I hate working on my Master's right now, but I don't want to not go to school. So, I started browsing through other programs available at the community college nearby and saw they had an associates program for Photography.

Anyone have experience with something like this, or is everyone just learn by doing? I'm thinking I'll slow down my masters program and start working on the photography program.

Thoughts?

 

What do you plan to do with a photography degree? A degree in art may be helpful, but I'm pretty sure it's a profession in which you are judged almost 100% on your portfolio as opposed to your training (unless you studied under a master). A few classes may help you get the basics of photo composition, exposure, developing/processing etc. so I'd recommend that even for a serious hobbyist...I don't see the advantage to a degree though (and I'm a big advocate of education).

 

Nobody cares about school. Just do it on your own.

 

I guess it's: Do I attempt to learn through formal education, or just go out there and do it on my own.

I figured if I am taking classes to learn, might as do something I can put on paper, although it's kind of irrelevant to accountants.

All in all, it's just a hobby, but it's one that I want to excel in. The associates really does nothing for me, but the process and classes might.

 

Take the money you'd spend on school, buy a camera, lights and books. Work to pay for models, etc. School will do NOTHING for you.

 

I have a friend who doesn't major in photography, but does photography as a side-profession. He takes a photography class or two in addition to his regular classes whenever he feels he needs to.
For the most part, his portfolio speaks for itself.

 

I guess I'm just trying to find a way out of my Master's for a little while and thought this might actually be worth while.

Tubbs, are you talking about school in general or just for photo. Are you into photography? (not trying to affend, just trying to gauge you opinion)

 

So you are just looking for a reason to put off finishing your degree? Bad idea IMHO, especially for something you consider a hobby.

 

Well, photography... but most school in general is a waste.

My opinion is based on experience, yes.

 

^ I can't stand my degree right now. But I know if I flat out skip a semester, there will be less chance of making it back to finish. I figure if I integrate a hobby inbetween the master's program, I may actually look forward to school.

 

PM sent.

 

whats your current degree? because seriously, if you hate going to class to get a degree in the field you plan on working in.... your probably not going to enjoy your job.

my gf is a photographer, and your portfolio speaks for itself 100% only in private instances. weddings, bar mitzvahs.. etc. but in the field of photography a combination of formal education and portfolio gets you jobs for magazines or specialty shoots for advertising campaigns.. etc. PLUS.. she loves shooting pics with her camera, whether it be for work, or for fun, or for a project for her class. I love economics and sales theory, whether im doing it for work, talking about it with friends in the field, or writing about it for a paper for a marketing class.

so once again, if your this close to a masters and you hate the subject matter enough to think about dropping out of school, it sounds to me like you may need to seriously reconsider your career field.

just my .02
Paul

 

^ I have my BSBA already, focused in accounting and information systems. I am working on a Master's of Science in Accounting. Accounting was a by-product of coming out of my school, and although I don't mind the work, the Master's is making it ever so much more unbearable. I think it's the accounting all day at work then going to class for more accounting that's taking its toll on me.

I don't want to ever profit from Photography. I just want to enjoy it. I was hoping that the associates would just be a by-product of me learning.

 

no one gives two ***** what fancy schooling you got.

First school doesnt teach you a damn thing, its a waste of money and time.

My suggestion is to just study and practice on your own, get some books on composition. I really cant stress enough the lack of understanding when it comes to composition that most photographer have. That alone separates the pros from the noobs.


I have no schooling, never lost a job, and not once have anyone question my lack of schooling.
My field is a little different then I think your talking about, but if I guy like me with no school, can get jobs from major movie studios on movies that have budgets in the many many millions, it goes to show school doesnt mean jack **** in this field.

Its not to say, its not a bad idea to take a class or two, but I seriously doubt it will be of much use, unless your completely lost and know next to nothing. I cant advise doing a complete schooling on the matter. Stuff like this for the most part cant really be taught, you either have it or not

I know a lot of books that are from way back in the day, that I can recommend if your interested. Their focused more on cinematography but the principals are nearly the same as still photography.

I am quitting my field of work, and have the unfortunate task of being requested to find my replacement before I quit completely. Get good fast enough and I got a job for you

 

The only people who need school, are the ones who won't do well.

You're quitting? why?

 

It was never a field I wanted to make a career out of, plus short of just working and charging more, I have just about reached a realistic peak in this field.

I used my camera work for news networks to get into technical advisory for movies, and now going to use that to move into actually full scale directing.

I went the not entirly wise, hard and slow way, but I learned a lot, and more sure of what I really want to do.
Plus I've seen too many people make it to the top fast and die even faster.
The directors who are successful always started slow and didnt really start serious directing til they were in their 30's. I got a bit of time left.

 

can't argue with that.

 

for the sake of younger members reading this forum i think we should be specific... when we say school is not important we are talking specifically about photography, its one of the VERY few fields where a portfolio is more important than formal education.

To the OP: i see where your coming from, but then you just have to weigh spending more time and money on school (albiet more fun) by putting some art classes into your schedule vs sucking it up and finishing the master's. Im assuming you went to get the masters so you could pick off a position at a different place of business or because it gets you a raise where your at? im going back for my masters in marketing not because i need the education, but because its required in my company to jump to the position i want, and they will give it to me but rules are rules. and for me.. 2-3 years of extra school to jump well into the 6 digit salary range is a no brainer. i want it done as soon as possible.

 

 

Lots to consider. Thanks for the thoughts guys.