Do I need to go back to school for photography?

[Ferox13]

OK, I'm currently in IT. It's no secret all the good jobs are being offshored. I want to make a switch to something I love - photography. The question is, do I need to go back to school for this, or just take the necessary classes and learn the rest on my own?

Please advise, thanks.

[robertwgross]

It depends.

Some people are very good about learning things by themselves. Other people have to sit in a traditional classroom with a teacher to learn anything.

For a typical person wanting to start in photography, perhaps a mix of the two is called for. In the meantime, don't quit your day job.

There are still lots of IT jobs to be had, especially as a hired gun for a number of small client companies that are each too small to have dedicated IT staff.

---Bob Gross---

[Vegas Poboy]

I agree with Mr. Gross, this field is growing daily & there is alot of tricks of the trade that a class room will teach you. Another good way is to work as an assistant with other photographers.

[robertwgross]

Actually, I would suggest that the classroom is a better place to learn the basic fundamentals of photography. Working with a pro is the better place to learn the tricks of the trade. But the pro won't want to deal with you if you don't know the fundamentals first.

---Bob Gross---

[Ferox13]

One issue I have with returning to school is I noticed many colleges require courses in things like sculpting, etc. and also I really have no desire to ever work with film. I developed some film in the 8th grade a long time ago. I see no need to even look into film since it's basically on the way out. Agreed?

[Aylwin]

...no need to even look into film since it's basically on the way out. Agreed?
Oooh, that might start a few fires. I agree with you though. :)

[davidwegs]

Film will be around for a while yet I imagine. OTOH, digital is gaining by great big strides.

The Ai now offers its photography degreees in digtal capture only, so that should tell you what is in store longer term.

As for the original question, good basic camera skill and an 'eye' for light/composition are the elements for successful photography. However, good marketing and business acumen are an absolute must to succeed as a pro.

[Vegas Poboy]

I'm currently taking classes and yes the digital world is going strong but there is alot to learn in film that can help you overall. Until you make a name for yourself & able to pick your work when you want it some clients still prefer film E-6 for proofing and products. I've learned that a great deal of pros still shoot film & then scan it to do minor edits. Film will be here for a while, so don't knock it yet.

[Harry Settle]

I wish I could quit my day job and do photo and video full time, but the local area won't support it.

At the photo shop I have been getting my digital prints done, I have been slowly developing a relationship with the owner and the person that does their portraits. Working on a deal now so that I can come in and "help out" a little.

[Ferox13]

I wish I could quit my day job and do photo and video full time, but the local area won't support it.

At the photo shop I have been getting my digital prints done, I have been slowly developing a relationship with the owner and the person that does their portraits. Working on a deal now so that I can come in and "help out" a little.

That's a question I've pondered as well; how do you tell if the market in your area will support another photographer/studio?

[Ferox13]

If you are a wedding photographer without a portfolio, you'll have a tough time due to three factors: 1. nothing to prove your abilities 2. studio overhead 3. advertising and telephone costs


Bloo,

I appreciate your comments, so far you seem like one of the most helpful people on this board.

I do NOT want to "start out" doing weddings; too much risk. I see myself "building up" to that, not ready for it yet. For one, I don't have backup equipment! So I want to initially limits myself to not doing things I would be screwed over due to equipment failure; would hate for that to happen during a wedding.

I told my wife about what you said about location portraiture being a great way to cut down on no-shows, reduce overhead etc, because that is EXACTLY what I want to start out doing, but for different reasons; your reasons just reinforced it.

Thanks again, and I'll chime back in with questions later on if you don't mind.

[PhotosGuy]

Lot's of excellent advice above!

Bloo Dog said:
guess who's heading down to the local community college next semester to get a better grasp of Photoshop? The more I know the better. The stuff that some folks on this board say about Photoshop goes waaaaaaay over my head!
I can identify with taking some PS classes as I sometimes teach it.
You will learn about layers, layer styles, selections & text. But not very much of the specific stuff you need for photography as the instruction is targeted toward general use & showing different ways to do the same thing. (Which is not bad, just not targeted).

