Are you self-taught or formally educated?

Scurra · Mar 14, 2008

I did a degree in Multimedia, Technology and design, but specialised in photography for my dissertation (I managed a 2:1 BSc). I kind of self taught myself for that, although I had always loved taking pictures.

Then I worked as a photographer in London for a while for someone that had seen my dissertation, so I kind of continued my education there.

But i'd say i'm still learning even now

Rick Waldroup · Mar 14, 2008

One year of college. So I am basically self-taught.

I spent 5 years as a photojournalist working at two different major daily newspapers. I got married, and the PJ biz sucks when it comes to making money, so I became an architectural photographer. I did that as a living for about 20 years.

Then, after my kids were grown and gone from the house, I went back to PJ work as a freelancer.

And now, finally, next month, I am retiring from the photo biz after 30 years. I have sold all of my pro gear over the last month on ebay.

I don't know exactly what I am going to do to make money, but I intend to get back to enjoying photography instead of hustling to make a living at it. I recently purchased a Lumix L1 and a couple of lenses for it and I am going to get back to doing some street shooting and see where that takes me.

SBlanca · Mar 14, 2008

self taught, got a P&S ages ago and just learnt a bit until i got my canon and learnt properly using the net and books

Tiberius47 · Mar 14, 2008

Scurra said:
But i'd say i'm still learning even now

True. The instant you stop learning about photography is the instant that you become too arrogant to be a good photographer.

Not you specifically, but people in general.

solrac8126 · Mar 14, 2008

SBlanca said:
self taught, got a P&S ages ago and just learnt a bit until i got my canon and learnt properly using the net and books

kind of the same with me... i had a sony p-32 and i used it as a p&s, then i bought a canon s5 and i got interested in how to use it manually, i did that with the help of this and maybe other forums like the one in dpreview, lot's of internet reading, and i have 1 book :lol:

now i'm working in a local newspaper where there is one guy that knows a lot and he's giving me advices and information on photography, he did went to college and learn about photography. I do want to take this to a next level so i plan to take some "certification" but sometimes i think about if it will be valuable. I guess we learn a new thing at least every 2 days hehe, so that i guess is experience that will increase over the years.

On the other hand i do make some money since i worked for a newspaper as a photographer , but the salary is almost almost minimum wage, and panama is still a third world country so you do the math. Since i didn't had anything to prove my experience i took it and is nice so far.

Stranger · Mar 14, 2008

I am still in the self teaching stage. I am still coming across new things and trying to stay out of my comfort zone..

I think i can do pretty good on the business side and marketing myself. (i am a marketing major) but i am not sure how pro i would want to go

I am currently learning lighting setups so we can see how that goes

TamiyaGuy · Mar 14, 2008

Self taught. Well, if there's a photo club in Moulsham (UK) high school, I'd like to hear about it

I just love fiddling. Eventually, I realise what parts of a camera do what and adjust my photos accordingly.

Early · Mar 14, 2008

Self taught from library books and mags. I'm now picking up a lot of info on this site. Never too old to learn. :wink:

bhop · Mar 14, 2008

I took some classes in '92-93 as part of my commercial art degree. I think i've learned more about the technical aspects from using my dslr than I did back then though. (except the darkroom part of course)

As far as making money with it.. I chose graphic design instead of photography as a career so even though I have used the cameras a few times for work, for the most part photography's just a hobby.

Lacey Anne · Mar 14, 2008

I've taken photography classes through the years and study photographers I admire, but mostly? Just self-taught. It's how I learn best.

abraxas · Mar 14, 2008

Self taught, but I bought a book today.

Big Mike · Mar 14, 2008

I'm pretty much self taught. I have taken a few courses and plan to take more.

That being said, I do more reading and studying for photography than I ever did in high school or college.

GeorgeUK · Mar 14, 2008

5 1/2 years medical training so far. Almost there!

Self taught via internet tutorials regarding camera stuff.

eminart · Mar 15, 2008

Lots of formal art training, just now learning about photography.

I flip-flopped my major back and forth between studio arts and graphic design for several years before dropping out. Now, at the ripe old age of 31, I've returned to school to finish my graphic design degree. Next semester I get to take my first ever photography course. I'm really looking forward to it.