Are any of you aware of any really good photography schools? I am still deciding on a college and if I pursue photography, I would want to go to a really good photgraphy school.
If you guys have any suggestions, ideas, tips, or advice... I would appreciate it SO much!
did any of you major in photography or have a career highly revolved around photography? Do you KNOW of anybody who has gone to a photography school and has had great success? I live in Indiana... but am willing to go out of state. I have heard of there being a really good college in NewYork for school... Pratt I think is the name of it.
Even if you DONT have any college suggestions... what do you think/feel about me (or anyone for that matter) majoring in photography?
good idea? bad idea? why?
(THANKS SO MUCH IN ADVANCE. I figure posing this question on a site of photographers would be the best place to acquire a good amount of decent/reliable information :D)
I guess the first thing to do is decide which route in photography you want to take. Once you have decided, then look for schools. Maybe find a class at a local college for starters to see if that is for sure the route you want to take before making a full decision on it. I kinda wish I would have done that for my art because once I got into college for an art degree, I quit drawing. Once I am able to afford it, I plan to just take a few photography classes myself. I personally suggest that before diving into full on college for it.
I was a photography major for a little bit, but couldn't complete my degree (life got in the way). I have a BS in microbiology, so I was just doing an associates of fine art for the heck of it (gave me reasons to be a film snob, haha). I was attending a community college in NJ which had an outstanding program with awesome facilities. I really miss their darkrooms :( But I digress... I also took classes at the International Center of Photography in NYC. Hated it... really really hated it. Bunch of pretentious snobs. Granted, I'm sure if I shot with a Holga back then like I do now they would've liked me... but going in as a student with tons of photojournalism experience in motorsports didn't tickle the instructor's fancy too much...
I have mixed feelings on photography as a major. First off, I guess I'm more money oriented, so that's why I'm pursuing nursing instead, because I want a stable future with insurance, benefits, and a comfort level of living (and I'm a medical/sciency type person). And I don't want to rely on weddings to pay my bills. So I guess you gotta really think if you want it as a career, and are willing to do a lot of photo work that maybe isn't your strongest passion to get by (gotta remember the saying... "everyone just shots weddings until National Geographic calls").
The publishing/new industry is declining, making photojournalism a bit on shaky grounds, another thing to consider (not sure what type of photography would would pursue). That was the #1 reason I didn't enter into ICP's photojourn program, aside from the $30k/price tag.
And nearly all the photographers I know have never had formal training. Another thing to consider... personally, I entered the program I was in AFTER I had already had work published in several magazines. I kinda feel that if you can already make great photos on your own, school can be frustrating, fighting against "rules" and teacher's personal biases.
So that's my random thoughts on that...
Supposedly, this college in Wyoming has a REALLY good program: http://photo.northwestcollege.edu/ It's a community college, but holy crap their facilities make me jealous! If I didn't live on the opposite end of the state from the school, I would totally take some classes there just for the studio space!
@manek43509@dawnetta@soxfansara - My mind is at battle. I dont know if I should major in photography or if I should settle for a more guaranteed job like say... a teacher (elementary education). but my gut is telling me to go full out for photography because I love it so much. I need to hurry and decide fast though because I need to apply NOW before its too late so I can get a spot for next fall. I've waited too long because my mind has been battliing all this time, so I started this thread in hopes of helping me make a decision.
thanks for the help, suggestions!!
@comfortplenty@eiskalt - great advice, thanks so much. (Read the paragraph above this to get a better idea of why I posed these questions :D )
My boyfriend is a professional photographer and says that Brooks Institute,Savannah College of Art and Design, and Georgia Tech apparently have the best grad schools in photography.
I'm just talking out loud here so take this advice with a grain of salt if you want. But I'd caution against a narrowly focused arts degree like photography. There's certainly nothing wrong with a degree in photography, but you have to constantly think about the future and alternate paths you may take. It may very well pay off, but at the same time what happens if you find yourself in a position needing to find work that isn't directly tied to photography? You will be pretty far down the list of job applicants.
