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01/06/2006 05:07:59 PM · #26 |
I am not clear what type of photography work you are pursuing. Are you freelancing at weddings/bar mitzvahs and such, applying for a photojournalism position, seeking an academic appointment at a university?
Educational standards may be different depending on whether you are working for yourself or someone else and in what environment you are in.
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01/06/2006 05:13:10 PM · #27 |
Originally posted by LoudDog:
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
This brings up an interesting term I was introduced to this past summer.
"Outsider Art"
When an artist has no formal education in art, they get this label from the art community. The term doesn't really define how good or bad an artist may be, but it does seem to put the uneducated into a specifically lower social class on the art scene. |
Interesting, artists label other artists that are not formally educated in art. I figured the art community would be above that. |
I don't think the art community is above anything. They segregate themselves as much as any other community that I'm aware of.
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01/06/2006 05:53:26 PM · #28 |
Originally posted by BobsterLobster:
Most people who have a problem with a lack of education are those without it. It's easy for me to say, but having being educated up to MA level means very little unless I want to stay in that world by doing a doctorate. Especially in the arts.
And sorry to say guys, but photography is NOT rocket science. There really isn't that much to learn. For that reason, I really don't understand why people do degrees in photography... I'd recommend a degree in art for those that want to learn photography. Much more useful. So I don't see why a lack of education is a problem with photography. What counts is hard work, commitment, ability to get on with people, creativity and results. A degree or similar doesn't show any of these qualities. |
BobsterLobster " just this " more you learn in photographic more you know how little you know, your writing tells me how little you know :(
Message edited by author 2006-01-06 17:53:55.
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01/06/2006 05:56:50 PM · #29 |
| If they inquire about your credentials and showing your portfolio isn't enough, tell them you studied under the renowned French photographer D. P. Cha'Lange. |
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01/06/2006 06:29:33 PM · #30 |
Art and photographic, hummmmmm
first learn all basic and than you can talk about art, you don´t start aerobatic when you fly airplane in first time do you ?
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01/06/2006 06:30:29 PM · #31 |
I studied to become a freakin accountant, but I gave it all up for DPC.
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01/06/2006 07:01:43 PM · #32 |
| I guess we are fortunate here {N.Z } Massey University have both Diploma and degree courses in Photography, which are recognised internationally. |
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01/06/2006 07:29:46 PM · #33 |
One of my clients, a very successful business man had the same problem... I advised him to add 'QBL' or 'QBE' behind his name. He used both and reported with a big smile it worked. Either people nodded their heads or smiled knowingly. Very few asked, and them he told the meanings. Nobody likes to show they don't know... meaning very few people actually musterd the courage to show ignorence and admit it publicly. (QBE=qualified by life, QBE=qualified by experience).
BTW.. not my initiatiave, I read it somewhere!
:-)
Message edited by author 2006-01-06 20:19:18. |
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01/06/2006 08:00:39 PM · #34 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
What do you other uneducated folks say? |
Not a great choice of words I would say. In my case it started at the age of around 10, by 14 for economic reasons, I rolled my own 35mm from bulk and developed it myself and then printed it in a dark room in my house, my dad was a photographer back in the 50's and when he started selling furniture he kept all his equipment.
From my first class in High School on photography and film making I have had a camera in my hands as much as possible.
If that doesn't get them interested, I don't want to work for them. :) A little simplistic I would imagine but then again I have a day job so the pressure is off me. LOL
Mike
P.S. Don't cut yourself short though, who but you knows how valuable your talents are. Don't be afraid to show them and promote them. Now go get um!
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01/06/2006 08:15:40 PM · #35 |
Originally posted by IceRock:
BobsterLobster " just this " more you learn in photographic more you know how little you know, your writing tells me how little you know :( |
Hmmmm... I'll take the bait.
I used to be a professional concert pianist. I've also earnt a living as a composer. These things take real skill and learning. Believe me, photography is very different. |
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01/06/2006 08:31:01 PM · #36 |
2 Short comments...
People will be way more interested in seeing your portfolio than your diploma
What photo school did Ansel Adams graduate from? |
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01/06/2006 08:38:13 PM · #37 |
| Your work should be your experience. I have a job at the local paper and I NEVER took a class in my life. I tried taking photography in High School but was kicked out for smoking weed in the darkroom. Yup. I sure did back in high school. Was a big mistake but I learned on my own. The editor at the paper even talked me out of spending time and money to go to college and get a degree. She said I would learn 10 times as much in the real world. NOT to say anything bad about formal education. It has its place I just got a lucky leap and it would do me no good now. |
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01/06/2006 08:46:25 PM · #38 |
All this education mast be really bad, I think all this schools are really big mistake, cant be better is it, stone-age is most interesting
ice
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01/06/2006 08:57:36 PM · #39 |
| I am self taught in photography and then a degree in IT and a bunch of certifications. I have always thought of taking a class when life calms down. |
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01/06/2006 09:39:05 PM · #40 |
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
Originally posted by LoudDog:
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
This brings up an interesting term I was introduced to this past summer.
