Photography schools? Education?

[kygirl79]

Hello! I'm actually new to the Canon forums and am excited that I have found such a site:) I have a Canon Rebel XTi. I just purchased it a few weeks ago and have not really used it as I'm still reading up on stuff.

I've been doing photography as a hobby for years. I love to shoot cities, street life, architecture, skyscrapers, and outdoors mostly. My dream would to be a commercial photographer. However, due to where I live there are no photography schools, and I just can't up and move. Someone suggested for me to study Graphic Design since I love photography, art, and computers. I'm wondering if there is a correlation between the two.

Anywho, I'm wondering if anyone here went to school or what type of educational background you have in photography? What would you suggest as far as an education for finding a job in the field?

I don't like portraiture type of photos...unless they are very urbanesque.

Thanks for your help in advance!!

[viperx27]

if you are going to go to school for it, go all out. Brooks Institute, RIT, or the school of fine arts in pasadena.

keep in mind having a degree does not equal guaranteed jobs, many for get this.

You can learn a lot more and much faster in school, but it'll also cost you a lot.

I attended the Brooks Institute, but like most students left before getting a degree, you stay for as longa s you can afford it and get as much out of it as you can.


Most, especially here with fewer working pros and les that have attended a top ranked school will reccommend 2nd shooting/assisting or becoming self taught. Nothing wrong with that at all, but you will never gain as wide of a technical background.

[airfrogusmc]

If your out east theres RISD. (Rhode Island School or Design).
Midwest Columbia College (Chicago) or the Art Insititue of Chicago.

[SamuraiJack]

Most people here will tell you to get a business degree if you want to be successful in photography. (Or at least have good business sense)

[liza]

Most people here will tell you to get a business degree if you want to be successful in photography. (Or at least have good business sense)

I agree completely. If you're a good photographer but a lousy business person, you probably won't make it. On the other hand, there are lots of mediocre photographers who are successful due to their business acumen. You would probably be wise to get into graphic design or IT. It's a lot easier to make a living in those fields.

[Alex_H]

So what is more important, being good at business or being a good photographer?

[viperx27]

So what is more important, being good at business or being a good photographer?

both. thats why the top end photography schools offer business classes designed to help students succeed, though a lot of it has to do with how you sell yourself.

[madhatter04]

As an art student, this is what I've come to learn:
1) Being in "Graphic Design" encompasses a LOT more than being in "Photography"
- Many people assume that if you're into graphic design, digital photography is also on your slate.
2) Having a business background, or in my case, a brother who is a shrewd businessman, is very handy and very necessary.
3) Getting an MA/MFA is GREAT because you can fall back on teaching at the college level when all else fails! :)

[nikonthree]

Also look into Savannah College of Art and Design (http://www.scad.edu)(SCAD) in Savannah,GA.

I know their e-Learning Department offers a degree in Digital Photography, and you wouldn't have to move.

[airfrogusmc]

So what is more important, being good at business or being a good photographer?

Both. In my opinion its better to major in photography and take some business classes. Learn as much as you can about photography in school and maybe do an internship or work for a well established photographer for a couple years and pay attention to how and why he is successful.

Also there are jobs out there that require at least a B/A in photography. I majored in photography/art minor and took some business classes.

[NC_Photo]

University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL)
**Daytona Beach Community College (Daytona Beach, FL)
Appalachian State University (Ashville, NC)

I have a friend that attends Columbia in Chicago.

**This school offers an AA degree in photography with a seamless transfer into UCF for a BA degree. The community college covers all aspect of photography while the UCF degree really focuses on conceptual photography and photojournalism. Its a pretty great program.

[PhotosGuy]

Your pathway to today
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=174508

How did you become a pro (or semi-pro)?
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=41194