Photography School/Classes??

[sianasiana]

Hi,

I have decided to follow my passion of photography after years of avoiding it. Every time there was a point in my life when I needed to decide whether to do what I love or do something more sensible, I went with the more rational side. Now, after 2 graduate degrees in Psych and French Lit, I still wish I would have followed my first true love. So at this stage in my life, I've decided to do just that! Now, my only question is whether I should enroll in a commercial diploma program at the Art Institute of Atlanta (I'm in Georgia) or just take photography classes through Showcase School or through Georgia State? I feel that I have the talent but am lacking technique. I would like to make a living from photography (I know that's difficult), but I'm pretty motivated and my husband is a brilliant marketing professional. I have been leaning towards the Art Institute for a few reasons. One reason is because my husband and I travel a great deal and we will probably live temporarily in Europe and possibly other places his work sends him. I felt that having an actual Diploma may make finding a job in those countries easier. Also, I thought that maybe being part of a program will give me connections to companies that are hiring, etc...while just taking classes may not.

BUT, I am very confused about the whole thing. I have also heard that the Art Institute is a rip off and that to be successful is about how hard you work and knowing people. I would like anyone's opinion who has been through this. I'm at a point in my life where I can't just waste time or money...Any thoughts?

Thanks
Sandrine

[jsherp]

Being in Atlanta, you also have SCAD as an option. I know they have an Atlanta campus, but I'm not sure if they offer photography courses there. Here's a link to their website:

SCAD > The University for Creative Careers

They also have an on-line curriculum, but again, I'm not sure if they offer photography that way.

BTW, I am not a professional photographer, so I'm not qualified to answer your questions about whether a formal education in photography is a necessity, nor am I connected with the Savannah College of Art and Design, other than Savannah is one of my favorite American cities. (If I lived in Atlanta, I'd move to Savannah! )

[sianasiana]

Yes, actually SCAD does offer photography, but they only offer a B.A. or a Masters. I've spent too much time in academia as it is...that's why I was thinking about doing a quick diploma (one year). I do believe, however, that SCAD is probably a better school. Thanks for bringing it up..

[MrJones]

I didn't go to a full scale art school to learn photography and my "academic" knowledge is two different courses, one the basic photography course and then a pro course which was more about studio photography.
I can tell you that if you have the time and money to go to an art school it would be best. I think that photography is more than learning the technical issues, and most places won't teach you to "live and breath the light" which I think photography is all about.