"Outsider Art"
When an artist has no formal education in art, they get this label from the art community. The term doesn't really define how good or bad an artist may be, but it does seem to put the uneducated into a specifically lower social class on the art scene. |
Interesting, artists label other artists that are not formally educated in art. I figured the art community would be above that. |
I don't think the art community is above anything. They segregate themselves as much as any other community that I'm aware of. |
Here's a handy dandy little breakdown of the whole outsider art thing...it is so much more than just simply being "uneducated" in all things artsy...having no formal art/photography education does not make one an "outsider artist"...heck, it doesn't even make you a "folk artist". It just means you don't have a formal education in art/photography.
And about the original question...it is best to just show your portfolio and be truthful about your education if asked. Your work will speak for itself. |
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01/06/2006 09:42:07 PM · #41 |
Education teaches technique. If you're REALLY lucky, and this is rare, you'll find inspiration in a gifted teacher.
There just isn't that much technique to being a good photographer. You need an understanding of shutter speed/aperture/ISO and what happens to your photo when you adjust them (ie depth of field).
You need to be aware of compositional rules such as rule of thirds, negative space, etc.
You need to understand your equipment, which can be digital or different kinds of film. You need to know your way around a dark room, or Photoshop or both. Knowledge of filters can be useful, especially polarisers. Understanding that you are only representing reality, not capturing it can be important. This helps to experiment with portraying the idea of motion in your photos.
If you work with studio lights, knowledge of how they are traditionally used can be useful.
Of course, there are many things to learn but none of them are really that complicated.
What can be more difficult are the other factors like creativity, imagination, humour, compassion, communication, intelligence, taste, and so on which can't be taught. This is where great photographers show their talent.
You can pick up the technique needed to be a photographer VERY quickly, much more so than almost any other art form. What counts is your unique vision, passion and empathy. As has been said here repeatedly, your portfolio will show this much more effectively than a qualification. |
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01/06/2006 11:01:01 PM · #42 |
Originally posted by maryba:
I am not clear what type of photography work you are pursuing. Are you freelancing at weddings/bar mitzvahs and such, applying for a photojournalism position, seeking an academic appointment at a university?
Educational standards may be different depending on whether you are working for yourself or someone else and in what environment you are in. |
I have been a photo hobbyist to some degree for 25 years or so. I now have decided to go make money, and hopefully earn a good living at it. Once i have 100 weddings or 500 seniors under my belt and a portfolio that overflows with great shots, the question of 'where did you learn photography' has come up (mostly coworkers that have seen my work, and like it) but i did have an interview with the mother of a bride, and my lack of experience/education (unfortunately) came up in the conversation.
her: How long have you been shooting weddings? (me)'About a year' and whe followed up with 'How many did you shoot last year' (me) 2. "Where did you study photography" (me)i forgot waht specifically i said, but not having a ready answer caused a stumble and hesitation that i'm sure did not instill much confidence :(
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01/06/2006 11:09:37 PM · #43 |
It is never, ever too late. If you want an education in photography, then go get it. Formal schooling is not the only way to earn an education. A degree is just a door opener in many cases, it is really practical experience that truly develops one's skills. A formal education develops the essential foundation necessary to build and grow your skills and expertise.
Personally, I went back to school 13 years ago and have not stopped yet. I am mid-way through an MBA. I have numerous other educational achievements in photography, computer science, new media, business, project management and internetworking. I hope to go on after the MBA is finished and earn two more master degrees. For me, it fits and works for my life. For others it would be seen as pure insanity. Whatever works for you is best. Life is far too short, so go for the gusto and live it vividly.
Although I have a degree in photography and see myself as technically equipped, I still "suck" creatively. No school will teach you how to "see", that is a gift to be cherished and used. If only...
Message edited by author 2006-01-06 23:14:39.
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01/06/2006 11:09:37 PM · #44 |
Originally posted by BobsterLobster:
What can be more difficult are the other factors like creativity, imagination, humour, compassion, communication, intelligence, taste, and so on which can't be taught. This is where great photographers show their talent.
You can pick up the technique needed to be a photographer VERY quickly, much more so than almost any other art form. What counts is your unique vision, passion and empathy. As has been said here repeatedly, your portfolio will show this much more effectively than a qualification. |
Ahh...now I have an idea on how to answer the question: Learning the technical part of photography can be taught in school, but the creative vision, the passion, the artistic side has to come from within.
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01/06/2006 11:11:41 PM · #45 |
Honey, I just can't. One show a night! .... wait, oh you said education.
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07/10/2008 02:08:43 PM · #46 |
I tell them I got my education at DPC. ;)
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07/10/2008 02:10:35 PM · #47 |
I took two years of black & white photography. My minor is in environmental design and I specialized it in photography. :) It helped, but it was pretty up to me to take it forward. I think one can learn without having to go to school. There are many talented people who dont need the schooling.
Message edited by author 2008-07-10 14:17:29. |
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07/10/2008 02:12:35 PM · #48 |
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07/10/2008 02:17:42 PM · #49 |
| Like Dentistry and Incendiary Device Building, I learned Photography from the internet. |
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07/10/2008 02:21:45 PM · #50 |
And a good thread to resurrect... I have been asked by many people how long I have been doing this/where I got my education :)
I smile, and show them my printed portfolio. I then ask them if it really matters. No one has told me that it does. They hire on whether or not they like my work/style either way.
They also tend to hire based on how well you get on with them. If you both instantly dislike one another, what's the point? :) hehe
Message edited by author 2008-07-10 14:22:10. |
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