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 p.1 #8 · anyone gone or going to school for photo? | |
SeanP wrote:
im wondering who has actually gone to school for photography vs other methods of learning, especially with the pros here. My interest in photography just seems to be growing and, while I've always been the type to learn things on my own, i want to be exposed to as much good information as possible. I wont get into the feasibleness of me quitting my stable job and going off to photography school, but i was wondering how people feel about this in general
My experience has led me to form three camps of photographers: 1. the fine art university, 2. a commercial photography school, and 3. the self-taught.
o Personally, I went to a four year fine arts university with a major in photography. The school was close and affordable, which was a major factor in where I chose to attend. Over my four years there I was given plenty of studio time, learned how to take criticisms and critiques without being angered by those who shared their thoughts, and was able to network with many students and instructors (who were also practicing artists all in their own right). I also got a chance to work in other mediums, and take lots of history courses that helped me show where photography has been into where it is going.
The one (arguably) negative aspect about a more "fine arts" education, is the (at least where I was attending at the time) complete lack of any classes that cover business or business management. It also did not cover much in the way of commercial photography or commercial lighting at all. We were taught our basic lighting setups, and the history of these lighting techniques, but anything more than that (multiple setup lighting, etc) wasn't discussed. Also, this type of schooling isn't geared toward commercial jobs; it is more about developing relationships with fine art galleries and finding good matches that will sell your works. I'd say there about 1% of fine artists that can make a living off of gallery works, so there are a lot of fine art students graduating and then not having the ability to find creative-related jobs. A fine art university teaches you ". . . how to live your life enriched with the arts. . .", and doesn't teach you how to get a job to support yourself (more or less told to me by the Dean of Academics.) I've had many graduates of my alma matter contact me after graduating asking how I've gotten to the point where I am at, simply because the very next day after graduating, they haven't the slightest idea of what to do next.
Because of the lack of business instruction and education, I find trying to run my small business a daunting task - marketing is my big fault, and how to market myself has kept me moving slower than others in my area who are more educated with it.
o Commercial Photography schools, like Hallmark, are great intensive schools that teach you how to shoot more commercially, and give you the current tools to do so. They also provide superb (so I've heard) job assistance so that when completing the schooling, you'll be able to land with your feet on the ground running to help pay off the 40,000$ you just spent for the last 10 months of classes  This type of avenue gives you access to working commercial photographers, top of the line gear, and keeps you current with advances in technology. The downside of course, is the cost, and that not everyone can find a gig right out of school.
o Then you have the "school-of-hard-knocks" way of learning - no proper schooling, just learning online, reading books, experimenting and if possible, finding a local photographer to work for as an assistant. Being an assistant is great if you can secure that valuable position. Now that digital photography is the norm, there are more and more photographers that are in this group. Seeing instant results helps you learn faster and easier.
I think all three of these venues are good, and it really depends on a few factors; 1. what type of photography you think you will be interested in (fine art, portraiture, commercial, etc), and what your best way of learning is (reading? hands-on? online? assisting? etc), and that is really something only you know.
I see lots of people that poo-poo Universities, and just as many university schooled that poo-poo learning on your own; both of these are valuable ways of educating yourself and helping foster your talents.
But make sure you take some level of business and marketing courses. That old adage of "20% shooting and 80% business management" rings true.
Sorry for the rambling. 
Cheers,
Sid
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