There’s better info on what you need all over the net – specific tutorials relating to photography. I suggest that you print them out & try them. Then, if you do take the class, ask your instructor targeted questions. My bet is that he/she won’t have much of a clue unless you’re lucky enough to have one who’s also a photographer. A lot of those tutorials relating to photography are associated with forums which will be happy to answer your questions &, what’s most important, they know what they’re talking about!

Do a search, or I could send you some links. Don’t forget the “Post Processing” tuts in this forum, too!
Good luck – have fun!

Ferox13 (Rusty?):
Might not hurt if both you & your wife learned more about makeup for portraiture? I assume that she would help out, & that's something that's often overlooked.

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[blinking8s]

I think it depends on the school/teacher...lots you can learn on your own if you are dedicated...some schools are stuck in a rut and refuse to accept new ideas and tech....some have teachers who work in the field and you can learn from greatly.

My school is 100% film and bases itself around "ART" and from basic independent study classes during you last 2 years in the program you concentrate on the area that interest you most, but its up to you, no teacher...just a staff review and grade. They claim that from knowledge of all areas of art you can apply and succeed to go into any field of photography...

other schools you take photojournalism and never explore outside that area...

but then there is the whole "WHO YOU KNOW" factor...the #1 reason big name art schools are big name art schools is because most of the teachers are in the field, and while going there you meet people and make connections, so even though you are paying $40k a semester to take a course that you could probably get for $1k at a local community college that might be more advanced in their aspects of design and photography ideas (younger teacher, small classes, fresh gear) you are really paying for the experience of who you are shooting with, and who and what they know...which can pay off big when it comes time to show a portfolio to someone...

[PhotosGuy]

the whole "WHO YOU KNOW" factor
Good point! For the same reason, if there's are professional organizations in your area, join them & network.

[inthegarden]

OK, I'm currently in IT. It's no secret all the good jobs are being offshored. I want to make a switch to something I love - photography. The question is, do I need to go back to school for this, or just take the necessary classes and learn the rest on my own?

Please advise, thanks.
I started taking classes at the local jr. college as a re-entry student and quickly gravitated towards art and then photography. They began offering a course in digital photography which was very helpful. I've also taken image editing classes. As someone else said, some art classes are very helpful. Other things I've found helpful are: joining the photography club in my area, subscribing to photography magazines (Borders and Barnes and Noble carry some great photograpy magazines from the U.K.), books such as Mastering Digital Photography and Imaging by Peter K. Burian, visiting forums like this great one, and finding some very helpful websites such as Luminous Landscape - also lots of other websites with tutorials. Oh, joining an online community such as usefilm.com can help inspire you - you can post your images and have them critiqued and see tons of other peoples work. This all seems to be leading me to possibly getting into wedding and senior portrait photography after a friend saw my work and pleaded with me to shoot her daughter's wedding. I did it as a gift - she was thrilled and I loved it. Right away I was hired to do another wedding and that went well, too. By taking all the necessary steps, one at a time, you will be lead into opportunities you might have never dreamed of. Go for it!
By the way, I just put up a portfolio of the first wedding (the second to come) at http:\\photo-art.smugmug.com.

"A poorly made picture that moves us is worth hundreds of empty masterpieces of technique. And when good photos are made well, that's even better." David Vestal

[Shaniece]

I've Recently Started Home Tutoring And Want To Be A Photographer When Im Old Enough... Its My Hobby And Has Been For A Really Long Time. Im Always Doing Family Parties And Putting Them Into Albums Etc Etc. I Really Want A Future Doing It. But Not Just One Type Of Photography I Want To Do All Different Types Of Photography Aswell. What Are The Main Lessons I Need To Focus On? And Do You No Any Links To Help?
.

Please Help Me.
Muchly Appreciated.
Shaniece :)