Degree or practical experience?

[HoppyUK]

My college course (1970s) gave me invaluable experience in aspects of photography it's very unlikely I'd ever have come across any other way. Great fun (I'd love to do the same again now) and showed me all the options.

My college portfolio undoubtedly got me my first breaks. But I've learned 100x more since.

 

[kestral]

You don't know much about press photography do you?

I have a draw full of remittance advices from locals and nationals just from this year.I have been on front page (full page) of Sunday Express,inside Daily Mirror , Daily Star and photos my photos are published on a monthly bases in at least four national magazine.I have been doing published photography for over 40yrs in both magazines and books.Alright son.

 

[big soft moose]

...

 

[droj]

Degree courses ... give you time to be yourself ... You will never again have such a long period in your life that you can devote to experimentation, self development and discovering photography in all its forms.

It is also the time when you make lifelong friends, and both social and work related contacts. It teaches you that there is an important interface between yourself and the rest of the world and how to make the most of it.

Very well said. If you want to learn personal expression, go to uni or teach yourself. If you want to be commercial, assist someone successful, watch & learn - or teach yourself!

Whilst no education need be wasted (it's all experience!), it needs funding - there are economics involved.

No single answer!

 

[ding76uk]

What a degree can offer that simply going out there cannot is a fall back of sorts. It opens the door to teaching if a photo career doesn't work out / isn't for you and, although in photography, which many consider arty farty, simply having a degree opens more doors on the job market if a photo career doesn't take off

 

[jon ryan]

I have a draw full of remittance advices from locals and nationals just from this year.I have been on front page (full page) of Sunday Express,inside Daily Mirror , Daily Star and photos my photos are published on a monthly bases in at least four national magazine.I have been doing published photography for over 40yrs in both magazines and books.Alright son.

So you think that getting a few of your snapshots published is in some way connected with being a press photographer, do you?

They you say:

I have seen that at events I have been Photographing.
If you go to some of the local newspaper websites then click on the buy photos you will see 20-50 photos of an event all taken from different angles 90% of them rubbish.Then look in the paper for the article and you will see how the best shot was used. No skill what so ever just a scatter gun approach.Why does some need a degree to sweep the floor anyone can do it.If you want evidence ask Prince Charles even he does the Royal photos now and good enough to get the front page of the nationals.Don't waste your time with photography.Go and get a Train Drivers job 35hrs a week £60,000 + then do photography as a hobby.

No, you know nothing about what press photography is about.

 

[Deleted member 34016]

No Degree will actually give you an EYE for an image and thats what makes a good Photograph in my opinion, you can learn the technical side of exposures etc etc maybe a degree will give you all you need

BUT, if you dont have an eye for composition you'll not do very well in the industry, just my opinion, not wanting to start a war or anything

Les

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

No Degree will actually give you an EYE for an image and thats what makes a good Photograph in my opinion, you can learn the technical side of exposures etc etc maybe a degree will give you all you need

BUT, if you dont have an eye for composition you'll not do very well in the industry, just my opinion, not wanting to start a war or anything

Les

I was never shown or taught how to use a camera at college. Only those who already knew would have passed the selection process. Did I have an eye...? they must have thought so from my portfolio of shots I took to the interview. The same goes for processing film and printing.

If you expect to be taught the basics perhaps a uni or college is not the place to start.

 

[kestral]

So you think that getting a few of your snapshots published is in some way connected with being a press photographer, do you?

They you say:



No, you know nothing about what press photography is about.

I'm an idiot pay no attention to me. :bonk:I can see you know your stuff.

 

[kestral]

Hi folks

I am interested in learning more about photography and would be grateful for for thoughts as to whether I should go down a higher educational route (if so recommendations re good courses in the Glasgow area would be appreciated) or continue to learn via the school of experience?

Thanks in advance

John

Have a look at this if you have not already seen it. http://www.imagebrief.com/whoshotthephotographer

 

[jon ryan]

I'm an idiot pay no attention to me. :bonk:I can see you know your stuff.

I have made an excellent living as an editorial photographer for over 20 years. I also teach practical photography & Photoshop; the course I designed & have run at a local FE college for many years has, as usual, filled all its places a month before term starts. I am also an instructor on an accredited distance learning course.

Yes, I know what I'm talking about.