I'm still in high school, and I don't know what I want to be for sure, but I'm very intrested in photography. With the pressure to do well academically to get into college they put on us nowadays, I was just wondering what it's like. I'm not avoiding becoming a photographer becuase I want to take a safe road, I'm willing to take chances, but I just want to know some of your personal experiences.
2006-11-10 17:45:02 · 3 answers · asked by murderous_admissions 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
This may not be what you want to hear. But consider it anyway.
There are many working photographers that have never gone to college, many successful ones, too. They are more along the lines of exception to the rule, however. They've found a niche where they excel because of innate abilities and talents that enabled them to develop certain skills. But, on top of that, those few that have become such success stories have one thing in common: passion to persevere and overcome obstacles and problems they've faced along the way. Many have cutthroat attitudes and are egomaniacs; they are not necessarily nice people to get along with, but that's what got them to where they are today.
Photography is no longer an area where all you need to know is about your camera, composition, angles, perspective, lighting, filters, films, etc.; it's become a totally different area altogether where the more you know, the greater your chances of success. There's now a need for in-depth knowledge in computers and computer programs that deal with images and photography, as well as knowledge of lighting, and the general photography knowledge... and it is now almost necessary to have some business know-how (taxes, agents, managers, photography crew or employees, etc) to run a successful business, and how to successfully "sell" yourself in different mediums.
Personally, I would suggest that you hone your academic skills and your photography skills and talents as best as you can, and consider going to college because the more you know, the greater your chances of success.
In addition to learning many, many different aspects of photography, you will learn some business skills and also make contacts for future networking. You will also learn other skills that will enable you to make a living during those dry spells that occur.
I've known a few professionals that have gone through bankruptcy for lack of business savvy and from not being familiar with business procedures (taxes and overhead costs, for example). You might be surprised to know how many photographers have gone into teaching and/or working and/or managing photography labs or shops and how many are today working in large camera stores.
Take my word for it, while there are some successful photographers that have never attended college, there are many, many, many more out of work right now because the competition is so fierce. Every year for the past 20 years or so, over 200,000 photographers graduate from colleges... and that's just here in the USA... not counting the UK, France, etc. How confident do you feel trying to compete with them?
Give yourself every possible opportunity to succeed; I suggest that you learn as much as possible, go to college! At least you'll have other skills to fall back on that will enable you to find employment in other areas, rather than starve or be forced to take menial jobs that pay little. Learn about photojournalism, portraits, weddings, and as much as you can about computers and the computer photography programs, and about lighting and general studio work... remember, after you get out of college, you'll need to do an apprenticeship... and doing an apprenticeship with an experienced, established photographer is not about carrying equipment and sweeping floors... you'll need photography know-how while you gain experience and learn how to deal with all sorts of situations that arise on a day-to-day basis.
Get an education and make yourself an invaluable asset wherever you go and for whomever takes you on as an apprentice so that you can continue learning.
Knowledge is earning power in photography; the more you know the better your chances at success... but you need skills and talents, experience and PASSION, don't forget. Good luck and best wishes.
2006-11-10 18:46:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Have you considered becoming a photography assistant. Call up some local photographers and explain what you want to do. The job usually entails carrying and setting up all the gear, but you'll get allot of great experience.
You have to remember that photography is an art and a science. So the field is constantly growing and changing because of technological advances and due to taste. Anyone can say they are a photographer, but not everyone can say they have art or science degree in photography. A degree from a reputable school aren't easy to achieve. They require hard work and dedication. This gives you a great deal of credibility. Honestly, credibility matters.
Oh by the way, most photographers don't get paid well. I started out as a photographer, but I soon changed fields. Literally, digital photography allow anyone to take a quality photo nowadays. I work for a publishing company now, and we pay very little to photographers we outsource with and they are required to have a 4 year art degree.
2006-11-10 21:57:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
- about 4 years at the the art school i'm planning to go to - internship with a successful photographer/maybe in a studio - Graphics, Business and management , photography , editing classes , various art classes - Its all over the board , the average photographer in america supposedly makes 25-30,000 though some make millions -Positive -you get to do what you love negative- most competitive job , hard to earn your living solely on that .
2016-03-19 06:21:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Damn easy if u bliv what u see beautiful is really beautiful,and the angle u select best is really best!search top photography int. in ur area..
try hands on low cost SLR first ,,mean while try hands on latest available easy to use photo softwares to have the basic terminology of tones/and colour effects(very essential today)
down load photoshop(may b tough)and googlePICASA free
here http://angle-mine.blogspot.com
2006-11-11 06:13:05 · answer #4 · answered by alok n 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to have a good eye, and good buisness sense. Other than that, no, college is not nessecary.
2006-11-10 17:55:12 · answer #5 · answered by mn_detective 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