If your that good...

Okay this comment a other photographer in the local area has been bothering me for weeks. Not nothing bad just pondering is it true and why do they have a degree for it. I saw her work on Face book and complimented her work and told her I would like maybe sometime to meet up and shoot together. She told me my work is awesome and she doesn't know why I'm going to school for photography if I'm that good at what I do I shouldn't have to go to school. Why do they have a degree program if you can just get paid on what your portfolio looks like or your websites gallery. I haven't finish my site, but I'm decent for a Canon rebel user I rent my lens from school and a local store. But what i want to do is work for a magazine as a photographer and also do freelance. Someone help me get a clear view on what to do on this situation. My degree is called Digital Photography.

I wasn't able to see where your photos are.
I will say that your pricing of $225 for a full wedding leads me to believe you should probably take a few business classes.
Getting a degree also means getting an education. You are never going to know it all and having the opportunity to learn is a value all in itself.
Do you need one? No, not really.

I agree with Zagiace, take some business classes.

Friend of mine takes stunning photos but has to work in an office because he doesnt know what to do with them. I take average photos, but I do know how to sell them.

Like the old 80/20 rule. Pro photography is probably 80% marketing and 20% photography.

You might teach yourself to be a great photographer, but school is where you will make yourself a more rounded individual and businessman. Skills mean nothing if you dont make contacts, surround yourself with similar creative types and learn through the shared experience. Dont be in such a hurry to join the working world.

As much as everyone is right about the need to develop your skills, don't think there's nothing left to learn about photography just because a few people told you you have a good eye. As Michelango once said, "I'm still learning." He was 80 at the time.

90% of photographers are only 10% as good as they think they are.

Any chance you get to learn and get better you should take it. School can only help, certainly not a requirement.

Peacefield wrote in post #11054177
As much as everyone is right about the need to develop your skills, don't think there's nothing left to learn about photography just because a few people told you you have a good eye. As Michelango once said, "I'm still learning." He was 80 at the time.

Never heard that saying but its something i would remember. like I said before I haven't finish posting my work I've got a few linked to my photo bucket. But my prices are way cheaper then photographers around me I'm new to the area and for the first year or so I'm wanting to be in the budget section for a lot of college students and so forth for the wedding thats the basic price once they want more It will go up from there. I'm not trying to make a name in 2 months I know it takes time, but is it necessary for a degree? Since I been in school we have learned basics of color, how to use photo shop which I know and I've been using the rebel the school has given me no more film cameras for me.

Shockey wrote in post #11054187
Any chance you get to learn and get better you should take it. School can only help, certainly not a requirement.

Yea I know that's why I'm in school and for the business course to learn about the photography business if there was a class for that I would take it.

Maximilian87 wrote in post #11054224
Yea I know that's why I'm in school and for the business course to learn about the photography business if there was a class for that I would take it.

Just take some basic business courses. The photo business is still a business.

Maximilian87 wrote in post #11054224
Yea I know that's why I'm in school and for the business course to learn about the photography business if there was a class for that I would take it.

There are; they're called seminars and every successful photographer (and seemingly, some that aren't even) are out there telling you how to develop your reputation and run a successful studio. It's also worth checking out some of the Photovision DVD's which are frequently on sale (I think there's a sale about to end now). Also publications like Professional Photographer and Rangefinder. Join local photography associations. There are very many resources out there to teach you this, but invest in your "regular" education first.

Stick with school and take an English class. You might shoot well, but basic sentence structure and proper puntuation will be needed when this Facebook thing take the big crap... and, mark my word, it will.

Shane W wrote in post #11054877
Stick with school and take an English class. You might shoot well, but basic sentence structure and proper punctuation will be needed when this Facebook thing takes the big crap... And mark my words, it will.

T,FTFY

Thanks Mike, that made me laugh.

Mike Deep wrote in post #11054943
T,FTFY

I'm confused on what just happened at the end haha, What type of associations are there in the U.S. how would I go about looking up those and what does P.O.T.N. I'm new to this site.

P.O.T.N. = Photography On the Net
Marketing, and public relations will help you alot. If you can afford to take the photo classes with the business classes great do so if you want. Another route is to get with an established local photographer and work as an intern (assistant photog) at weddings and such, this is a great way to first hand learn lighting set ups and other real time tips.