If I want to be a photographer, do I need to get a degree?

Question

I have been taking photography classes at a community college for a year, and I fell in love with it. Our college just created requirements for a degree, which would include taking a lot of photography classes, as well as some gen eds.

I would like to take these classes, but I'm not a big fan of gen eds, and I also might have a bit of financial issues.

Answer 1

I was a photographer's assistant for many years. I never once had a client ask me what kind of education the photographer had. All they cared about were the sample portraits hanging on the walls. We did weddings, seniors, portraits, and commercial (cookbook covers, menus, etc) for the most part. Darkroom skills aren't as important, I didn't know one photographer who developed there own negs, they are all sent out to commercial labs. Some did their own art prints, but that wasn't their bread and butter, that was treated like a hobby.
My advice to you is get a degree in small business management or entrepreneurial type of degree. Take the photo classes as a minor or on the side. Too many artists make the mistake of not having enough of a business background and they go under because of poor business management, not because they lack talent.
If you don't want to take many business classes, the one you need to take would be a small business management class. What you are looking for is a class that you have to make up a real Business Plan, like you were going to the bank to ask for a business loan. This will give you the reality of what it's going to take to supply, open and operate a studio. Also take an accounting course, you can save a lot of money by doing your own bookkeeping.
Realize that to make a living, you will have to do weddings, seniors, stuff like that. You will use that money to fund your "art prints" that you will try to sell at your studio or art shows. Also realize most people buy portraits of themselves, and their familes, they don't buy landscapes or flowers. Think about your friends houses, what they have on the walls. The art part of it will have to be for your satisfaction, not so much for financial gain.
Most people aren't going to buy your work because you went to a certain school, they are either going to want to hang it on their wall or not. They are more interested in the frame then what school you went to.
I am not discouraging you from attending school, but in your own words you aren't a big fan of gen eds and have financial issues. Take the business course I suggested, it will open your eyes to the true costs (personal $, loan $ and time) and keep taking photo courses so you have access to a professional opinions and hone your art. Make a portfolio and save up for a hasselblad :) Offer to apprentice for free this summer to a busy wedding photographer, you will learn quickly if you want to make a living at this or be a hobbyist and sell art prints at craft shows.
Don't turn into another starving artist, good luck. Lisa

Answer 2

If your college has a good program with good professors, then the experience and knowledge you'll gain will be well worth it.

Don't decide against getting a degree just because of gen eds... they're not that big of a deal. Even if it's stuff you'll never use in the real world it makes you a better, more well-rounded person.

I say look into financial aid and go for the degree. At the very least continue to take more classes. I've taken a total of 5 photography courses since I started college, and I continue to learn with each class.

Answer 3

I think I already answered this to another individual. It went something like this: There are some who don't want fresh blood into the business, because of the advent of digital any Tom, Dick or Harry is opening a photography business. My suggestion, for what it's worth, is at your age, learn by working with a good professional as a practicum, or apprentice for a year or so, and see for yourself what is involved. College is great and all, but not a neccessary factor in this business. Unless you take business courses. Experience will be your best teacher. Get under a pro for a while!
Follow your dreams and keep a eye on what you want as an end result. Don't every deviate from the goal. Sounds corny, but listen, I know and have been there.
As far as financial issues...been there bought the t-shirt. Still, buying, the t-shirt. DON'T BORROW MONEY FOR SCHOOL IF YOU CAN HELP IT! Not good to go into any business in debt before you start.
Find your niche in photography, and go from there. But make sure what you have to offer sells. I have had to do alot of photography I didn't care for to make the bills, but trust me, it will pay off. You gotta love this business. And if you do, it WILL reward you.
Sorry for the soap box sermon, but that is a topic for young photographers that I gotta put my two cents in.
Hope that helps, and good luck to you.

Answer 4

If you want to work for a company, the degree will probably be necessary. If you think you will be an independent artist selling your own work, a degree is not necessary. However, the coursework offered in a degree can offer a lot of practical technical information to help you do your work, or run your own business.
Most of us are not fans of gen eds, but it's best to make the sacrifice now if you can..having a degree opens up more options for you in the future just in case things don't work out or if your interests change.

As for finances, you should avoid saying "I can't afford it." Instead, you should be asking "How can I afford it?"

Answer 5

College unlike most other fields only lay the groundwork for photography. A better place to become a refined photographer is the PPA at www.ppa.com when you get a degree with them, you are considered a refined photographer. They also offer certification making you a cetified professional photographer.

Answer 6

i have a friend who does work on video's for weddings, he makes a dvd for a wedding and he's just like a photographer, cuz a lot of vidographers actually take the place of a photographer, and he didn't go to class for it, you can always get into a apprenticeship, which you wont make anything of at all, but you'll get experience, which is what really matters rather then degrees to most ppl, just do a lil research and talk with other photographers in your area

Answer 7

If you are truly serious about being a photographer then you will need to take a course in photography at a university level then find graduate college that has that course specifically for you. and yes it will be expensive about $4000.00 a year for four years.

Answer 8

Have you checked into the New York Institute of Photography? It's a coorespondance course. May be what you are looking for.

Answer 9

Experience,degree,expert,fast actions,etc.

Answer 10

acreditation means everything these days, so buckle down and study.