I want to attend an Art Institute to get a degree in Digital Photograhy. I'm 38yrs old. Am I to old to start?

Question

i have an ok job but not a "career". I will be in my early 40's when i obtain this degree if all goes well. I would like to hear from a real life photographer or someone in the business to inform me whether or not getting a degree in digital photography would be a waste of time instead of pursing a more traditional degree such as in business? i have no type of degree now but i desparately want to obtain one. i know that i would gain a lot of knowledge and have a lot of fun at the same time in taking the course because i have a passion for photography, but in the end, would it be worthwhile? how competitive is the business of photography? is there money to be made especially to help pay off my school loans when i'm done? i could really use a older person's opinion and soon. I begin registration in a couple of days. thanks all. and please, no stupid answers. this is my future i'm asking for help on.

Answer 1

As stated before, age isn't a limitation. If this is something you want to do, then do it. However...

Photography is a widely growing industry. Unfortunately every schmuck out there believes they can be a photographer even when they truly suck. So not only are you competing with professionals you are competing with people who put less effor and time into the business.

Location is another thing to concider. What's the market like in your area? Do you have 10 other photographers who've been established in that area for years? If so, then you are going to have a hard time getting into the market in that area. Even if you are cheaper, people will 90% of the time pay more to go with the bigger names.

Also, not everyone can be a photographer. You can only learn so much. A lot of it is natural ability. Some people just can't see light or composition no matter how hard they try. To test yourself, take some photos with a disposable camera that you think are good and post them to get a professional opinion. It's a start.

Also, photography does involve a start up cost. A good DSLR will cost you at least $800. Additional DSLR lenses will start at $400 and go up as you decide to purchase better lenses. An additional flash (that is of good quality) will cost you a minimum of $150 which you will need because the on camera flash won't work. Next you need media cards for your camera. It's always good to have at least 2. You don't want the generic Wal-Mart brand as they are 75% more likely to have problems then a pro grade media card. a 1GB media card starts at $79.99. Those costs alone bring you close to $1000.

Also, depending on the type of photography you get into, there is insurance, albums, cost of printing, organization membership, frames, mattes, sprays, framing supplies, album supplies and much more depding on the route you go. Again, all of that costs money.

Photography can be a very rewarding career to get into. It can also be a very, very slow startup as you first get your feet wet. However, once all that is past, it's quite fun.

Answer 2

U are never 2 old if digital photography is your passion. I heard somewhere that most millionaires are made after age 65 because they have time to pursue their dreams. Why wait until you are 65; start now! I went to graphic design school when I was 42. I gave up a great paying, yet unrewarding job to pursue my passion. I don't make nearly as much in graphic design, but I will some day. There is also a company at www.vocationvacations.com where you get to shadow a professional for a fee to test drive your dream. As far as help with school loans, try art associations, organizations, galleries, etc., and see if they can recommend grants. There are also grant books and the web. Know what you are giving up and if you can live with the sacrifice, go for it. Remember you have to live with your decision as to what to do with the rest of your life. Hopefully, it will be a decision that you won't regret.

Answer 3

Age isn't a barrier if you're motivated. But you might find it more difficult to maintain motivation than a 20 year old just setting out thinking they'll be the next world's greatest artist.

School can be very expensive. i just did a year myself. Don't think you have to go to the best. Look at city college options. Look at state schools. Art schools can be very overpriced.

I'm not a photographer but I know one that moved from photography to construction work because stock art houses were making it hard for him to get by. I know another guy who is just starting out doing weddings and stuff and he's quite motivated.

Everyone has access to digital cameras so I think it's going to be quite competitive. I have one myself. In my company we shoot our own work rather than paying photographers. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try. Talk to some real photographers.

If you aren't totally passionate then maybe you should consider it a serious hobby and focus on other means of earning a living. Working at your art can sap the fun from it.

Answer 4

You're not really that old. A friend of mine started law school at age 35 and is now a successful lawyer. But keep in mind that photography as a profession is not what it used to be. We can thank the stock photo biz for helping to hurt the careers of pro photographers by paying rock bottom pricing for images. But as they say, life is what you make of it. You're certainly young enough to start a career but I hope you become really good at what you want to do. Any career, photography, business, plumbing, will be as good as you make it. Determination and persistence can make up for any imagined age barrier. Besides, a business degree at your age won't give you any particular leg up. Just a steady paycheck is hardly life sustaining.

Answer 5

I'm 55 and just completed a degree in digital photography. I am now getting quite a few freelance jobs as well a commercial work. There were people older than myself doing the same degree. You are only as old as your mind allows you to be.

Answer 6

At 44 I returned to college in search of a passion. I wanted something that made my head feel good. I declared myself a fine art major and now 11 years later, I teach ceramics (what everyone calls pottery) and I also maintain my own studio and sell my hand built coil pots for no less than $100 and up to $400.
I wish that I had done this at 24 and not 44.
Life ain't no dress rehearsal. It will be over to soon and we all need to enjoy the journey. You failed to say what your financial obligations are. That makes a difference too.

Answer 7

I dont know anything about art and photography, but I just had to respond to your question refering to being to old!!! You are never to old to goto school... I'm 35 y/o with a wife and three daughters... My wife is at the end of grad school, when she graduates I am attending UK (university of kentucky). I have busted my butt to support my family and put my wife thru school... In about 1.5 yrs its gonna be my turn...
Keep your head high and demand respect!

Good luck!

Answer 8

London collage of printing, From London University of Art

Answer 9

1

Answer 10

never too old to start. I worked as an admissions rep for a college similar to yours and I had people who were 50-60 years old that enrolled. it was medical training too. only too old if you think you are. must keep in mind though your prospects for job hunting. most companies would prefer younger candidates