I know the feeling. I spent 5 years in college getting a degree in landscape architecture and guess what? I've never practiced a day of architecture in my life. I've got an $80,000 piece of paper hanging on the wall that's essentially worthless now that I'm self-employed as a writer, editor, and photographer. I had no idea this is the direction my career would take me, but it did, and now I regret the fact I spent so much money and went into so much debt to study a for a specialized degree that I don't even use today.
It's silly when I think about it. I make more money as a writer than I ever could have made as a landscape architect at this point in my life and I avoided English and writing classes at all costs! Who would have thunk it? Life is funny like that.
So this isn't to say you shouldn't pursue photography as a degree, but think long and hard about the possibilities in your life. In the event it doesn't work out, that's a lot of money and time gone to waste. I always look back at my college years and wish I would have changed directions. Even if I had just done a general business or teaching degree I'd be far better off today, but instead I spent years pursuing something that I'll never use.
You can still be the best photographer in the world without a photography degree. Since it's a difficult field to make a living at I think it's a good idea to diversify your skillset. I bet if you asked most of the top photographers in the world what they went to college for, very few would say they studied photography. It's more talent than knowledge. You can improve technique with knowledge and practice, but natural talent goes a long way. Just ask all of the great musicians and artists of the world... most never studied music or art in school to get to where they were. ;)
i dont know why im responding cuz we talk bout this all the time elsewhere :D
but....if you dont choose to major in photography, you can always become an assistant for a photographer as a side thingo and learn from experience rather then in theory. just a thought :) I agree though, trust your gut. I reckon you know what you want to do its the just the fear of getting it wrong that blurs your vision on what you want to do. thats what i reckon about myself. but whatever it is, youll kill it.
ps. money isnt what life is about. dont let that influence what your decision is :)
@marubozo that's why you minor also.
Lauren, go for it. You can also send a portfolio to National Geographic and Discovery... they hire photographers based on skill not just education.
@meshinka You can minor in stuff, but in the end it doesn't matter if life doesn't work out as planned, which is more often than not.
That's the thing with a degree like photography. Aside from a few exclusive outlets, how many people who are looking for good photos require to see a degree in photography before accepting them? The proof is in the pudding so to speak. If you have a portfolio and track record of excellent photos, that's what counts. You could have a Ph.D. in the arts but if you can't produce quality work nobody will hire you, yet you can be living on the streets without an education and if you can produce quality photos you'll be able to find work. No degree is going to make your work look better, and if it does, the employer is blinded by superficiality.
If you go the route of a less focused major i.e. elem ed or whatever, make sure to take as many photog classes as you can get away with (you know while keeping up your studies and all). You can always learn something and apply it to your photog work on the side.
If you do choose a focused major, be willing and take initiative to grow your skills in other areas at the same time, so that you will be more hireable when/if you need to pursue a money making job while your photography takes off.
Everyone on this thread has valid points. Just be willing to work hard and become well rounded, whatever you do. Best of luck and can't wait to hear what you end up doing.
My photo teacher, whose one of the like leaders or chairmens of PPA (Professional Photographers of America) told our class, when we went to a local college on a field trip to check out the photo program there, that Brooks institute in Santa Barbra, Cali, is one of the best photography schools in the U.S. http://www.brooks.edu/
Lauren, you are a remarkable photographer already with no training and for your age and you should pursue it as far as you can, even if you change your mind a year in, you should get yourself into the best course on offer so you won't end up with any regrets.
@marubozo - You said what I was trying to say, but so much better. I defiantly agree with you. Some of the best photographers I have seen do not even have degrees, let alone studies in photography. It is all self-taught and talent, which I think is far more important then a $40k + piece of paper. Some National Geographic photographers don't even have degrees, just years of practice. :)
@lauren211 - That was my mistake with art. I took something that I loved dearly; something I did everyday and ruined it because of college. My passion and love faded once it became a "job". Not saying that college is bad or anything, nor training. Just if you love something passionately like photography or art, it is better to just learn at your own accord and maybe take a class or two so it won't kill your love for it.
