How important is a degree for a photoagrapher?

Question

Is a photography degree or arts degree really important and/or useful in getting jobs? Or is a great portfolio good enough?

Answer 1

A degree isn't as important as being able to do the job. I worked for several years as a forensic photographer. No degree, only OJT.

I know several people like myself that work in the photo field but do not have a degree - we all do pretty well for ourselves.

If you had a degree, it would be very beneficial to you if you are going for a corporate job (like those people who photograph catalog's and sales flyers), but even then a good portfolio would be just as beneficial.

In many instances, a degree shows the employer that you are committed enough to do something, it isn't so much about what you can learn, just that you CAN learn.

Answer 2

In some jobs experience counts for more. One that I can think of would be Retail Management. You don't need a degree to learn how to operate a Cash Register, price merchandise, hire new employees, order products, do basic bookkeeping and understand invoices. However, if you have many years of experience, even if you're the new guy at a company, you'll start with a higher wage than those with no experience. Some jobs place a high amount of emphasis on having a degree. Experience is not always necessary, meaning they are willing to train and want to train because the way they conduct business is a bit different than those in the same line of work. This is where having a degree is more important than experience. Of course, some places want both the degree and experience. Psychology Majors (I know because it was my major) that wish to work as Mental or Behavioral Health Aides find themselves in a world of hurt if they don't finish an Internship before graduation, because just about every job require at least six months experience. Being you are Sociology Major, I imagine that same would be true for you. Having experience is going to be crucial in being able to land the types of jobs you will apply for in the future.

Answer 3

A degree is all about showing how serious you are and while you are getting one, it is a good time to work on your craft and make contacts and connections. It will also help you learn about the business side of photography, which is important if you want to make a living making pictures. Can you succeed without one?? Absolutely. Is it harder? Maybe How good is your portfolio and what do you want to do. Big difference between being a PJ for the local weekly and shooting fashion week in NYC for Vogue magazine or doing destination weddings and CEO headshots. I wouldn't get all wrapped up in the importance of a degree, but I would get to know many people in the fields you are interested in, look for mentors and if those folks are telling you that formal schooling is important, than perhaps you should listen. Good luck (an pay attention in those business courses...that stuff is important!)

Answer 4

In the creative industry, a degree will not play a too important role of getting you the job. It is still important to have a form of qualification, to get you even considered for the job though.
So maybe not a degree, but some kind of diploma.
Because only when you are considered qualified to do the job will your prospect employer will consider to see your portfolio. Usually, you showcase your portfolio during the interview.

Answer 5

It isn't necessarily the "degree" that matters but the experience and knowledge you get; the "degree" merely substantiates that you've gotten the training in the field of photography.

While you're pursuing your degree, you take classes in different aspects of photography and, hopefully, you also take courses in academic courses which will also round you off so that you can express yourself better (to make a good impression, to assist you get contracts or assignments, to understand contracts, how to run a business, etc), which will also give you skills so that you can find employment in other areas related to the field of photography, as opposed to those of us that learned by reading and out in the field. I know a couple of photographers now ready to retire and they put in extra hours at big camera stores, after they do their commercial work at home. They can work the film developing and processing machines like second nature, and they are well-versed in many areas of photography. They can discuss optics and chemistry, etc. They are well educated enough to author their own books (as they have already done).

In photography, knowledge is earning power, and it complements your other skills and talents.

Answer 6

Yes,it very important to have Degree in Photography like awarded
Associate of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain (ARPS) and has achieved the standard required (Bachelor of Arts in Photography) , also awarded Associate of the Photographic Society of New York (APSNY) .Many of the Magazines companies,Press Holding ,and other majority companies will employed you.

Answer 7

In the US a degree will have little meaning. In the creative arts it is much more about your results than your knowledge of the craft. For the US it is much more of a relationship business.

Check out sources like "The Professional Photography Show" podcast avialable free from iTunes.

Answer 8

Not important. You need to know how to do all the lighting and shooting, etc. and if a degree happens to fall in there- fine! You either have the talent for it or you don't School only teaches you what to do with it. Go from there.
BTW, as far as employment; Lifetouch (the school picture-taking people) hires regualr Joe Blow's and sends them to couple days of training. So do the photo studios in Wal-Mart. It might be a good job to have while you go to school if you chose to get your degree.

Answer 9

Education is never a waste. If you have the ability to get a degree do it. It can only make you better. If, however, you can't educate yourself. Go to classes when you can. Read every book you can your hands on.
Having a degreee may not get you jobs but it can give you information that will enhance your abilities.

Answer 10

What kind of work do you want to get?

Going to school can help you get up to speed more quickly perhaps, but if you can do the work and have a 'book', the piece of paper doesn't matter much...