Photography School or Just take to just take the exam...

[Sia]

I have heard from a lot of people that I do not need to go to school for what I am doing. I am going to school. In fact a professional photographer told me all I have to do is take a master of photography test. How true is this?

 

[EIngerson]

Well, you have 11 posts on here and nobodies seen a picture yet. I say study and learn because you have no photography skills.

 

[Aragorncito]

Depends, on your needs, you may learn a lot by practicing and reading and experimenting but I guess a structured learning will lead you faster to be mor skillfull . I've done both by the way.

 

[unpopular]

What is going to look more impressive hanging on your wall; a Master of Fine Arts which takes 6-8 years to complete, or a Master of Photography certificate?

 

[usayit]

Didnt you research career path and job prospects prior to the beginning of investment of time and money into a photography major?

The answer lies in that reseach and the honest rssponse to the question "What do you want to do?"

 

[e.rose]

In fact a professional photographer told me all I have to do is take a master of photography test.

For what? To prove you're a real life photographer? I don't think a piece of paper proves that... I think your body of work proves that.

Going to school... okay, that makes sense to me. 1. You get a degree and some people go by the rule that a degree is better than no degree... so... okay... even though I don't really think anyone is going to ask to see your degree when considering hiring you... they wanna see your portfolio. 2. Some people just learn better in a structured environment... another good reason to go to school for photography...

But if you're NOT going to *finish* school for either of the above reasons... what is that test gonna prove exactly and to who? That's what I'm stuck on.

 

[unpopular]

Honestly, I think the PPA is bogus anyway and that the consumer isn't going to give two poops about any certification from them. Given some of their anti-consumer, anti-competitive policies I'd actually stay clear of members.

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oh, and I am quite confident that with some prep I could pass that test, though that doesn't mean that I could actually apply everything, only experience will provide this and school is an awesome place to get some of that.

 

[e.rose]

Honestly, I think the PPA is bogus anyway and that the consumer isn't going to give two poops about any certification from them. Given some of their anti-consumer, anti-competitive policies I'd actually stay clear of members.

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oh, and I am quite confident that with some prep I could pass that test, though that doesn't mean that I could actually apply everything, only experience will provide this and school is an awesome place to get some of that.

It's a PPA test? Interesting.

 

[unpopular]

^^ from what I'v gathered it is, maybe the OP can confirm. If so, it's prob just another ppa scam, if you ask me.

 

[ann]

Be sure you take some business courses. The business end can make or break you.

 

[SCraig]

I have heard from a lot of people that I do not need to go to school for what I am doing. I am going to school. In fact a professional photographer told me all I have to do is take a master of photography test. How true is this?

To look at this logically:
1) There are no licensing requirements for professional photographers.
2) Since there are no licensing requirements that leads to the conclusion that there are no educational requirements either
3) Since there are no educational requirements there is no point in taking the test.

Heck, find out how much this test was going to cost you and I'll print you up a nice certification of master of photography for half as much!

Now the serious part. Statements 1 and 2 are correct. There are neither licensing requirements nor educational requirements to call yourself a professional photographer. Find the link to that MWAC video and see for yourself. The single requirement to SUCCESSFULLY make a career for yourself in photography (or any other field) is the knowledge that is acquired either by instruction or experience or both. A piece of paper that states that you are a master of photography is just that: A piece of paper with no value whatsoever. The knowledge that you learn, however you choose to learn it, is invaluable and no piece of paper can equal that.

Now, you answer your own question. Do you want the knowledge or the piece of paper?

 

[CCericola]

It is not a PPA exam. The PPA membership does give you a discount on the certification fee and help studying for the test. You also have to submit photos for review which is much harder. You do not need to be in the PPA to be certified. The fee is $100 for PPA members and $400 for everyone else. You have 3 years to complete the certification requirements. Then you have to renew every 5 years.
Home | Certified Professional Photographer

You can also get a "Master of Photography" from PPA (this is not a real college degree) through merits. You get merits from competitions, classes and going to ImageUSA.

 

[Overread15 3]

$400 every 5 years from all members - sounds like a nice little nestegg for someone to run

Honestly I echo what has already been said above; a school and structured learning environment can be very important for some people to help learn their craft; it can also encourage a much faster learning pace than doing it on your own (one would hope that it would provide guidance and challenge through the course). Gaining they key skills and contacts during the education process would be the key part; the certificate at the end is just a bit of icing on the cake.

Secondly have a look at how photographers advertise themselves; the big pros don't really ever have certificates or such printed and framed on the wall, instead they tend to have front pages of big magazines and/or newspapers with their work in the frame. They show off their work itself; which is in the end what is going to get your hired far more than proof that you can pass an examination.

 

[unpopular]

Now, you answer your own question. Do you want the knowledge or the piece of paper?

Exactly. Like I said I am sure I could pass the test. I know an awful lot of theory, but that doesn't make me a "master", certainly not in the areas of demand that a client will require. Certifying skill without experience is just nice words on paper.

 

[CCericola]

Certification, like the Master of Photography PPA title is sold to you as a marketing tool. Some people say it helps them edge out competition, others tell you that most clients don't even know what the PPA is or care about certification. They do, however, know what a college degree is and I think that is more powerful than a certificate.
It doesn't matter if your degree is in Art, business or basket weaving. I am a pro-college person, no matter what you end up doing.