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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> School??
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03/11/2005 11:28:14 AM · #1
Hello Everyone, I was wondering what schooling anyone has or recommends for someone who wants to become a photographer.

Is one type of school better or worse??
03/11/2005 11:30:32 AM · #2
No schooling in Photography. I do have a degree in Computer Programming. I don't believe school is necessary for photography.
03/11/2005 11:38:04 AM · #3
Thats funning I have a degree in computer programming as well.

Originally posted by rex07734:

No schooling in Photography. I do have a degree in Computer Programming. I don't believe school is necessary for photography.
03/11/2005 11:44:30 AM · #4
This is just my opinion.
Schools are good in teaching techniques but will never teach you the emotional side of photography. It comes from you inter being or soul. Only a handful of great photographers learned from schools, most learned from within.
03/11/2005 11:44:44 AM · #5
I have a BA in Psych...but only half a semester of begining B+W film photo under my belt so far.
03/11/2005 11:45:14 AM · #6
Originally posted by SDW65:

This is just my opinion.
Schools are good in teaching techniques but will never teach you the emotional side of photography. It comes from you inter being or soul. Only a handful of great photographers learned from schools, most learned from within.


I always say better to learn from experience.
03/11/2005 11:47:59 AM · #7
Originally posted by Corwyn:

Thats funning I have a degree in computer programming as well.

Originally posted by rex07734:

No schooling in Photography. I do have a degree in Computer Programming. I don't believe school is necessary for photography.


What languages did you learn? Spent most of my time on C++, also learned a little Visual Basic and COBOL. Do you have a job Programming? I graduated 3 months before 9/11. Economy shot and nobody wants someone fresh out of school anymore.
03/11/2005 11:49:32 AM · #8
I'd like to add another programmer to the list! I took computer programming and business. For me photography is the creative outlet that an analytical programmer doesn't get to express between 8 and 5.
03/11/2005 11:52:56 AM · #9
I understand the concept of not being able to learn a personal thing like photography. It’s kind like saying you can learn what colors you like or to learn what style of cloths you like.

I am asking because I wanted to know if it helps you get a job. I know practice makes perfect but how much does experience (as in time spent as an amateur photographer) play a part in finding a career in photography.

Do you think someone that has been an amateur photographer for 5 years has a better chance at getting a job with a company then a person who just graduated with a creative art/ photography degree.

Or just like most job is it “Who you know” in the industry.. Not “what you know”…

I know there is no for sure answer just asking for some opinions and ideas.
03/11/2005 11:54:06 AM · #10
Originally posted by rex07734:


What languages did you learn? Spent most of my time on C++, also learned a little Visual Basic and COBOL. Do you have a job Programming? I graduated 3 months before 9/11. Economy shot and nobody wants someone fresh out of school anymore.


I see you live in Georgia. Have you applied at a place called "Total Systems" or "TSYS". They pay good money to there programmers and IT's. The are base in my hometown of Columbus, Ga. take a look at there Careers website.
03/11/2005 11:56:16 AM · #11
Ok Corwyn sorry to stray from your post. I think if you are starting your own business then no schooling will not help. If getting a job with a company then yes the white collars like to see paper. But I would suggest you build a good portfolio then go frm there. If they see your work then what does it matter right?
03/11/2005 11:56:34 AM · #12
If you have a strong portfolio that meets their demands, I see no reason why anyone would want to know which college you attended.
With or without formal training, it's what you have put in your portfolio that matters if you you are selling yourself as a photographer.
03/11/2005 11:57:39 AM · #13
Originally posted by SDW65:

Originally posted by rex07734:


What languages did you learn? Spent most of my time on C++, also learned a little Visual Basic and COBOL. Do you have a job Programming? I graduated 3 months before 9/11. Economy shot and nobody wants someone fresh out of school anymore.


I see you live in Georgia. Have you applied at a place called "Total Systems" or "TSYS". They pay good money to there programmers and IT's. The are base in my hometown of Columbus, Ga. take a look at there Careers website.


Thanks for the tip Scott I will check out the link when I get home (At work right now and might not be a good idea to check it out right now)
03/11/2005 11:58:52 AM · #14
Originally posted by rex07734:

Originally posted by SDW65:

Originally posted by rex07734:


What languages did you learn? Spent most of my time on C++, also learned a little Visual Basic and COBOL. Do you have a job Programming? I graduated 3 months before 9/11. Economy shot and nobody wants someone fresh out of school anymore.


I see you live in Georgia. Have you applied at a place called "Total Systems" or "TSYS". They pay good money to there programmers and IT's. The are base in my hometown of Columbus, Ga. take a look at there Careers website.


Thanks for the tip Scott I will check out the link when I get home (At work right now and might not be a good idea to check it out right now)


No Prob.
03/11/2005 12:02:26 PM · #15
A good portfolio is a great way to start got ya!!

A PS I took C++, Visual basics, Cobol, etc..
03/11/2005 12:06:37 PM · #16
Originally posted by Corwyn:

A good portfolio is a great way to start got ya!!

A PS I took C++, Visual basics, Cobol, etc..


Did you hate COBOL. I couldn't stand it.
03/11/2005 12:15:50 PM · #17
Originally posted by Corwyn:

Hello Everyone, I was wondering what schooling anyone has or recommends for someone who wants to become a photographer.

Is one type of school better or worse??


What type of photography do you mean?

