Is getting AA in photography, then getting an internship a good way to get into the field of photography?

Question

I'm thinking about going to Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. I want to become a professional photographer. I want to do senior portraits, weddings, family portraits, etc...I'm thinking about getting an Associates of Arts degree, then becoming someone's assistant or getting an internship after i graduate....is this a good plan or should i get a Bachelors Degree?

Answer 1

I did freelance in Boston for 16 yrs. Experience and an eye out-weigh a degree but a BA is always good to have. Ask yourself if you're doing this because it's cool or because you feel driven. And then realize that you will always be at the mercy of art directors, brand new mothers-in-law and your corporate masters. Don't get me wrong, it's great. But after a few years, it becomes a job like any other.Today I have a day job that I enjoy and I shoot and sell the images that I want and that drove me to be a photographer in the first place. I'm much happier.
A plumber's house has leaky pipes. My point is I stopped doing what I loved in order to make a living at it. Now I get to make a living AND do what I love. But I'm just a jaded old punk. Go for the BA, educate yourself and do something that makes you afraid, every day.

Answer 2

That is a plan but there are many other options. A degree is a way to learn more but just a degree will not get you into the field. I am a professional retail photographer I have a degree but learned the most in the field. A lot about the business cannot be taught to you is school. So go to school were you want take business classes too. And as a part time job be a retail photographer. I recommend SEARS we train and look for sales experience and a love for photography. The best time to apply is in the fall august/ September . If you have never worked find a position to teach you sales then apply. If you stick with it you can learn so much of the business, and still go to school. My degree puts me ahead of the game but it does not make me more money. Just complete what you start. I would start with an associates and then move on to a bachelors.

Answer 3

I think your plan of going to school and getting an AA and then proceeding to work as an assitant is a good idea. I know the curriculum and some of the professors who teach over at the Academy of Arts University, and if wedding, senior portraits, and family portraits is what you aspire to do, the best way to do this is to actually work in the field and learn from a well respected professional. To make an analogy going to that particular school to become a wedding photographer would be like going to racing school to become a taxi cab driver. When it comes to family portraits, senior portraits, and wedding photography a lot of the shots are for the most part formulaic and cliche and tend to go against the creative foundations of most art schools and university photography departments. However, if you get your BFA in photography at a major university or art school your vision of photography will most likely change and broaden in its scope and possibilities. That said, for your BFA I wouldn't suggest going to an art school, especially that particular school. However, if you are going to spend that kind of money go to Parsons, or Brooks, they have a much better commercial photography department. My personal suggestion is to go to a public university such as CSU long beach or CSU San Jose state, with the money you save there you can buy yourself a studio setup. The good thing about those particular Universities is that a lot of their professors also work at prestigious art schools, so you essentially get the same education at well below half the price.
I also have to ad that going to a public university will give you a much more eclectic educational background. Fact is that photographers do fall on hard times and it is always nice to have a bachelors degree.

Answer 4

The both degrees , AA and BFA (which I have), just proves that you can complete something, which is wonderful. In real life however, you will need to assist to get experience. I worked for a certain bullseye corporation in the twin cities, as an intern, and I never handled film or the computer once while working there for over a year. You have to work hard & not expect anything in return. I schlepped coffee & carried gear and swept and mopped the studio for a very very long time, but it was worth every second.
My advice...get any degree, just in case, and then be prepared to work as a gopher/hired hand for a long time, but be grateful for any chance & keep shooting your own work on the side.

Answer 5

Some one say: "If you like fish go fishing"
It is good idea to do internship and practice.