How valueable is a degree in Photography?

[ClickClick]

Even an Associates?

Not looking for direct photography work (newspaper or magazine photographer). But how important is a degree in lending credibility to your work when doing art exhibits or approaching publishers in an attempt to get your coffee table book published?

If it is valueable, are there any online (reputable) sources for obtaining an Associates? I am currently enrolled in Data Engineering (career) classes so taking photography classes at my college would not be conducive to my current workload (not to mention many profs wouldn't allow tourist students to go through their classes.)

Business wise, I am lucky to have grabbed an affiliation with a travel agency and I am their official photographer for all their cruises. Which is only 3-4 per year. And it doesn't pay great ($75 per day) but the free vacation, the chance to practice photography, and the "keepers" of photos that I come away with is worth the time and effort and spent. (ok, let's face it.. the free vacation was the selling point.)

But in the future, I would like to compose a book of all my competitions winnings (23 so far) and attempt to sell it.

How valueable will a degree be for garnering a slight bit more of attention and credibility?

[Sonic Infidel]

Honestly, I imagine that if your photos are good - which they apparently are - all you'll need is some connections. You'll probably have to come up with a theme, however. They're not going to print a book of just your misc. photos unless you're a relatively well-known name or you've got a cohesive theme idea.

Perhaps you should consider talking to the cruise line. They may be interested in some part of this deal.

[sugarzebra]

I think the value of the degree is in what knowledge it provides you related to photography, which ultimately makes you a better photographer (or at least more articulate educated one :D) A degree for the sake of promotion within the industry is probably of very little value.....while the quality of your work and integrity in the marketplace is invaluable.

[Jay McLaughlin]

I agree

A degree qualification means nothing. The education from a degree course "could" prove invaluable!

[ClickClick]

I agree completely.

However, I have noticed that in some cases, a publisher only wants to deal with someone with an education (even on paper) before even reviewing your work.

I do have some themes I am working on. Couple different ones in fact. Two different ones tied in directly with my travel opportunities, the other a more focused subject matter in a variety of expressions.

Was wondering how helpful the degree in photography would come in handy in the future. Especially if I decided to apply for another cruise line for additional work. Right now, I am basically a contractor for the agency that reserves that cruise that week. For example, I am not an employee of Holland Cruise Line or QE2, but I am a contractor working on their ships for Champion Travel.

[Jay McLaughlin]

The way I see it, and this goes for all lines of work, a degree helps in the beginning of your career, but in 10 years time it'll all be about experience, and no one will care about whether you have a degree or not.

Of course I could be wrong

[ClickClick]

The way I see it, and this goes for all lines of work, a degree helps in the beginning of your career, but in 10 years time it'll all be about experience, and no one will care about whether you have a degree or not.

Of course I could be wrong


Good point.

As I was hoping there was something I obtain through online studies. Because I simply can not take anymore classes here at school.

[coreypolis]

As one of the few here that has gone to school for photography, I can safely say:

the degree isn't worth using for TP.
But the skills, information, business knowledge, networking, and experience you get from a good school like Brooks or RIT is unmatched. Theres really no way to be as versed in all photo areas than going to a place like that.

But just because you go doesn't mean you'll hve clients beating down your door or that you will even make it on your own. You still have to compete, but its often much easier to wow the cleint.

[zacker]

Ill sell you one for $20.00!!
lol

[PhotosGuy]

But how important is a degree in lending credibility to your work when doing art exhibits or approaching publishers in an attempt to get your coffee table book published? It will probably get you in the door for an appointment. Then you'll have to back it up when you show them your work. ;)

[zacker]

unless you either wear it pinned to your forehead or they specifically ask... not very!

[liza]

Majoring in business and minoring in fine arts is probably the best way to go if you want to get a degree with the eventual goal of going into business as a photographer. And you would probably gain more from the networking at a traditional school vs an online course. Networking is everything when you're looking for a job.

