Photo School: Is it Worth it?

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by brianxlt

An education is never a waste of time or money, but what you are being educated in could be.
If photography is the business you would like to do after you have an education then perhaps a major in business with a minor in the arts would serve you two fold.
While learning the art of photography you could be getting a degree in business. With that knowledge you would know how to setup and establish your photography business.

just my 2 cents.

This is, as always, excellent advice. Speak to working pros and many (if not most) will tell you that all the talent in the world will get you no where without business ability. SO, ditto what Brian said.

Originally Posted by NathanFranke

I direct you here, and here. It's been asked before, and will be asked again.

Thanks Nathan, you saved me some time even though there are other threads about this as well. Search tool is your friend.

EDIT: go to the search tool, click advanced search, then select title only (not whole post) and do a search on degree. Lots of threads there about this.

[Elmo]

There are a few things bout getting a degree that often go bu unnoticed.

First it shows you have the drive to complete a difficult project.

Another: You learn the proper "lingo" to talk with others.

Another: you will learn the entire process from "snap" to finished product. Which allows you to better understand your clients needs and requirements.

Another: it covers the field in an organized manner to allow "complete" understanding of the overall subject.

Another: it will introduce you to techniques and thourst processes that will allow for your shill set to be more diverse .

And the list can go on an on.

Say in school you will never regret it.

[NathanFranke]

The piece of paper says that "This person is trainable." So long as it's a real subject, and not " studies", it shows that you're employable. That will help with almost any job interview. College isn't a waste unless you waste it (end occupy wall street rant).

Photo programs vary widely between schools though. Some focus on art, some focus on technique, and sometimes a two year degree will teach you more stuff than a four year one (example: Catawba Valley Community College vs Appalachian State University, circa 2006). Use your judgement, ask around. The professor I like best and learned most from had a master's from SCAD. His teaching style could have used work, but his photo knowledge was wide and deep.