I guess what I am getting at Lauren is follow your love and passion for photography, but earn a degree in something else that you can actually make a career out of. (Nursing is always a needed field if you don't mind helping people.) I will continue to work as a cashier, but my side-job and passion will be my photography. :)
Sorry for my rambling. ^^; I get kinda thoughtful around this time of night. lol
In my opinion I definitely think you should pursue a career in photography. That is not to say that I think that you should major in it in college. I think you should find a local photographer who is willing to take you on as an assistant and build yourself up a really fantastic portfolio- Hey you already have tons of amazing stuff to choose from. I know your dream is to travel and I have seen many post from you leaning toward photojournalism (a marriage of your two passions)- I think this is a brilliant path for you (just my opinion). I know this has been said already, but a strong portfolio really is going to speak stronger than a piece of paper from a college. Yes go to college, get a degree in something you love (maybe teaching) and take a bunch of electives (or even minor) in photography. If you put half of the effort, and passion, into whatever it is you choose to do as you do here, you are going to do famously!
@lauren211
Lauren, my advice would be to go with your instincts, and try to "make it" as a pro photographer...
Seriously, if things don't work out, in that career (although I definitely think you can make it work!) you can always go for something more stable later on - but if you never even give it a go, you'll always wonder whether it could've happened for you...
I had the exact same thing - not with photography, of course, but with music... Everyone told me not to pursue a career as a full-time musician (except my Dad, who was wonderfully supportive, and I think that has been a huge help) and just to keep music as a hobby, and get a "proper job" with guaranteed regular income... But I "followed the dream" instead - and, on the whole, I'm really glad I did!
Do what you love doing, and give it everything you've got... :)
@lauren211 Lauren. Go to a good Humanities college and try out different things. When you finish you can get an MFA in photography which is usually just a 2 year program. On top of that, there are schools that offer certification in teaching and MFA's, like East Carolina University. When certified in art you are k-12, so you can teach any grade level. With an MFA you could teach college. (Then there are schools like Duke that offer professional certificates in Documentary studies. ) Good luck.
Lauren, if your gut is telling you to pursue photography, do it! I wanted to, but did the elementary ed thing instead. I LOVED teaching, but years later, I understand my life's passion has always been photographing children. Good luck in your decision. Go with your gut!
As others have said, I think that assisting a photographer and minoring/taking as many classes in it is a great idea, and then you're also getting an education in something else. Business might be a good idea to, because if if you ever venture out to be an independent photographer/photojournalist, you'll want to have the business knowledge to help that along.
You can also get a four year degree in education, business, or whatever, and if in that time you've built up even more of a portfolio, look at a MFA program.
And a caution about education: nationally and politically, that is a profession that is taking quite a hit. I didn't go into education until I was 30, but if the environment then was what it is now, I'm not sure that I would do it. There's much more I could say about this, but that's another topic entirely. :)
I think you should follow your gut, and do something you love. I have a Creative Writing degree that a lot of people think is useless, but I couldn't be happier with my choice.
And remember that if you're willing to work hard, a double major is always an option! I took a double major . . . I even knew a few triple majors in college. You don't have to limit yourself to one thing.
I know this is waaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyy late of a reply haha but honestly and sincerely... thank you for all of your kind words, thoughts and opinions. I wasn't expecting such a response, but I guess now I should have because this place... 365... its so great. Again, thank you. I know many if not most of you have experience so I value your take on the whole majoring in photography thing, its a great help. I still dont know exactly what I'm going to do. I noticed most of you were saying I should either just minor in photography and pursue elementary education while lothers of you were saying education is quite iffy right now. I think it was ummm Ashley who mentioned I should (or have the option) to do a double major which is definitely a consideration right now too.
I guess, actually, I have one more question for all of you....
do you guys think National Geopraphic, right now based on my passion and photographs... is right for me? or even a good idea?
becausee... if I dooo ever decide to photograph for a magazine like that... shouldnt I start as early as possible?
hmmmmmm.....
any additional thoughts or extra ideas are welcome too.
thanks!
IMO - An education ALWAYS makes you more marketable...period. What you choose to major/minor in is up to you, and I believe you should follow your heart. That being said, if you truly want to work for National Geographic (and what a career that would be!), I think the proper education would only help you - it certainly wouldn't hurt you.
