So, I am a sophomore in high school and have been looking all over for colleges to go to for photography (in general for now). Some I've looked at are a little on the higher range, and such.
And I was wondering if all of you talented wonderful people would be able to help me find a college that would be appropriate to look at.
I've gone to two schools for photography. One was ICP in NYC, and I hated it. I don't think I was on either enough drugs to "get it," or I wasn't a big enough snob (they were the type where taking blurry photographs of the sidewalk was "real" photography, but told me was a "fake" photographer because I photographed motorsports. ??? on that one...). Not my cup of tea... then I went to my local community college in NJ, Brookdale, and I really liked it. I loved my teacher, and he gave me a lot more freedom than other students. I don't really like following rules, so I always went against what he said, but it worked out in my favor. I was really sad I had to drop out of the program to move back home (but now I'm in nursing, which is a way more solid career choice!).
Just make sure whatever you do the school is accredited, or you'll have a worthless degree in the eyes of a lot ofpeople. I had a friend who went to the Art Institute for graphic design, and it wasn't an accredited program, so his degree meant nothing when it came time to find work.
OH! I knew I was missing something... Minnesota, south of the metro.
Maybe you are right. Photography is more so a hobby than a career... And I would like a career that won't have severe ups and downs every now and again.
you might want to consider either another degree with a minor in photography or a double major- one being a get the bills paid type of career :) sorry I live nowhere near where you do so I can't be of any help as to what school, but definately make sure it is accredited :)
rule of thumb is find those photographers whom you admire and follow their path, alternatively as with all education programs find the awesome, ubeaut 'tographers who are doing things - winning awards, exhibiting ... check out the teachers of the colleges and go talk to them. I'm in education so follow your heart in this, not always the purse as if you persue your passion the purse will never be empty.
@shootforthemoon Ah, well, I don't know what's in MN really... there's a REALLY good photography program at Northwest College in Powell, WY, though (WY is kinda close to MN... kinda... haha). I know, strange a town in the middle of nowhere WY would have a good program, but it's insanely nice with awesome facilities. I wish I was in that area, as I would probably take a few more classes.
I have a BS in microbiology, and was just doing an associates in photography for fun. Now I'm in a nursing program. So photography was never my main academic interest. I love photography, but no way I'd want to do it full time, like you said, very up and down and lots of competition. I find when I'm doing a lot of work for money I get really sick quickly of it. Unless Nat Geo calls, haha... then I'll do it full time! But definitely something fun to pursue as a side degree. Nothing wrong with double majoring or minoring in it! And it's a great chance, if anything, to get to experiment and use nice facilities (if you do film).
I am slightly prejudiced but I recommend Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. I did not go there, but we live in the town and I find it an amazing place. There is a wonderful arts building with all kinds of facilities and lots of room for exhibitions etc.
I think it is kind of competitive to get into and expensive, but there is lots of financial aid. I will warn you, it is a very Liberal liberal arts college, but also a very nurturing atmosphere, I think.
I live in Minnesota, south of the Metro, so I can maybe find some resources for you. One of the questions I would ask you to think about first would be "how do you see yourself using your photography?" The answer to that question could have a big influence on the school that you choose. All three of my children are in college, so I have a few resources to pull from! lol!
For example, I worked for a woman in Eden Prairie who is a color forecaster. She travels all over the world to furniture shows, shoots thousands of pictures and uses those photos to write her publication and to make her color forecasts. To do her job, you would maybe need a business degree, and/or interior design, and you would probably want a minor in photography so you had the knowledge of how to do it properly for your own benefit.
Another example would be journalism. That degree would be pretty obvious.
Another one I can think of is law enforcement. If you are in detective work, you have to be able to take crime scene photos, etc. Not the prettiest of work, but someone has to do it.
Maybe think more about those kinds of things. What kind of career would interest you that could incorporate photography if photography is one of your passions. I agree with some of the posters above that making an income is important, but you also have to love what you do. One of my oldest sons friends went to Mankato State for graphic design. She only went for her BA degree, and found out that it wasn't going to take her very far. She is very artistic, and did very well in school. She took a year off and worked in a business office and is now going for her Masters at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
Something else you can do is take a photography class at the Normandale Community College once you are a junior in high school. All of my kids finished their last two years of high school at Normandale. You have to have a certain GPA, but if you do, you can take your high school credits over there and they count toward college credits also, and it's paid for by the high school (state). You could do a photography class as one of your fillers.