[Croasdail]

Since your just looking to get some books published.... I don't think it would make a lick of difference. If you want to get in the door with a publisher to be able to promote your idea and get backing, you will need a body of work that shows you are capable of delivering quality salable concept. Education is never a wasted endevor. Being articulate, enthusiastic about your work, and persistent are the real keys here. To better round my skills I work with a local university in their documentary studies group. It puts you in touch with a lot of people who have experience in this area. I would perhaps look for some non-traditional avenues like this to get you the experience and exposure you will need. Just my two cents.

[98photo]

The best advice I ever received...after my BFA in Photography... " The one thing you can be sure of when you have a college degree is that you have a college degree." Spent a lot of money getting edgekated...;) ! But I did learn a lot of really great stuff and get to use a lot of neat expensive equipment that I will never be able to afford!

[nwa2]

It is like a degree in anything.

1. Process in obtaining the degree will teach you valuabe skills.
2. Qualification is valuable if you want to work for someone else who has a degree as an entry qualification on application

If you are working for yourself, the knowledge is useful, but there are many ways of acquiring knowledge. Many of the greatest business people and entrepreneurs have no formal qualifications.

[ak_powder_monkey]

about as useful as degree in english... Just a guess...

[BestVisuals]

In an artistic endeavor like photography, a degree isn't required. I have an Associates Degree in Photography and it gives me credibility others don't have. My photos still have to be good but having a degree always looks better than not having one. Most places won't require one for you to work there.

[coreypolis]

In an artistic endeavor like photography, a degree isn't required. I have an Associates Degree in Photography and it gives me credibility others don't have. My photos still have to be good but having a degree always looks better than not having one. Most places won't require one for you to work there.
Just like the PPA ;)

Nothing like throwing around credeintials like it were a Ph.d when its a buy in program.

[Croasdail]

Not even a Ph.d will get you anywhere unless you have a body of work to back it up. You want to be a heart surgeon's 3rd attempt? I would rather go with one with the Ph.d and has done a few hundred.... but that doesn't discount the degree a bit.... it has to be backed up with real results... not just school learning. Having a piece of paper doesn't mean you know how to translate that into a real successful career. Whether or not a degree will help your career is largely up to you. We have fantastic people on staff and they come from a broad spectrum of educational and vocational experience... and a few with no degree at all.... just tons of talent.

[Jon, The Elder]

Basically....With a degree and about $1.25 you can buy a cup of coffee most places. With just the degree you can't get the coffee hardly anywhere.

[SeanJ]

The best thing would be having three years to completely indulge yourself free of commercial restraints.

I've never once had a client even touch upon the question in almost 20 years.

[BestVisuals]

I don't disagree with you. However, if the original poster is considering making a living in photography (for example), what's wrong with getting the pedigree? It certainly can't hurt unless you're in a crappy program and it could expose you to formalized studies and techniques, hopefully by a person who knows more than you. Most actors attend acting school, singers to go speech and performing arts schools, so what's the beef?

Not even a Ph.d will get you anywhere unless you have a body of work to back it up. You want to be a heart surgeon's 3rd attempt? I would rather go with one with the Ph.d and has done a few hundred.... but that doesn't discount the degree a bit.... it has to be backed up with real results... not just school learning. Having a piece of paper doesn't mean you know how to translate that into a real successful career. Whether or not a degree will help your career is largely up to you. We have fantastic people on staff and they come from a broad spectrum of educational and vocational experience... and a few with no degree at all.... just tons of talent.

[Headcase650]

I think the best thing would be invest in a degree in business and marketing, and minor in photography or fine arts. The most successful pros are marketing masters and not always the best photographers and their are some amitures that have remarkable portfolios but couldnt run a business or market thier skills if their life depended on it.

[banana]

It will probably get you in the door for an appointment. Then you'll have to back it up when you show them your work. ;)

DING DING DING.

the degree might not be your ultimate ace in the hole for landing a job, but you have to get in the door somehow.