading, and in particular the photo labs and interaction via the forums, are set up in such a way that veteran travel photographers too will benefit from their experience in MatadorU.

Other courses take place in a specific location. Why is MatadorU only available online?

MatadorU does offer specific location-based workshops. These are one-time events that focus on specific elements of writing or photography. Our actual writing and photography programs are only available online however for several reasons. The first is simple: our instructors and students live, work, and travel all over the world.

The second reason is subtle but important: working online or “location independent” is itself standard practice for many travel photographers and new media professionals in general. We wanted students not just to “learn” this but to actually immerse themselves in it. Participating at MatadorU via the forums, becomes more than just “study” — it literally begins increasing your online visibility, relevance, and network as a travel photographer.

The third reason MatadorU is online as opposed to a specific offline location is that it allows you to take part in an ongoing, open-ended community. Once you join, even if you’ve completed the course, you can still continue participating in forums, interacting with colleagues, and using the resources to further network, promote, and advance in your career.

What exactly do I get with the course?

Check out a comprehensive overview of the travel photography course here.

Are there any ways to split up the payments?

Yes, we offer a 3 split payment installment through PayPal. You can view this option at the bottom of our registration page.

Have there been any students who have actually gone on to become paid/published travel photographers?

Yes! Dozens of students and alumni have gone on to become freelance professionals and/or been hired by travel media publishers, oftentimes straight out of MatadorU. Their performance has helped make the U a go-to resource for media companies and publishers seeking to hire people with new media and photography skills. Check out some of their success stories here.

How is the course delivered?

The course is delivered one week at a time. This way prevents students from being overwhelmed, fosters camaraderie and networking between students who begin the course at similar times, and encourages comprehensive study and completion of each chapter.

When is the next start date for the photography program?

Matador’s courses work on a rolling schedule, so there is no “start” date. The courses have ongoing admission; whenever you register, that’s when you begin. Once you’re registered, we’ll send you information about participating in an online orientation with a student advisor to help get you familiar with the site and to let you know about projects and plans we have lined up for this year for our students and alumni. Our course material is available 24/7 and our forums and market blog are live and active every day.

I want to sign up but I can’t start for a few weeks, will I be at a disadvantage or behind on my course work?

No. See above.

How long is each lesson?

Each week’s lesson has anywhere from 4-7 chapters, a key term primer, as well as suggested reading outside the course material. It shouldn’t take you longer than 45 minutes to an hour to read through the main material but we suggest you take the time to complete the reading and writing assignments, as well as remain active in the Student Forums.

If you take full advantage of the entire platform, this course will be a tremendous step towards your success as a travel photographer.

How much time will this take up each week?

Again, that depends on your own passion and commitment. If you simply read the lessons and complete the assignments, it should take between 2-3 hours per week. But the more time you invest in the community forums–networking, promoting your work and colleagues’ work, and in general, just interacting with other students–the bigger the benefits of participating in MatadorU.

What if I’m too busy with school/work to complete the course in 3 months?

No worries! Your lessons are delivered each week, but you can still go at your own pace. You can wait until you have time, then blast through the material. Or you can dedicate a block of time each week. It’s entirely up to you. You’ll have access to the entire 12 week curriculum for life.

Do I have to be traveling to complete my assignments for the course?

No. Most of our current students are either working full time or are university students. The assignments can be completed from anywhere, including home.

I’m not from the United States. Will this put me at disadvantage?

No. We have students from all over the world enrolled in our courses, and our forums are active 24 hours a day.

Is there a discount available if I want to take both the writing and photography courses together?

Yes. If you take both courses together you get $125 discount, or $575 for both. Although the courses will run at the same time, you do not have to take them simultaneously. You can elect to focus on one course and, after completing that material, then focus on the other. Because you have lifetime access to the material after registration, there is no deadline to graduate and you can fit the courses to your schedule.

How much overlap is there between the courses? Do the courses make provisions for people taking both at the same time?

There is some overlap in the courses, particularly on skills related to optimizing and monetizing your blog. That said, we have many students who have taken both courses and have found them both valuable in spite of the areas of overlap. One of the main reasons for this is because each course has a distinct student body that forms a supportive community of peers. The other reason is because in addition to the 12 chapter core curriculum, each course also gives students and alumni lifetime access to a separate series of Pro Modules, which are continuing education mini-courses. These courses either take one aspect of the course and teach that issue in greater depth or provide instructions in areas that aren’t covered in the 12 chapter curricula.

How much tech skill does it take to succeed at this program?

Basically zero tech skill. Two things we know to be true regarding technology and the internet: many people are intimidated by it, and trying to “keep up with all of it,” is extremely time-consuming. Knowing this, we’ve created lessons that break down concepts and terminology into easy to follow (and apply) sections so that even students who don’t normally work via the computer can still benefit from MatadorU. We’ve created the course for people who have almost no tech experience.

Do I need an expensive camera to get the most out of the program, or will a point and shoot be enough?

A point and shoot is definitely fine. The curriculum comprehensively covers photographic techniques for both point and shoot and DSLR (traditional SLR information is by default, explained as well.) The most valuable part of MatadorU is the fact that once you begin, you’ll have lifetime support for your photography questions, so as you expand your equipment and techniques, you’ll be able to continue receiving guidance.

Which photo developing software do you recommend and or use in the program? Are there specific tutorials about handling workflow, cataloging and keywording files?

The course is essentially adaptable to any kind of software, but we do have specific modules on Raw processing software like Lightroom and Aperture, and more extensive post production tools like Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. If students use other software we will be active in the forums to help advise. We also cover workflow, cataloging and keywording in the course.

Will I have an actual teacher guiding me through the course?

MatadorU is a self-guided course, meaning that you control the pace at which you complete the lessons, reading, and assignments. Instead of a single teacher guiding you through the course, various members of the Matador editorial team check in with students every day via the forums, plus weekly photo labs give teachers an opportunity to provide direct feedback on selected work.

What happens at the end of the three-month course?

You will continue to have access to the course material, student forums, and pro modules. You will also get a discount towards signing up for other MatadorU courses!

What is the “Market Blog?”

The Market Blog is a key resource for both students and alumni. It’s continuously updated with relevant market leads, residencies, fellowships and grants, and other opportunities in traditional and new media. These are often exclusive leads from Matador and the growing number of well known publishers who come directly to us seeking candidates for press trips and employment.

Do the paid assignments on your market blog all require international travel?

No. There are many jobs which cover events going on in the United States, however, having the ability to travel overseas will allow you to apply to/take advantage of more opportunities.

How does the Student Community / Forums work?

The forums allow students to discuss each lesson of each chapter with other students as well as Matador editorial staff. They are also a place for collaboration. It can be utilized to grow a network of people for mutual promotion of your individual blogs, or simply to find and collaborate with other photographers.

Am I too young to take this course?

No. Anyone who is passionate about travel and wants to learn how to get paid to travel can benefit from this course.

Are there any academic requirements to enroll in your courses?

No.

Do you award certificates on completion of the course?

We don’t like to unnecessarily ask people for their mailing addresses, but for those who request a certificate upon completion of the course, we do offer one.

Can I get college credit for this course?

Not yet. The process of getting accredited was much slower and more involved than we anticipated. It is something we definitely want to work towards in the future, however.

More Questions?

Don’t let a question stop you from enrolling! Send us an email: