Professional photographers...self taught or college/some other institute trained?

Question

What would your recommendation be for someone who would like to be a professional photographer but doesn't yet know in what area ie portrait, commerial (stock), photojournalism?

Answer 1

Humans learn best in a structured environment - school. Just as we attend school for math and science and history, attending school for photography is the best way to learn.

It is possible to be a very competent self-taught photographer but its much slower and often frustrating.

If there are no photography schools or classes in your area or your schedule doesn't allow for classes, consider The New York Institute of Photography (nyip.com). They offer correspondence courses and have been in business since 1910.

Answer 2

I think you'll find it depends... you will find that some folks like Ansel Adams didn't go to college or any type of school while others like Herman Leonard had a BFA in photography... and still there are those like Annie Leibovitz that were in college studing art and then moved into photography though weren't trained in college as photographers.

There is no set path... In general you probably need some training simply because a foundation in how something is done usually helps... Unless your plan is to set up a shop doing portraits though you'll likely find it a very hard industry to get into. Lots of people want to be photographers and it doesn't cost much for a camera and lights.... end result is your looking at a field that has a huge over supply of would be workers... that means you'll need more luck than talent.

Answer 3

Depends on the kind of person you are. If you learn better by self teaching/self study, then go that way. If you learn better through an institute of higher learning, go that way.

I've stated time and time again, that a lot of very famous photographers were self taught. There are also a lot that went to colleges or art institutes and/or had other famous pros as their instructors.

I had the luxury of time on my hands as I have a well paying primary occupation. I use photography as a means to make extra money on the side. I can work outside my normal hours and on weekends.

Answer 4

This is the best photography course online:

http://photography-course.info

You can be like the masses of humanity and buy a camera you can afford that has auto this and that for worry free picture taking. And learn through trial and error how to use something like aperture or shutter priority auto modes or even attempt to use the thing on full manual mode.
You seem to know already there is some thinking to using a camera and to take pictures. A good place to start is by reading the owners manual that comes with a camera. Read the information and look at the illustrations with part names and look at the real camera. Handle the camera and take pictures. Let me rephrase that. Take pictures to learn how to use the camera and maybe even to keep some. Don't start with important stuff you cannot photograph over again such as birthdays, a toddlers first steps. That puts picture taking out of the learning phase and puts the pressure and emphasis to taking pictures for real and to keep.
These first pictures are for you to learn how to use your camera. And you have learned how to use your camera when you can take pictures with it and can teach others how to use it. Honest. You can also go to a college in your area and take a beginning photography course. There you will be taught the basics even a pro must learn and do in their work. Camera handling and use, taking exposures with film and/or digital cameras, and maybe even some photo assignments to get some real time learning. In this learning do not take serious pictures you must keep as that detracts from the learning aspect of the class. Do so only if you have mastered the use of your camera before class is over.
It's like growing up in a way. And I am happy you know there is a way to learn how to use a camera and take pictures. It's like learning how to drive I suppose. Someone can teach you or you can get taught at a driving school. Both will get you a drivers liscense. One though will really teach you the fundamentals you can use for the rest of your driving career.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Professional photographers...self taught or college/some other institute trained?
What would your recommendation be for someone who would like to be a professional photographer but doesn't yet know in what area ie portrait, commerial (stock), photojournalism?

Answer 6

I studied photography in college. There were several different areas of study and I had to make a choice before I went to begin with either art or journalism. I took the journalism route and it trained me not only to work in a studio, but also in varying conditions and subjects. I have since worked for a newspaper, a wire service, a ad agency and done weddings and portraits. I suggest spending a little time with a photographer who has done each of these-- just know that they are all a lot of work and most people don't make much money at it.
Also, if you are self employed-- which is usually the case with stock-- it will cost about $10,000 in equipment just to get started.

Answer 7

I have no idea why someone gave fhotoace a thumbs down. His answer is a pretty good one.

But that being said, although I agree that photography school are the best for most people, I found myself in the few exception. Why? Because not only I disliked educational institution (I blame my ADHD for this), but I also find a lot of joy learning things by myself. Sure, it can be a frustration when I made a novice mistake when I'm handling a client, but I found that learning things bit by bit is the kind of learning that I won't easily forget. Well for me anyway.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

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