Having problems at Uni... help?

Ebony

Ebony

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Sophy
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Hey all,
I'm in my first year of uni, and i've always dreamed of becoming a successful wildlife photographer. Since i've come to uni, I've been having problems with my lecturers. Basically they've told me that there is no such thing as wildlife photography, that theres no skill behind it, its just point and shoot, and there was no point me going to uni if I want to be a wildlife photographer, because they teach people who want to be professional photographers, not amateurs.

Can someone please tell me this is a load of rubbish... I'm going crazy. And could anyone give me advice on how to get my wildlife work out there?

Thanks for reading
 
Are you on a wildlife photography specific course and if so at what uni?
 
EMA747 said:
Are you on a wildlife photography specific course and if so at what uni?
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I'd doubt it if the lecturers have that attitude!

You might have to go through the course with gritted teeth, but at least you know they are talking ****.
 
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Ebony said:
Basically they've told me that there is no such thing as wildlife photography, that theres no skill behind it, its just point and shoot,
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Fascinating, maybe they could take you out to a bird in flight session and demonstrate this 'point and shoot' method.
 
The uni vs no uni for photography is such an old debate so it's not worth doing it again. Personally I would say if you are not enjoying it then have a hard think if it's worth putting up with it or if you would be better off financially and personally to get out of it.
 
When you applied did you say in your initial application that you wanted to be a wildlife photogragher and I assume you had an interview? Did you tell them the reasons you wanted to do the course? I am just wondering why the accepted you onto the course if your main passion is for a genre they care so little for?

Hope that doesn't come across as being an arse! Just interested in your experience.
 
One of the problems of universities i'm afraid, lecturers allowed to put there own "take" "prejudice" as the only correct view.
 
I'm really stuck. There are some parts of the course I enjoy, but some I hate with a passion. And I dont feel like my lecturers support my interests at all, and if I were to pull out of uni now, I wouldnt know what to do with my photography, as i dont have any real photographic background, just a portfolio. The reason I went to uni was to show future employers i was serious about photography, because ive been told by a number of people they only care about qualifications and portfolios.
 
Are all of the lecturers taking this attitude or just one of them?

If its the latter, you may be able to talk to someone to move lecturers or to get someone to give the lecturer a kick up the backside.

Its very disappointing that they would belittle you in this way, out of curiosity, which university is it? It may be useful for anyone else who comes across this forum looking for information on universities doing photography courses.
 
I'm afraid Its time to be blunt. I may be doing your uni a disservice, but the majority of photo courses tend to focus on studio based work, lighting, composition etc, all of which are very important topics and to an extent transferable across styles. However, if you are adamant that wildlife is the way forward for you, you're probably on the wrong course.

The 2 main things you'll need are a sound knowledge of business and a high level if fieldcraft, which your current course will probably not provide. I understand your lecturers view on pointing and shooting (albeit I disagree) as the technical side of wildlife photography is easier than the fieldcraft side. Getting into position time and time again is a massive skill.

Personally I would look at changing your course if at all possible to one that will help you understand your subjects well while learning the technical side of photography through sheer hard work continuous practice and advice from forums like this. Post your photos and listen to (usually) good advice.
 
Not Sure We can really help, you have to do what is right for you. I will say though that my daughter who is now in her second year of a teaching degree went though a time in her first year when she felt like giving it up. Now we are not sure when she is coming home to visit us.

If you are thinking of giving up the course I would at least try to get at least one of your lecturers to put down in writing why they feel doing a photography degree is no use if you want to wildlife photography.

That way when asked why you gave up the course you can show people the reasons, because I suspect a lot of people will find the comments strange.
 
Mahone said:
When you applied did you say in your initial application that you wanted to be a wildlife photogragher and I assume you had an interview? Did you tell them the reasons you wanted to do the course? I am just wondering why the accepted you onto the course if your main passion is for a genre they care so little for?

Hope that doesn't come across as being an arse! Just interested in your experience.
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When I went for my interview I showed them my portfolio which was full of wildlife, sport and landscape shots and told him I aspire to be a wildlife photographer, and once my interview was over he gave me an offer to join the course. And did come across as an arse at all! :)
 
To be a wildlife photographer you must become a wildlife photographer. To get a job as a wildlife tog you must excel at your work or at least match your competitors. The road you use to get their may not be smooth, but you will never get there if don't walk down it. Follow your heart and get passionate about it, that combined with skills and intelligence (BAs help with that I reckon) will get you any job you strive towards.
 
faddius said:
Are all of the lecturers taking this attitude or just one of them?

