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View Full Version : Masters In Photography worth it?

cory1848
22nd of August 2008 (Fri), 08:21
I have my BFA degree in Illustration with a minor in Photography. Received that 10 years ago. Never thought about going back to school just because in my field, it really doesnt matter and I have never really found what I would really want to go back to school for.

With that said, would it be worth it to get a masters degree in photography? Or just keep learning on my own and/or possibly take some single classes for self improvement? Would a masters give me any advantage in the photography world at all?

I have friends that went on to get masters degrees in the arts and they mainly did that just to be more rounded in a different field. For example, illustrators getting a masters in computer animation, etc...

Obviously the cost is a concern but wondering if more doors would be open if I had that degree.

Thoughts?
tim
23rd of August 2008 (Sat), 06:55
(quickly as I have to go) there are better ways to learn. Reading, experimenting, and apprenticeships, come to mind. Depends what kind of photography you want to do though.

I'll contribute more thoughts tomorrow.
PhotosGuy
23rd of August 2008 (Sat), 07:49
Would a masters give me any advantage in the photography world at all? Might be an advantage if you wanted to teach. Might be an disadvantage if they didn't want to pay what the degree is worth.
As for other types of work, your samples will tell the story to clients better than another piece of paper on the wall.
airfrogusmc
23rd of August 2008 (Sat), 08:41
The degree is probably not going to get you anymore $$$ in the professional arena. If you want to teach full time at the college level you need an MFA. A Masters or a MFA is more for personal reasons I think. If you do it do it for you because there might not be a big $$$ payoff at the end but the journey and honing your vision could be the real payoff.
JakPot
23rd of August 2008 (Sat), 10:22
As others mention, if you wanted to teach at a photo school this would be of benefit. Otherwise I'd say probably not.
airfrogusmc
23rd of August 2008 (Sat), 21:55
Well the M/A or MFA would be to make you a better photographer and it will. Money wise I don't think it will help you make more of it but it will help you explore your vision. And don't we all want to be better photographers?
valentinephoto
25th of August 2008 (Mon), 12:27
Personally, I don't think it's worth it unless like others have mentioned you want to teach someday in the future. Your work will speak louder than a degree.

You either have an eye for it or you don't. Sure, you can learn all the technical issues and become better - but if you don't have an eye for it all the knowledge in the world won't help you.
airfrogusmc
25th of August 2008 (Mon), 12:44
Personally, I don't think it's worth it unless like others have mentioned you want to teach someday in the future. Your work will speak louder than a degree.

You either have an eye for it or you don't. Sure, you can learn all the technical issues and become better - but if you don't have an eye for it all the knowledge in the world won't help you.

True but in a creative environment you can truly explore your vision and really perfect it in a much faster and safer way than you could anywhere else because you will be surrounded buy other very creative people with a similar goal. Do it because you want to be a better photographer both visually and technically but if your doing it to make more money unless you teach full time which requires an MFA (which is not a bad way to go) you don't have to have it.