Only you know what's right for you, Lauren :-) It may take some life experiences for you to know if shooting for a magazine like NG is really what you want. Remember that what you want at 18 may not be what you want at 30. But you have a direction to go in, which is more than many people your age have going for them. You may land somewhere other than NG and be perfectly content for the rest of your life.
Could I envision you shooting for National Geographic? Based on what I've seen here as far as your passion, etc. I'd have to say yep. I could :-) I think what you've done here only touches the surface of what you'd be capable of with education and life experience.
@shutterbug0810 - I can't wait either, but then again I'm scared of where I WILL land lol I dont want to make the wrong choices! trying not to worry about that though because really, in life, if you follow your heart and at least try to make the best decisions based on what you know and the experience you have, there are no such thing as wrong decisions. we live and we learn I suppose...I just dont want to learn the hard way ;D thanks Loni. much appreciated.
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But I definitely think you should study photography... Don't let your considerable talent go to waste! :)
I have mixed feelings on photography as a major. First off, I guess I'm more money oriented, so that's why I'm pursuing nursing instead, because I want a stable future with insurance, benefits, and a comfort level of living (and I'm a medical/sciency type person). And I don't want to rely on weddings to pay my bills. So I guess you gotta really think if you want it as a career, and are willing to do a lot of photo work that maybe isn't your strongest passion to get by (gotta remember the saying... "everyone just shots weddings until National Geographic calls").
The publishing/new industry is declining, making photojournalism a bit on shaky grounds, another thing to consider (not sure what type of photography would would pursue). That was the #1 reason I didn't enter into ICP's photojourn program, aside from the $30k/price tag.
And nearly all the photographers I know have never had formal training. Another thing to consider... personally, I entered the program I was in AFTER I had already had work published in several magazines. I kinda feel that if you can already make great photos on your own, school can be frustrating, fighting against "rules" and teacher's personal biases.
So that's my random thoughts on that...
Supposedly, this college in Wyoming has a REALLY good program: http://photo.northwestcollege.edu/ It's a community college, but holy crap their facilities make me jealous! If I didn't live on the opposite end of the state from the school, I would totally take some classes there just for the studio space!
thanks for the help, suggestions!!
@comfortplenty @eiskalt - great advice, thanks so much. (Read the paragraph above this to get a better idea of why I posed these questions :D )
I know the feeling. I spent 5 years in college getting a degree in landscape architecture and guess what? I've never practiced a day of architecture in my life. I've got an $80,000 piece of paper hanging on the wall that's essentially worthless now that I'm self-employed as a writer, editor, and photographer. I had no idea this is the direction my career would take me, but it did, and now I regret the fact I spent so much money and went into so much debt to study a for a specialized degree that I don't even use today.
It's silly when I think about it. I make more money as a writer than I ever could have made as a landscape architect at this point in my life and I avoided English and writing classes at all costs! Who would have thunk it? Life is funny like that.
So this isn't to say you shouldn't pursue photography as a degree, but think long and hard about the possibilities in your life. In the event it doesn't work out, that's a lot of money and time gone to waste. I always look back at my college years and wish I would have changed directions. Even if I had just done a general business or teaching degree I'd be far better off today, but instead I spent years pursuing something that I'll never use.
You can still be the best photographer in the world without a photography degree. Since it's a difficult field to make a living at I think it's a good idea to diversify your skillset. I bet if you asked most of the top photographers in the world what they went to college for, very few would say they studied photography. It's more talent than knowledge. You can improve technique with knowledge and practice, but natural talent goes a long way. Just ask all of the great musicians and artists of the world... most never studied music or art in school to get to where they were. ;)
but....if you dont choose to major in photography, you can always become an assistant for a photographer as a side thingo and learn from experience rather then in theory. just a thought :) I agree though, trust your gut. I reckon you know what you want to do its the just the fear of getting it wrong that blurs your vision on what you want to do. thats what i reckon about myself. but whatever it is, youll kill it.
ps. money isnt what life is about. dont let that influence what your decision is :)
Lauren, go for it. You can also send a portfolio to National Geographic and Discovery... they hire photographers based on skill not just education.
