recommendations for a photography school

[sparks84]

Ive been in the military (U.S. ARMY) for about 7 years. Ive picked up a passion for photography during my time in service. I am going to be getting out in about a year and want to go to college to better my photography skills, learn, and pursue a career in photography. Any recommendations? Good or bad experiences with any schools? THANK YOU for your time.

[faeriegodess612]

First off, Welcome to DPS!!

You'll get mixed answers here about a degree in photography. Some will say its a waste of time and money, others will tell you that it depends on whether or not you want to go into a field of photography where you might need a degree to get the kind of job you want. If your looking to start your own business, instead of working for a company, then they'll suggest putting that G.I. Bill to use on a business management degree.

If you still want to pursue something photography related in a degree. Look into Fine Art degrees in whatever area it is you call home. If your willing to move anywhere,..look for an Art Institute near you. A simple check on Google, will show you art schools that offer what your looking for in whatever area.

Theres a lot of info and helpful people right here one DPS. And if you cant find what your looking for here, you can always type something into Google, and it'll bring up a ton more.

Good Luck! and as a military wife, I sincerely Thank You for your service.

Youtube.

Cheaper, easier and more user friendly.

[RLucas]

Originally Posted by sparks84

Ive been in the military (U.S. ARMY) for about 7 years. Ive picked up a passion for photography during my time in service. I am going to be getting out in about a year and want to go to college to better my photography skills, learn, and pursue a career in photography. Any recommendations? Good or bad experiences with any schools? THANK YOU for your time.

I don't know where you will be when you get out, but Randolph Community College here in NC, has been touted one of the best photography programs in the country. They still do a lot of film work, and medium format, along with 35mm and digital. Along with teaching of the business side, depending on what area you want to get in to. I want to go, but they don't offer the program at night.

[Izzy]

I just got passed in a job opportunity by a 20 something student with no experience because he had a degree. And this was for a part time photographer position at my local paper.

You can make a gigantic portfolio in which no one will take the time to look at because editors are busy people or you can get one piece of paper that says it all. I am going for the one piece of paper route.

[rosserx]

Originally Posted by Izzy

I just got passed in a job opportunity by a 20 something student with no experience because he had a degree. And this was for a part time photographer position at my local paper.

I wouldn't be upset about it. They probably went with the 20 yr old because he/she will work 60 hours a week "part time" at minimum wage and be thrilled about it.

[Izzy]

Originally Posted by rosserx

I wouldn't be upset about it. They probably went with the 20 yr old because he/she will work 60 hours a week "part time" at minimum wage and be thrilled about it.

Oh I am sure that is true. But I have a new found respect for a degree in the field, which is why I will be pursuing J school. It will help me build a better portfolio. Maybe in the future I won't be passed again. But I probably will. If there is anything I know about teh business end is that there is far more rejection than acceptance.

[faeriegodess612]

Originally Posted by rosserx

I wouldn't be upset about it. They probably went with the 20 yr old because he/she will work 60 hours a week "part time" at minimum wage and be thrilled about it.

Then theyre one stupid 20 yr old. Theres no way I'd quit my current job making less than what I make now,...which is a good bit above minimum wage.

Originally Posted by Izzy

I just got passed in a job opportunity by a 20 something student with no experience because he had a degree. And this was for a part time photographer position at my local paper.

You can make a gigantic portfolio in which no one will take the time to look at because editors are busy people or you can get one piece of paper that says it all. I am going for the one piece of paper route.

If that truly is the case... the editor is a giant moron and be glad you didn't have to work for that idiot.

[Cypher]

I also served for 5 years in military police and developed a passion for photography, I did find out however, that sadly in this wonderful world of photography it isnt who you are but who you know and while my social and networking skills are quite allright I noticed I dont have the time to commit due to my other full time studies.. wait a sec did I even remotely answer your question ? hmm no I dont think so argh im getting carried away, well in all fairness this industry cuts alot of ways. I do not believe you need a degree to become a photographer but again this is a discussion that has taken place so many times already..... lets suffice it to say that with passion, motivation and some great workshops you can get far. Will a degree guarantee work ? in my opinion not necessarily.

Its a weird and wonderful playground you have entered and the rules, well they vary

Good luck in whatever choice you make and whatever path lies ahead.