Photography Schools - Anyone ever hear of this one?

[Karl Johnston]

http://www.focalpoint.bc.ca/fulltimestructure.htm
Has anyone ever heard of this school?^
I've been wanting to pursue post secondary education in photography. I know nothing else of what I want to do but be the best I can and make a living from it.

So now how to do it? I could continue to do what I do now..hack freelance, basically, and that's okay. I can make a living, yes, But I want more. I want to learn more about how other photogs run their businesses, and other options for work, and I wonder how fashion photographers make their money or model photographers (seriously, these guys are really good...but where does it come from?)

I don't want to do just a general fine arts degree, that won't get me further ahead, I don't think. I know the basis, and a lot of other stuff, and managing a bit of a business...but could I potentially learn a lot more if I went to a specialized school? What I'm looking for is advanced stuff, and a few of the courses on that website caught my eye. Just how reputable is it, and if not, then where should I go to find a decent photography institution.

I should mention I have an interest in commercial/advertising/model photography. I guess what I'm specifically looking for is a place I can learn to do this stuff, properly, because I feel like there's a whole other world I've not yet explored or done much work in within it

Anyone have any other recommendations? Currently I'm working on a diploma in business admin and management, and I think for me that's been working relatively well. I'm doing pretty good but I feel that there's a whole other world of the professional photographer that I'm missing out on ...I dunno, maybe this is just ramble.

What do you guys think? A

[AmandaMarie]

It looks interesting. I've never heard of it before though. I'm attending VanArts www.vanarts.com in march.

Until then, I'm going to be busy learning every thing I can, taking a billion shots every day, and spending every afternoon reading through old threads here.

I want to go so I can be exposed to different types of photography, have the opportunity to use equipment I could never afford right now and learn all the technical aspects.

[Jannie]

I went through Brooks Institute of Photography and over a thirty pluss year career, continued to use information I had learned there both technical and inspirational in regard to believing how and what I was able to accomplish.

I strongly suggest that you look up who are the top photographers in your area and ask for informational interviews and check their websites to see if they are doing the kind of work that interests you. Informational interviews are quick and very revealing and many professionals don't mind doing them. If you are unfamiliar with them, try googling for some links. A friend who had been in a job for 14 years had always wanted to start her own business but it was a type of business that did not even exist. She did a series of informational interviews and received overwhelming support. The interviews opened her up to an even broader vision oh wha she could do.

Ask these photographers for advice about education and after school, working as an assistant and what to look for in an employer. And have fun.

[Sageg]

Here are some reviews:

http://www.yelp.ca/biz/focal-point-photography-school-vancouver