Am I making a mistake?

[Kaleighx]

I started goign to college for counseling but I truley wanted to follow my passion for photography... instead of goign to college for photography I am going to take workshops and maybe some local classes if possible

My question is do you foresee any problems of me not having a degree in photography? I never even thought it to be a problem until someone at work brought it to my attention that it would be better for me to go to an actual art school


pros, cons? now im a little worried

 

[Joves]

I dont see a problem with you not having a degree in photography. Granted you could use it as a minor and, get a degree. You are still planning on a career in counseling correct? I dont know many working photogs that have degrees in photography to be truthful. Most I know got their jobs from being experienced. Id minor in it and consider it your fun class to blow off steam from your more difficult classes.

 

[manaheim]

I know precious few people who work in the field they got degrees in. It's good to have that degree to fall back on, and to say that you have it... but I wouldn't panic about having the "wrong one".

That being said, get a degree in something that you actually like and expect you may have a chance to make a career out of.

Oh yeah, and also another important tip: don't take life-changing advice from random people on internet forums.

 

[Hawaii Five-O]

Internet person? I'm a real persons! 1010101010001 Internal Error 500

 

[rubbertree]

Seriously, I cannot imagine someone thinking that a degree in photography means eff all. The proof is in what you produce. If you are crappy, having a degree does not make you good. And if you are great, NOT having a degree doesn't make it any less.

 

[Gopherkid]

You should always follow what you want to do. But saying that, that piece of paper is worth alot down the road even if it's not related to your job.

 

[AussieDee]

Agree'd.

I don't have a degree (yet) in Graphic Design and I've been working in this field for 15 years without ANY schooling (I lucked out). I'm just now getting my associates in visual communication. Although, now I've taken a turn and really want to get into photography. I think I can change my major with an Associates, correct?

 

[50two]

Seriously, I cannot imagine someone thinking that a degree in photography means eff all. The proof is in what you produce. If you are crappy, having a degree does not make you good. And if you are great, NOT having a degree doesn't make it any less.

wouldnt you be going to get the college degree in photography, but at the same time be learning more about photography ? going for a degree could make you a better photographer

 

[Flash Harry]

the whole point of qualifications is for employers to know your technically competent in your chosen subject, as far as being a practising photographer they're not required, I did a college degree, it lets me understand where I went wrong on a shoot or how to make the most out of a difficult photographic situation, getting an image is better than nothing at all. H

 

[Overread]

For arts your portfolio speaks more to an employer than your qualifications do. However having that degree can do three important things for you

1) expose and force you to different types of photography and subjects - that broadens your experiences more than when you photograph and learn alone - where you are more likley to specialise in an area that interests you - not a problem, but that lack of a broad starting can limit you when the conditions are trying - especially in the earlier days

2) It might get you that interview to get your portfolio on the table infront of your possible future boss - that in the important stage to reach and the degree might help you along that road.

3) (and this depends greatly on yourself) a degree will push you to learn both the technical and the artistic sides - whilst learning alone you have to push yourself to learn. If you are dilligent and hardworking alone then you can learn a heck of a lot from books and online forums *where you can get feedback* - its a push yourself or be pushed choice effectivly.

As a note its also not a bad idea once you have more experience and are confident with your camera and subject to seek out a local photographer and see if you can ghost them or even just spend the day with them. There are also numerous taster and advanced workshops run all over the country in many fields of photography where you can get some tuition in the field from experienced photographers - another area well worth looking into

 

[MACollum]

Something that no one on this particular thread has brought up (though it has been in others) is that getting into photography as a career can be difficult, degree or no degree. Personally, I would rather get a degree in something else that will almost guarantee a job, and work on photography on the side. You can always break into the field later and have a degree (and a job) to fall back on.

Another thing to keep in mind is the economy. Even though there will always be some people who will splurge on pro photography, when money gets tight, your market can shrink dramatically. This is why I'm pursuing a degree in the healthcare field. I still love to take pictures but I'll never be out of a job with a nursing degree. Good luck to you!