That was going to be my suggestion as well :)
That's the thing with a degree like photography. Aside from a few exclusive outlets, how many people who are looking for good photos require to see a degree in photography before accepting them? The proof is in the pudding so to speak. If you have a portfolio and track record of excellent photos, that's what counts. You could have a Ph.D. in the arts but if you can't produce quality work nobody will hire you, yet you can be living on the streets without an education and if you can produce quality photos you'll be able to find work. No degree is going to make your work look better, and if it does, the employer is blinded by superficiality.
If you do choose a focused major, be willing and take initiative to grow your skills in other areas at the same time, so that you will be more hireable when/if you need to pursue a money making job while your photography takes off.
Everyone on this thread has valid points. Just be willing to work hard and become well rounded, whatever you do. Best of luck and can't wait to hear what you end up doing.
http://www.brooks.edu/
@lauren211 - That was my mistake with art. I took something that I loved dearly; something I did everyday and ruined it because of college. My passion and love faded once it became a "job". Not saying that college is bad or anything, nor training. Just if you love something passionately like photography or art, it is better to just learn at your own accord and maybe take a class or two so it won't kill your love for it.
I guess what I am getting at Lauren is follow your love and passion for photography, but earn a degree in something else that you can actually make a career out of. (Nursing is always a needed field if you don't mind helping people.) I will continue to work as a cashier, but my side-job and passion will be my photography. :)
Sorry for my rambling. ^^; I get kinda thoughtful around this time of night. lol
Lauren, my advice would be to go with your instincts, and try to "make it" as a pro photographer...
Seriously, if things don't work out, in that career (although I definitely think you can make it work!) you can always go for something more stable later on - but if you never even give it a go, you'll always wonder whether it could've happened for you...
I had the exact same thing - not with photography, of course, but with music... Everyone told me not to pursue a career as a full-time musician (except my Dad, who was wonderfully supportive, and I think that has been a huge help) and just to keep music as a hobby, and get a "proper job" with guaranteed regular income... But I "followed the dream" instead - and, on the whole, I'm really glad I did!
Do what you love doing, and give it everything you've got... :)
Check out Columbia in Chicago. It's an arts college, and a good one.
Follow your heart, most of all!
You can also get a four year degree in education, business, or whatever, and if in that time you've built up even more of a portfolio, look at a MFA program.
And a caution about education: nationally and politically, that is a profession that is taking quite a hit. I didn't go into education until I was 30, but if the environment then was what it is now, I'm not sure that I would do it. There's much more I could say about this, but that's another topic entirely. :)
And remember that if you're willing to work hard, a double major is always an option! I took a double major . . . I even knew a few triple majors in college. You don't have to limit yourself to one thing.
I know this is waaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyy late of a reply haha but honestly and sincerely... thank you for all of your kind words, thoughts and opinions. I wasn't expecting such a response, but I guess now I should have because this place... 365... its so great. Again, thank you. I know many if not most of you have experience so I value your take on the whole majoring in photography thing, its a great help. I still dont know exactly what I'm going to do. I noticed most of you were saying I should either just minor in photography and pursue elementary education while lothers of you were saying education is quite iffy right now. I think it was ummm Ashley who mentioned I should (or have the option) to do a double major which is definitely a consideration right now too.
I guess, actually, I have one more question for all of you....
do you guys think National Geopraphic, right now based on my passion and photographs... is right for me? or even a good idea?
becausee... if I dooo ever decide to photograph for a magazine like that... shouldnt I start as early as possible?
hmmmmmm.....
any additional thoughts or extra ideas are welcome too.
thanks!
Only you know what's right for you, Lauren :-) It may take some life experiences for you to know if shooting for a magazine like NG is really what you want. Remember that what you want at 18 may not be what you want at 30. But you have a direction to go in, which is more than many people your age have going for them. You may land somewhere other than NG and be perfectly content for the rest of your life.
Could I envision you shooting for National Geographic? Based on what I've seen here as far as your passion, etc. I'd have to say yep. I could :-) I think what you've done here only touches the surface of what you'd be capable of with education and life experience.
I can't wait to see where you land!