If its the latter, you may be able to talk to someone to move lecturers or to get someone to give the lecturer a kick up the backside.

Its very disappointing that they would belittle you in this way, out of curiosity, which university is it? It may be useful for anyone else who comes across this forum looking for information on universities doing photography courses.
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Huddersfield, and all my lecturers say the same, i'm really disappointed...
 
gramps said:
Fascinating, maybe they could take you out to a bird in flight session and demonstrate this 'point and shoot' method.
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Thats what I said... apparently there is more skill required to take photos of Bradford and Liverpool fans downing a pint, though...
 
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As a wild option, and Ill admit I dont know what the complications would be in regards to student finance etc. but possibly look at gritting your teeth and finishing this year and then move to another uni that would support your dreams and ambitions?

There are alot out there, and I *believe* (dont quote me on this) that I read on a thread on here, at some point, that alot of people had dropped out from the photography course at huddersfield because they didnt enjoy it.
 
faddius said:
As a wild option, and Ill admit I dont know what the complications would be in regards to student finance etc. but possibly look at gritting your teeth and finishing this year and then move to another uni that would support your dreams and ambitions?

There are alot out there, and I *believe* (dont quote me on this) that I read on a thread on here, at some point, that alot of people had dropped out from the photography course at huddersfield because they didnt enjoy it.
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If you want to do a second degree after putting up with the one you are on do NOT complete the first. I have been in that situation before and they now work on what's called "equivalent level funding". In other words they will fund you to complete studies that are BELOW the level you currently have. ie uni funding is ok if you have A-levels as they are BELOW the level of a degree.
By "funding" I mean a load rather than paying for it themselves.

In other words they will give you a loan or whatever it's called these days for you first degree but they will NOT do so if you already hold a degree.
 
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I would actually contact some successful wildlife photographers directly, maybe you could get one one to
1.Speak with your UNI lecturers and align them to the real world
2 Give you some pointers and experience
 
Ah that makes sense Andy, but under those rules would it be possible to complete the first year and then transfer to finish the rest of the degree (starting in the second year) at a different university? As you wont have completed the full degree courseSort of like transferring schools half way through your gcses.

I wonder if there would be any sort of leeway if Sophy got her lecturers opinions on wildlife photography in writing like previously suggested by someone.
 
Organise a field trip to do wildlife photography. Then show them up to be the uneducated dimwits they appear to be!

I'd also write to a few top wildlife togs mentioning what these pompous twits have been saying and see who bites and offers to show them a thing or two ;)
 
I honestly don't know if switching courses/unis is ok. I studied in 2005 so it's probably not relevant now. I did Civil Engineering and swapped to a very slightly difference course with less maths(!) and that was fine. I then had to drop out of the think all together when I lost loads of time due to serious ear infection illness at the time. So I didn't complete the course although I was there for 3 years total (2+1).
The year before last I was interested in studying again and rang up the loans people and after a few tries got a woman who was very helpful and explained it all. She said that as I hadn't completed the course in that I don't currently have a degree then I would get funding if I wanted to start again.
Take from that what you will but these things are NOT usually explained to young people who might be (as in my case) very unsure of what to do.

Sophy if I can be of any more help with this side of things send me a pm or something and I would be happy to try and help.

Have you had a look at the dedicated wildlife photography course at Falmouth university? I nearly applied to it but decided the costs were not justifiable for me but it might be something you could consider.
 
How many professional wildlife photographers studied photography and how many studied the wildlife?

.. just a thought..
 
EMA747 said:
I honestly don't know if switching courses/unis is ok. I studied in 2005 so it's probably not relevant now. I did Civil Engineering and swapped to a very slightly difference course with less maths(!) and that was fine. I then had to drop out of the think all together when I lost loads of time due to serious ear infection illness at the time. So I didn't complete the course although I was there for 3 years total (2+1).
The year before last I was interested in studying again and rang up the loans people and after a few tries got a woman who was very helpful and explained it all. She said that as I hadn't completed the course in that I don't currently have a degree then I would get funding if I wanted to start again.
Take from that what you will but these things are NOT usually explained to young people who might be (as in my case) very unsure of what to do.

Sophy if I can be of any more help with this side of things send me a pm or something and I would be happy to try and help.

Have you had a look at the dedicated wildlife photography course at Falmouth university? I nearly applied to it but decided the costs were not justifiable for me but it might be something you could consider.
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Thank you for the help, I appreciate it. Will deffinatley give you a shout if I decide to move uni, cheers again!
 
srichards said:
Organise a field trip to do wildlife photography. Then show them up to be the uneducated dimwits they appear to be!

