Is a degree really necessary for photography?

[ChristineLane]

I'm really interested in photography as a career. Not really any particular kind of photography; I just love being behind a camera, no matter what I'm taking pictures of. There are only three schools in my area that offer really good photography programs, but only one of which somewhat tickles my fancy. They offer associates and bachelors degrees.

I graduated high school in 2006 and never, ever considered going to college until recently. I'm kind of scared to face the two-year commitment. Especially since I'm not even sure about any of these schools. As an alternative, I've been looking for online schools, most of which offer career diplomas.

But I've seen some people say that degrees aren't necessary to have a photography career. Is this true? Could I have a successful photography business with just a diploma that I've earned online? I just feel like I need some sort of document that shows I've been taught a thing or two.

[Nicole]

What you may find more useful is a business degree, either instead of or in conjunction with the photography degree. You may well be able to do the photography without the degree, but the real question is do you have the skills to run a business without the degree? You may, not knowing what you've done in your life, but if you don't know the basics of running a business, that may prove to be even more useful. Just my 2 cents.

[ChristineLane]

I didn't think of that. That is a good point.

[whitemug]

i'd rely less on getting a degree to gain some credibility in this field compared to actually going out there and shooting.

of course, i also see the value in getting some formal, but not necessarily in a university, type of education to help you improve your craft. you can benefit from having a science behind your craft, or by adding structure to what you're already doing.

there are many excellent photographers that i've encountered who are non-artists by education. they've mostly developed themselves, and their reputation, by their willingness and desire to improve on their skills.

[klew]

It's not "really" necessary. It's useful for those starting out in a career to show potential employers that you have learned something. If you're planning on self-employment, there may be some customers who prefer to see some kind of certification. However, when it comes to something arty, the best thing is to have an excellent portfolio, recommendations, and other places your work has been used (e.g., weddings, newspaper articles, websites, etc.).

[mattdm]

There were a couple of interesting posts on this topic on The Online Photographer blog a few months ago:

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad...ee-cant-h.html

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad...e-sheepsk.html

[Nobie]

I think some of it depends on the type of photography you plan on doing for income. If you are shooting as an "artist", then a degree would just help you explore wider possibilities as you learn more about your tools. If you were more of a "photographer for hire", then I would strongly encourage the degree so that when you are with a client you can speak the standard language and understand how to get what the client is asking for. If you have to learn on the client's time, you will not get repeat business and lose any recommendations. I hire photographers to shoot our ads. I direct the shoot and only use the most professional of photographers. Time is money and I also have insane deadlines and timelines. I do not have the time or budget to give to an "uneducated" photographer. I can say that there are a few that are quite talented locally, but I never use or recommend strictly due on their lack of professionalism or education. It's too much effort on my half to work with them.

[mattdm]

Here's another thing to think of: unless you are very lucky, you really need a college degree to get any sort of decent job. But it doesn't usually actually matter what degree — just that you've got one. So, might as well focus on something you enjoy.

[MtnTopRebel]

Christine, please excuse my standing, jumping and screaming at the top of my voice while on my soap box. First my background, not to brag, but to lay out my case. I am the son of a professional Photographer, My father (became a honorary Master from Brooks, as they didn't have the masters when he attended) and Uncle were Brooks men. I cut my first tooth in a studio, and was the often subject of photo assignments of my father while at Brooks. By junior high I had my own dark room and covered sports and dance events at the school/s, printed and sold my work. I also mixed daily 55 gallon vats of photo chemicals for a studio/photo finisher. After graduation and some college I worked in the photo lab at Hanford Nuk facility in the Tri-Cities WA. Then after meeting my wife moved to Utah where I worked in a large film finishing plant in plant maintenance and mixed more chemicals. Later I went to work for a company owned by the late Don Blair also a Master Photographer, where I personally photographed (I estimate one quarter million people) in individuals, and groups. I also learned color printing there. Later we started our own business where I did both portraiture and ran the lab. I personally never had time to seek a Master status, but have held a camera a few times.
Now for the rant! In my years of working with, and around other "photographers" I have formed some opinions which, have become a pet frustration. This is Junior Colleges and some university trained photographers. I'm 62, I have seen a lot of things come and go with photography, but the one thing that just shouldn't change is proper composure in photography, especially portraiture. Many "photographers" trying to do a glamorous shots so butcher the grace and beauty of say a young lady that it is criminal. It is not necessarily the fault of the photographer, but the one who taught them to do it that way. You see many "photographers" do not succeed as self employed photographers, so they get a job in some junior college without the proper training themselves and work their way up, making more like themselves. And the cycle is complete. Now I am not saying this is true in all cases, you may get a good professional and if you do GREAT! I know a gal, who was raised in a photo background similar to mine, her daughter went to a college and got a do goodie instructor who threw out the tried and true principals of composure and the concepts of the masters, for free expression, creative license. Some said (maybe it was here on a post) but that before you can break the rules, you need to know the rules. So many of these people have no clue what is proper, and when they get through cranking some young lady head around for a glamour shot it is a shot only a chiropractor would love.
OK as I step down from my soap box, cool off a little. My suggestions are these. If you want photo training find a professional who would be willing to teach you, preferably a Master, or one well respected in the PPA (Professional Photographers of America) or find a professor who has gone to Brooks or is a respected PPA master. check the instructors history, credentials, and qualifications. And if possible instead of going for a degree try some of his classes. And as mentioned in another response consider, classes in business, marketing, computer graphics, and maybe some art classes especially dealing with the old masters, remember the rules for proper photography were an adaption of the old masters. and get computer website training.
By the way photographers are in the top 10 for business failures. So learn the ropes and I wish you all the success.

[steevdavis62]

I am currently at University Getting my Bachelors degree in Communications. I am spe******ing in writting, but when ever i get the chance, i pick up a few photography subjects.

I recently finished a subject called 'Photo-journalism'. It was lectured by a brilliant photographer named Martin Pieris. He has been a photographer ever since he was a child and has worked professionally for many years. He lectures a few classes at my college, in his spare time.

Anyway, my point is. I was sitting in class one day, paying half hearted attention as usual, when he said something that really struck me. We had just finished discussion guidelines for composition. And he said to us.

"What i have just taught you, is the guidelines and rules for taking good photos. To pass this class, and to become good photographers you will need to know, understand and use these rules... But that being said, GREAT photographers break everyone of these rules regularly!"

And i think that basically summarises my veiw of The nescesity of a degree. I think its useful to learn the rules, and they are essential to becoming a good photographer. But then, have fun and break them all!