Education.

[nadineada]

Hey everyone,

Unfortunately no art school or university near me offers any kind of photography program so for the last year I've been doing a distance education photography course for AU$1000. It has been fantastic but I'm a few assignments away from completing it and I have found myself a little lost as what to do next.

I would absolutely love to take portraits for a living. I'm aware that a basic knowledge of how to run a business (at the very least) is essential so, as a lost little 20-year-old "student", I've been considering applying for a TAFE or University business course while gaining as much experience doing photography jobs as possible. Is this a good move?

I have no idea where or how to begin to any advice/opinions would be absolutely fantastic.

Cheers.

[TheYorkshireRambler]

I'm sure the business course will be very valuable. The first thing that enters my head though is weather its overkill or not. Overkill is fine if you are really very interested in all things business. But if that's not the case I'd continue looking around for something that meets my needs better. All courses are hard work as you know but they are even harder when you aren't all that interested in it. Just my 2C but good luck with it

[dannyrod]

I think that is a fantastic idea. I took a handful of photography classes when I was in college from 2002 - 07, and they were good and all, but so much of the stuff that is taught is technical info, which you can EASILY learn just by picking up a couple books from the library (lots of great ones out there, I can recommend some if you need!). I think not all, but the majority of photography is learned through just getting out there and doing it, and you especially learn a TON when you're assisting another pro photographer who has lots of experience in the field you're interested in.

I think pursuing a business degree is a fantastic idea. I wish I had taken some business classes in college, as that would've been a huge help since I've been pretty clueless about how to set everything up for my own photo business.

[nadineada]

TheYorkshireRambler - Of course I am interested in learning the basic ropes about business seeing as how I want to open my own! Thank you so much anyway though.

dannyrod - The place where I am doing my distance education photography course is really good and I'm considering doing a second (but much lighter) course since I have learned a ridiclous amount from it. Plus, I found out they offer business courses which not only would be a lot cheaper than spending 4 years, it wouldn't be too much overkill as TheYorkshireRambler said.

Thank you for your very nice comment though and good luck with your photo business!

[TheYorkshireRambler]

it wouldn't be too much overkill as TheYorkshireRambler said.

I didn't say.....I suggested.....or asked

I didn't say the course was overkill. It was a question I was asking. I mean if I was looking for a basic overview of setting up a business I would not be looking to do a pHD in it. That's why I was asking - because I don't know anything about the exact course you were looking at. I was basically asking if it was adequate or above and beyond. Obviously if you weren't all that interested you'd just go for adequate! I did business as part of my engineering degree and trust me if I thought a basic course would be enough to let me get by (or just point me in the right direction) I wouldn't be doing a full business course - such is my level of interest. Its about what's appropriate for you. Best of luck with the course. I'm sure that you'll find it very valuable.