In this day and age, graphic design production and creation is almost totally digital. This means we are constantly having to keep up with new technology, and having to train ourselves on these new programs and devices. There used to be days where a typographer, a graphic designer, and a photographer would all work together on a single piece of work. Now, all three of those skillsets are expected to be found in one person, specifically because of a computer. A basic understanding of photography is essential for graphic design. Being able to compose and shoot images, knowing how to work out proportions, and just knowing the rules of good design come in very handy. Like many things, there are numerous types of photography, and having a basic understanding of these forms such as landscapes, portraitures, reference, products, and more will help you in the design industry. Another essential thing to now in the design field is how to use the programs and software. The most common are Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. Each little tool is a tool provided to help make your design life easier, so knowing the correct ways in using these tools is crucial. Knowing how to package and export documents is another important piece to the puzzle, which could make or break your project.
Photography often seems like it is its own field, but really it is very much connected to the design industry. While it might not be absolutely essential to know photography to be a graphic designer, it will give you an edge up and will round out your skillsets. Photography can bring important details such as depth, contrast, or asymmetry, to your design. Often your client might want you to bring photography into the design, which at that point it would be easier to know how to do that yourself. Photography can also be a source of inspiration for your designs, and can be a source for mood boards in your design process. In print design, incorporating illustrative pieces with photography can be a great way to interact your photographs with your design. In publication design, photography plays a huge role. While you yourself might not be actually taking the photos, knowing good photocomposition, cropping, and form will help as you design your page layouts. In web design, you will have to work photographic elements into your page layouts. Directing a photographer in what photos you need for the site may be a part of your job. Knowing the language of a photographer will help you explain what you are looking for. Knowing lighting techniques, different types of lens, and different types of cameras will help you articulate what you need for your design.
This is the perfect example of how to incorporate design in photography. The use of line, form, and type, creates a cohesive piece where the photography feels completely unified with the design.
Hand typography is great because you can photography your handmade type, or you can take a photo and illustrate hand lettering around it. Both include type, design, and photography, while still remaining cohesive.
In web design, you may have to incorporate photographs into your layout. This website uses the photos artistically by playing with scale and integrating the type.
In publication design you will often have to integrate type design with photography. In this image the type compliments the feeling of the photograph.
Knowing photography is also great because then you can photograph your own work. Knowing how to have the right lighting, background, and angles is key, especially when photographing your package design.
Sources:
http://www.creativebloq.com/graphic-design-tips/10-expert-photography-tips-for-designers-123341
http://www.designtheplanet.com/importance-of-photography-in-graphic-design/
Delving Into Design 