It's quite likely that I'll be going to school for photojournalism for two years next spring. I've done loads of research and have found that this will significantly increase the rate at which I can build my career here in Canada, both from what I'll learn as well as the contacts that I'll make and the projects I'll be doing.
03/11/2005 12:17:44 PM · #18
I have a degree in Environmental Design (architecture) but did a lot of subsituting when it came to my classes. I took four photography classes in college. My first photo class I took in 8th grade, then I was photographer on yearbook staff in high school. Had my university (texas a & m) had a photography department I probably would have changed majors, but instead I just substituted as much as possible.

Four years after I graduated from college I applied for the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara. I was accepted but was unable to go due to finances. Since I already had a bachelor's degree, I couldn't get any financial aid. I'm taking a continuing education class in Photojournalism next month.

It's true school can't teach you to have the eye for photography, but what I want from school is the knowledge of equipment and the skills to market myself and go into business. These are the things I was really hoping to learn from Brooks Institute.

I wouldn't rule education out. If you're planning on going to college anyway, and you want to be a photographer, then definitely study it in college. It can't hurt. I wish I had.
03/11/2005 12:40:34 PM · #19
Personally, I'd say that smaller night courses, or individual photo classes are the best way to go. The kind that teach you fundamentals about your camera, darkroom techniques (always worth knowing, they can even help with digital processing from what I've seen), and the like.

This way, it's cheaper, less time consuming, stays more enjoyable, and you'll probably get more out of it.
03/11/2005 12:55:06 PM · #20
Want some free Photoshop training see this thread

Thread

As I understand it you can sign up anytime.
03/11/2005 12:55:52 PM · #21
Why so much adversity to scool on this thread? A good shcool can only be a good thing for anyone wanting to learn. You get to work with equipment you would otherwise not come in contact with or couldn't afford on you own, learn processes you would have otherwise avoided, but that may come in very handy later in your career, and most importantly allow you to make professional contacts that will last a lifetime. You get to pick the brains of people who have taken the hard knocks and have been to where you would like to go.

If you have the time and the resources I can think of no better way, other then aprenticing, to break in to the professional world of photography and do it right.
03/11/2005 01:00:02 PM · #22
Originally posted by nsbca7:

Why so much adversity to scool on this thread? A good shcool can only be a good thing for anyone wanting to learn. You get to work with equipment you would otherwise not come in contact with or couldn't afford on you own, learn processes you would have otherwise avoided, but that may come in very handy later in your career, and most importantly allow you to make professional contacts that will last a lifetime. You get to pick the brains of people who have taken the hard knocks and have been to where you would like to go.

If you have the time and the resources I can think of no better way, other then aprenticing, to break in to the professional world of photography and do it right.


No real aversity on my part.. I just feel that anyone that is going to get the most out of the kind of schooling you suggest would most likely make that decision without needing much advice about it, or without a lot of indecision about it. (There are exceptions of course, but most people I've encountered just do it.) I just figured that if you're unsure, the best way to go would be simpler classes.. then, if you really enjoy it and want to go further, you can.

Anyway, we're all just offering our opinions.

Message edited by author 2005-03-11 13:02:23.
03/11/2005 01:03:37 PM · #23
Originally posted by Artyste:

Originally posted by nsbca7:

Why so much adversity to scool on this thread? A good shcool can only be a good thing for anyone wanting to learn. You get to work with equipment you would otherwise not come in contact with or couldn't afford on you own, learn processes you would have otherwise avoided, but that may come in very handy later in your career, and most importantly allow you to make professional contacts that will last a lifetime. You get to pick the brains of people who have taken the hard knocks and have been to where you would like to go.

If you have the time and the resources I can think of no better way, other then aprenticing, to break in to the professional world of photography and do it right.


No real aversity on my part.. I just feel that anyone that is going to get the most out of the kind of schooling you suggest would most likely make that decision without needing much advice about it, or without a lot of indecision about it. (There are exceptions of course, but most people I've encountered just do it.) I just figured that if you're unsure, the best way to go would be simpler classes.. then, if you really enjoy it and want to go further, you can.


Sorry, I wasn't replying to your post, but the drift of this thread in general. Night or part time classes are a great idea.

03/11/2005 01:04:19 PM · #24
Originally posted by nsbca7:

Originally posted by Artyste:

Originally posted by nsbca7:

Why so much adversity to scool on this thread? A good shcool can only be a good thing for anyone wanting to learn. You get to work with equipment you would otherwise not come in contact with or couldn't afford on you own, learn processes you would have otherwise avoided, but that may come in very handy later in your career, and most importantly allow you to make professional contacts that will last a lifetime. You get to pick the brains of people who have taken the hard knocks and have been to where you would like to go.

If you have the time and the resources I can think of no better way, other then aprenticing, to break in to the professional world of photography and do it right.


No real aversity on my part.. I just feel that anyone that is going to get the most out of the kind of schooling you suggest would most likely make that decision without needing much advice about it, or without a lot of indecision about it. (There are exceptions of course, but most people I've encountered just do it.) I just figured that if you're unsure, the best way to go would be simpler classes.. then, if you really enjoy it and want to go further, you can.


Sorry, I wasn't replying to your post, but the drift of this thread in general. Night or part time classes are a great idea.


Oh, I know, just thought I'd explain myself a little better :)
03/11/2005 01:04:33 PM · #25
Not saying you shouldn't go to school. I just wish I could do something online. With kids I don't have time on the weekdays to go to school. Anybody know of any online course?

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