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Five Reasons to Attend Photography School
Part two of this series, Five Reasons NOT to Attend Photography School, is now available!
If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about this new generation of photographers, it’s that they are disdainful of traditional learning methods. I’m no different; I’d much rather teach myself than go to a photography school.
A lot of new photographers from the digital generation haven’t considered the benefits of attending a top-notch photography school. With that in mind, here are five solid reasons why going to school for photography can be a great career move:
1. You Learn From the Best in the Business
You know the old adage “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.” Well that’s a load of crap. If you believe that, then you’re one of the unlucky few. In my experience, educators are among the brightest stars in any field.
Photography is no exception. You’ll be learning from seasoned pros who’ve forgotten more than you know about photography and they’re going to teach you everything.
2. You Learn About All Aspects of Photography
Speaking of everything, that’s exactly what a good photography school will teach you. Not only are they going to exhaustively cover composition, lighting, and optics but you’ll get a lot of coverage in other areas, too.
Photography schools give you a clear understanding of the business aspect of photography, something that’s difficult to teach yourself. How to deal with difficult clients and how to work with assistants are two more examples of stuff that will be taught in school, but are hard to learn on your own.
2. You Get Studio Time & Access to Professional Camera Equipment
This is the biggest advantage right here. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve considered taking photography courses just to get access to sexy equipment and loads of studio time. Neither of those two things comes cheap, so it’s a big advantage to have them at your disposal while honing your skills.
4. Network and Learn From Other Photographers
Learning on your own from the Internet is great and all, but sometimes you have to know the people in your area. Going to photography school will open dozens of doors, just from networking with your classmates and teachers. I got a taste of this when I went on my first photowalk last month and met some great people. It was totally worth it and really made me feel like more of a part of the local photography community.
5. Photography Schools Provide Job Opportunities
Much the same as big business recruits top MBA graduates from prestigious schools, prospective employers will be keeping an eye on the latest class of grads from any of the big photography schools. You’ll also find that major schools will often have a placement program for graduates to start work immediately as photographic assistants.
Even if you don’t happen to be one of the ones recruited straight out of school, your experience and time there should have you in a great starting position. You should have a good portfolio together, knowledge of how the industry works, and the desire to get out there and put your skills to use. The mental boost alone from finishing school is enough to propel you into your dream photography career.
In the end, everyone has their own route to their dream job. Going to photography school can make a huge difference, though. Hopefully I’ve given you something to think about.
As an aside, this post was inspired by two of my friends, Brian Larter of Aperture Studios and Renée Clory, who will be taking photography courses starting in the fall.
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Renee Clory Said,
July 29, 2007 @ 7:55 pm
My main goal is all of these things, but also to gain a sense of confidence and pride in my own work. I’m hoping that I can learn to take criticism, which is something that I CAN’T learn outside of a supportive environment.
Dave Mooney Said,
July 30, 2007 @ 5:28 am
You out the accent on the wrong e in Renée’s name, you know.
photographyVoter.com Said,
July 30, 2007 @ 9:48 am
Five Reasons to Attend Photography School…
A lot of new photographers from the digital generation haven’t considered the benefits of attending a top-notch photography school. With that in mind, here are five solid reasons why going to school for photography can be a great career move….
Trevor Carpenter Said,
July 30, 2007 @ 10:56 am
Great post! I’ve been thinking about taking the program at the New York Institute of Photography. Great online offerings.
Andrew Ferguson Said,
July 30, 2007 @ 12:07 pm
@Dave: As Stewie would say, “Blast!” I’ve fixed it.
@Trevor: Thanks Trevor :) BTW, I caught your photowalking post over at DPS today, great read!
I actually just got introduced to it last month. I went out for the first time with almost 30 other photographers in the Gastown district of Vancouver.
Brian Auer Said,
July 30, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
I’d love to go back to school for photography, but time and money are two big constraints. Maybe when I’m a bit older and life slows down a bit, but for now I’ll keep teaching myself and learning from other photographers such as yourself.
Andrew Ferguson Said,
July 30, 2007 @ 12:52 pm
@Brian: In a way, I’d love to go to school for it as well. I’ve got the added problems of not learning well in classrooms on top of the no-time factor, though. I’ve pretty much come to terms with the fact that I’m unlikely to ever head to school again and I’m okay with that.
You say that like you learn from me just as much as I learn from you. :P Which reminds me, I’m going to try a post detailing the processing method for one of my shots. Do you mind if I use a similar format to yours? I like that long filmstrip of the changes, step by step.
Brian Auer Said,
July 31, 2007 @ 10:24 am
Go for it dude. That reminds me… I need to get back on the photo editing bandwagon. I seem to have taken quite a break with the cross-country move. Now that my desktop is back up and running, I have no excuse.
Susheel Said,
August 3, 2007 @ 7:12 am
Great post Andrew! I think that this really makes sense to youngsters who are trying to make inroads to the industry… I think that I’m still in that age group but its unlikely that I’ll take up a course anytime soon… Like Brian, maybe when things slow down a bit. But I I’m hoping I’ll be retired by then and that I’ll be going to school to teach… not learn!
Great Stuff, goldengod…
Andrew Ferguson Said,
August 7, 2007 @ 5:38 pm
@Susheel: Thank you :) I hope it makes sense to them, because I’m one of those youngsters :P
BTW, I added you as one of my Flickr contacts so I can keep an eye on your photos!
Susheel Said,
August 7, 2007 @ 10:27 pm
Hey Andrew,
I’m glad you are in the youngster category… I think us ‘photographers’ need to be! I’ve seen 85 year old youngsters!
Thanks for the flickr add, I did add you too! I guess I’ll really have to watch my flickr posts now… ;)
Cheers!