What should I do with my life?

[chjang]

I'm a fresh college graduate from a top-20 American university with a degree in Psychology (which I don't plan to pursue) and a minor in Photography. Seeing as how I'm posting on this DPS forum, you'd be correct to assume that I'm pursuing photography as a career.

But so far, while wrapping up my third month of unemployment, I haven't really been all that lucky with my ambition.

Sure, I've been productive: I've contacted a bunch of photographers, received advise from a few, gone on a couple shoots with a wedding photographer, and most recently, finished making my own website (Zenfolio | Chang Jang Photography - critiques are welcome! ). But now, more than ever, I feel the pressures of hard reality.

I feel like my problems are two-fold: 1) lack of direction, and 2) lack of style and knowledge.

1. Lack of direction. I think this concern directly stems from a lack of experience. I know for sure that I want to pursue photography as a career, but I just haven't found my niche yet. I'm pretty set on NOT wanting to do consumer photography (ie. photography for the personal public, like portraits, weddings, etc.). I think my most of best work is photojournalistic in style, but I got turned off when a photographer told me that photojournalists make notoriously low incomes (I'm not a money fanatic by any means, but I'd like to at least fill my stomach and have a roof over my head). I could envision myself being happy shooting commercial and/or editorial work, while doing my own photojournalistic projects... but who's to say? I have no idea, since I haven't really experienced any of those.

2. Lack of style and knowledge. I don't think a strong "style" is necessary to be successful for a photo business, per se, but this is more like personal enrichment. As for lack of knowledge -- due to my photo minor that I got during college, I would say I'm pretty well-versed on the basics of photography (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, lenses, Photoshop, Lightroom, and the likes), but I'm clueless when it comes a few things, the biggest issue namely being external lighting (which I assume is one of the most important things to learn about photography).

Now, having said all that, this is where I stand: I'm thinking of getting an MFA for photography, which I understand is pretty worthless for someone who's not very interested in teaching later in life. I'm just hoping that it'll help me develop a personal style, and not much else. I figure that more formal training of the art will be more beneficial to me than trying to self-teach myself; I prefer some structure and guidance to my process.

I realize though, that realistically speaking, an MFA is probably not going to get me anywhere in terms of business success (I've read many threads on forums that there's not much value to an MFA). So on the flip side, I've also been looking at more photo technical schools like Hallmark. They tout strong emphases on the business side of things and give you opportunities to experience all different kinds of photography, which is undoubtedly attractive to me. But many photographers I've talked to have discounted schools (ALL schools, not just technical ones) for photo, saying that assisting or freelancing is the way to go. Thing is, I'm having a hard time finding someone who'll take me as an assistant, and magazines haven't gotten back to me yet. Also, I feel like not really having a style will lead me to a meaningless, assignment-to-assignment lifestyle. Am I already hoping for too much?

Basically, my question is: What would you advise me to do? (For argument's sake, let's say that money is not a huge factor. So if I wanted to, I could get both an MFA and go to a technical school. Or neither?)

Thank you so much for reading all of this and I truly appreciate the help!!

[Phillydog1958]

I'm a former newspaper person. If you had a degree in photojournalism, I'd point you in that direction. On the other hand, newspapers are in dire straits, due to the Internet, 24-hour cable TV news and our youth just having a lack of desire to read. I suggest that you seek a masters in psych and teach. Also, continue to develop your photo-taking skillset. Try submitting your work to local, regional and national magazines. I know of someone who just got recognition in Nat Geo. Freelancing might be your best option, but you've got to get your work published.

[EmyB]

I'm presuming you're relatively young?

I am not a professional photographer, I've just taken it up as a hobby. My advice comes from real world considerations.

My advice is - why not just get a job (e.g. psychologist, or even unskilled) and work on your photography in the down time. That way there's not so much pressure on suddenly becoming a wonderful photographer who can guarantee an income (which I assume is actually really difficult to achieve). Surely it's going to take at least several years of working on technique, building up your portfolio and contacts in order to make photography sustainable as a career? If it was me I would absolutely want another, more predictable career (e.g. psychology) to fall back on.

I can't see how further study would help your cause.

[Phillydog1958]

I forgot one thing: Good luck. These are tough times.

[Jim Bryant]

For someone coming right out of college you do have a good start to your portfolio. You have an for colors, design and moments. Don't worry about a lack of direction, in time that'll come with experience.

For magazines, you need to study the style and what's getting published. Phillydog is right on about the newspaper world. I might suggest in taking some multimedia courses to give you a solid background in video and sound slide show production. Seems like everything is web based these days.

One area most people need these days is knowing what your costs of doing business is, what most photographers are charging in the area. Get John Harrington's book, Professional business practices for photographers and ASMP's Professional Business Practices in Photography.

Good luck!

[SwissJon]

Not that I was pursuing photography, but when I left college many years ago, I was unemployed for 6 months, until I lowered my sights, took a low end job that had prospects, and quickly climbed the ladder because I now had the opportunity to prove myself. Funny thing was, it was only another 6 months before I was earning more than the jobs that turned me down because of lack of experience.

The only thing I can suggest is that you don't give up.. It's tough on the job Market when you don't have a work history (it's tough, even if you do) so take whatever is offered, it's better to be in a job and looking for another than be out of a job and have to convince people you're worth employing.

[chjang]

Thanks for all the advice and words of encouragement, everyone

Any thoughts of getting an MFA just to learn more about photography as an art? (I'm not interested in teaching.) Money aside, do you think it's worth the time?

[Jim Bryant]

Knowledge is a good thing. The more you learn the more equipped you'll be. Take some business and marketing classes while you're at it.

[Phillydog1958]

Originally Posted by chjang

Thanks for all the advice and words of encouragement, everyone

Any thoughts of getting an MFA just to learn more about photography as an art? (I'm not interested in teaching.) Money aside, do you think it's worth the time?

A Masters of Fine Arts is a solid degree, but keep in mind, the term-- Starving artist. There are many an artist out there with an MFA. I suggest you keep honing your skills. What it boils down to is talent. If you're good, you will succeed. You're already educated. You have a bachelors. In creative fields, that's usually enough.