You can reach me at Peterson_Sheri@hotmail.com if you have any questions or want me to put you in touch with anyone.
Sheri
hi I am a sophmore too and I think I would like to major in international studies with a minor in photography or photo journalism. Anyways collage is obviously a big deal and it kind of depends on your preferences (public or private, co ed or single sex, state, tuition, ect) Anyway there are a total of 297 collages in the USA offering degree's in photography. If you give me some of your preferences I can narrow down the search for you
Here are some in Minnesota
Ridgewater Coll Willmar, MN
Art Inst Intl Minnesota Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Comm & Tech Coll Minneapolis, MN
Dakota County Tech College Rosemount, MN
Minneapolis Coll of Art & Design Minneapolis, MN
College of Visual Arts St. Paul, MN
TO ALL. Thank you SO MUCH for your imput. I discussed with a few people that it would be best to minor in photography, or just keep it as a hobby. I know if I go into culinary arts or major in biology I will have plenty of chances to take wonderful photos of animals and nature in general..
But, again. Thank you so much!
Write a Reply
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
I've gone to two schools for photography. One was ICP in NYC, and I hated it. I don't think I was on either enough drugs to "get it," or I wasn't a big enough snob (they were the type where taking blurry photographs of the sidewalk was "real" photography, but told me was a "fake" photographer because I photographed motorsports. ??? on that one...). Not my cup of tea... then I went to my local community college in NJ, Brookdale, and I really liked it. I loved my teacher, and he gave me a lot more freedom than other students. I don't really like following rules, so I always went against what he said, but it worked out in my favor. I was really sad I had to drop out of the program to move back home (but now I'm in nursing, which is a way more solid career choice!).
Just make sure whatever you do the school is accredited, or you'll have a worthless degree in the eyes of a lot ofpeople. I had a friend who went to the Art Institute for graphic design, and it wasn't an accredited program, so his degree meant nothing when it came time to find work.
Maybe you are right. Photography is more so a hobby than a career... And I would like a career that won't have severe ups and downs every now and again.
I have a BS in microbiology, and was just doing an associates in photography for fun. Now I'm in a nursing program. So photography was never my main academic interest. I love photography, but no way I'd want to do it full time, like you said, very up and down and lots of competition. I find when I'm doing a lot of work for money I get really sick quickly of it. Unless Nat Geo calls, haha... then I'll do it full time! But definitely something fun to pursue as a side degree. Nothing wrong with double majoring or minoring in it! And it's a great chance, if anything, to get to experiment and use nice facilities (if you do film).
I think it is kind of competitive to get into and expensive, but there is lots of financial aid. I will warn you, it is a very Liberal liberal arts college, but also a very nurturing atmosphere, I think.
For example, I worked for a woman in Eden Prairie who is a color forecaster. She travels all over the world to furniture shows, shoots thousands of pictures and uses those photos to write her publication and to make her color forecasts. To do her job, you would maybe need a business degree, and/or interior design, and you would probably want a minor in photography so you had the knowledge of how to do it properly for your own benefit.
Another example would be journalism. That degree would be pretty obvious.
Another one I can think of is law enforcement. If you are in detective work, you have to be able to take crime scene photos, etc. Not the prettiest of work, but someone has to do it.
Maybe think more about those kinds of things. What kind of career would interest you that could incorporate photography if photography is one of your passions. I agree with some of the posters above that making an income is important, but you also have to love what you do. One of my oldest sons friends went to Mankato State for graphic design. She only went for her BA degree, and found out that it wasn't going to take her very far. She is very artistic, and did very well in school. She took a year off and worked in a business office and is now going for her Masters at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
Something else you can do is take a photography class at the Normandale Community College once you are a junior in high school. All of my kids finished their last two years of high school at Normandale. You have to have a certain GPA, but if you do, you can take your high school credits over there and they count toward college credits also, and it's paid for by the high school (state). You could do a photography class as one of your fillers.
You can reach me at Peterson_Sheri@hotmail.com if you have any questions or want me to put you in touch with anyone.
Sheri
Ridgewater Coll Willmar, MN
Art Inst Intl Minnesota Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Comm & Tech Coll Minneapolis, MN
Dakota County Tech College Rosemount, MN
Minneapolis Coll of Art & Design Minneapolis, MN
College of Visual Arts St. Paul, MN
But, again. Thank you so much!