Major question?

Question

I really want to be a photography major when I go to college next year but my family thinks that my choice is stupid and that I'll never have a job or make money. I love photography; it's one of my biggest passions! Should I ignore them and do what I want or should I change my major?

Answer 1

Your parents have a reason to be worried especially if your intellectual pursuit is fine-art photography. I know I don't speak for everyone, but I know I speak for a good percentage of photographers when I say I got into this career not for the potential of huge amounts of money but simply for the passion to do what I love.
I think you should compromise with your parents. Here is what you do, go to a public university with a decent photography department, for example UCLA. If you are interested in commercial photography pursue an advertising degree, as it can compliment a degree in commercial photography(in particular product photography) but as your minor study photography. While going to school find work as a commercial photo assistant where you will get lots of real world hands on experience. You may find like many people, that the commercial photography business doesn't exactly live up to your expectations.
When you graduate you will have a good solid University degree unlike an art school degree which is sometimes frowned upon because by some employers who feel that art school doesnt provide an eclectic educational foundation for a real life job.
Fact is this,when the economy takes a dive artists and photographers are typically the first to experience hardships and will at times have to turn to another job to support their passion. With an advertising degree you will have a great backup plan if photography is the path you decide in life and the economy tanks. Anyhow even if you have to work in advertising say in the photo deparment as an art director, this doesnt mean that when you go home you cannot do your own thing. Having a job does not mean you throw away your passions.

Answer 2

I Think They Are Going To Make A Stable Including Edge And Major Brother. So The Name They Going To Give Is--- RATED-MAJORS

Answer 3

The last answer is right, decide on another career, one that appeals to you and pays well.
I have been passionate about photography for many many years, and still am.
I have done pro work as a part time freelance and hated it.
I am retired but still taking photographs, mainly to give pleasure to people who like my prints, some A3 to frame , some 7x5 for the family album, some portraits and some TFP for new models. I also enjoy teaching young people.
Keep and learn your photography for yourself and enjoy.

Answer 4

The most successful photographers tend to be the ones who are best at selling and promoting themselves, not necessarily the ones who are the best photographers.

For example, my sister hired a local high-end photographer for her wedding, and paid dearly for it. While he did reasonably well overall, some of the photos which made it into the album had some very serious technical flaws which I, as an amateur photographer, would have been ashamed to have my name attached to. The walking down the aisle shot, for example, had her dress almost completely blown out and the audience as a black hole.

Nevertheless, he still took home several thousand dollars that day, as well as several more thousand in reprint sales because he knew how to promote himself to a clientele who wanted the "best" at any price.

For that reason, I'd strongly suggest that you at least consider a minor in business, if not a major in business and minor in photography. That way, you'd at least be guaranteed a job anywhere, and be able to be more successful in your photography business.

Answer 5

I have made the wrong choice of not following my passion and listen to my parents when I was young. But the artist in me always calls me back. Now I’m a freelance and wedding photographer. Art is passion plus talent which no one can take away. You will have to develop your talent and stay focus until you succeed. My advice is to choose your career path (what type of photographer you want to become?) Develop your Photoshop, Lightroom and other designing skills. Be creative and don’t be afraid of failure… is only a minor set back.

Answer 6

Show your individuality! Pursue your art! Then live off your parents when you can't find a paying job. If you really want to make a living at photography take accounting, marketing, and business administration. It's not just art it's making a living....

Answer 7

my moms stated to me that photography was stupid and I shouldnt follow it, so I didnt. Man am I kicking myself. I love photography and if I would have started years ago...my skills would be out of this world..

Stick with it despite what anyone says...!

Answer 8

their concern is valid...it is really hard to make a living that way. I think it would be best to major in something else and minor in photography, or do a double major. that way you have something to fall back on if photography doesnt make ends meet.

Answer 9

You should consider supplementing your photography with related skills like graphic design, journalism, et cetera. It also wouldn't hurt to take a few business classes in case you ever want to freelance.

Answer 10

if i were you, i would listen to your family, and use photography as something to fall-back on, or a side-job
please view my photography website
freewebs.com/johnnyphotography
Thank You
Johnny