I'd also write to a few top wildlife togs mentioning what these pompous twits have been saying and see who bites and offers to show them a thing or two ;)
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If only it was that easy haha!
 
Richard King said:
I would actually contact some successful wildlife photographers directly, maybe you could get one one to
1.Speak with your UNI lecturers and align them to the real world
2 Give you some pointers and experience
Click to expand...

May do this, thanks for the suggestion!!
 
Ebony said:
When I went for my interview I showed them my portfolio which was full of wildlife, sport and landscape shots and told him I aspire to be a wildlife photographer, and once my interview was over he gave me an offer to join the course. And did come across as an arse at all! :)
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That is a shame isn`t it, I really feel for you. Maybe you should go and see someone outside of your course at the Uni. I`m sure they have people you can go to discuss this. I know they will not want you to leave.
 
A couple of things worth bearing in mind, if this is your first year don't give up too early. I came very very close to dropping out of Uni in the middle of my first year but struggled on. It did get incrememntaly better over the subsequent years. Not saying this will be true for you, praticularly if the lecturers are as dismissive as you say but bear it in mind. Also, if you complete the first year, it should make it easier to transfer to another University if you do decide that's what you need to do.
 
Alastair said:
How many professional wildlife photographers studied photography and how many studied the wildlife?

.. just a thought..
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How many full-time professional wildlife photographers are there out there?
 
I've been through uni, admittedly it was not on a photography course, but this is my pennies worth and I hope it is of some use to you.

The main purpose of a degree is to get you interviews and shows future employers that you have the ability and determination to follow something through and you have the ability to learn and develop. I do not have much knowledge of the photography industry, however when I done my degree in software engineering (5 years ago), I was told I would never be a software engineer after finishing the course :-o I can now say the lecture was correct, I am a software developer instead. There is no differences, just a different job title. People who are lectures, are in my experience, are either people who do not have the skills to apply their trade or simply people who were in the trade years previously and have since lost touch of the industry and the requirements of that industry.

I would keep going with the degree, however look for jobs at the same time. If you get the job you want, maybe they will support you through uni, if not, then you have the job anyway and won't need the degree.

Hope this helps.

Kelvin
 
How could you teach Wildlife photography? Just a thought that hash;t been mentioned.

You can drag a class into a studio, but how can you drag them all in a hide and teach. Surely you would have seen the course outline, so you should have known what you would be in for.

Wildlife photography is great, and I am sure with enough will and determination you will get there. But, it is a competitive field and one where many try and few are professional.

Also a degree of any sort will be counted in good stead in a lot of applications photography related or not. You could always use it to become a photography lecturer.
 
Let me just give you some advice on this. I think you may want to have a fairly broad undergraduate level degree from a well recognised institution. If you are serious about photography, and want to stand out, it would be a good idea to get masters degree. I may be wrong here but you might not need BA in photography (as opposed to a different subject) to start masters programme.

Wildlife photography is more of a vocational skill, and certainly requires lots of practice, and creativity. I think it is one of a career pathways that you may want to solely focus on later on, but for now concentrate on learning the principles, and gaining a good all round understanding. You may find that you have other significant interest, or you may want to expand into different areas.
 
Ebony said:
Hey all,
I'm in my first year of uni, and i've always dreamed of becoming a successful wildlife photographer. Since i've come to uni, I've been having problems with my lecturers. Basically they've told me that there is no such thing as wildlife photography, that theres no skill behind it, its just point and shoot, and there was no point me going to uni if I want to be a wildlife photographer, because they teach people who want to be professional photographers, not amateurs.

Can someone please tell me this is a load of rubbish... I'm going crazy. And could anyone give me advice on how to get my wildlife work out there?

Thanks for reading
Click to expand...

First up I've not read the thread so this may already have been covered but

the first bit is absolute and total arse - they should look at something like andy rouse, laurie campbell, Chris gomersal etc before they say theres no skill in it - in fact they should go and tell mr rouse that - he'll probably be happy to punch them in the nose

(incidentally theres going to be a big rouse article in practical photography next month)

Its my experience that most (but not, I stress, all) lecturers know **** all about the real world - if they were any good they'd be out earning a living in their supposed feild of expertise. (this doesnt of course include guest lecturers who do walk it like they talk it and just teach occasionally).

All that not withstanding i'm not convinced that university is the best way to learn to be a wildlife tog - imo once you have a basic photographic knowledge (speeds, F stops, ISO etc) the best way ito learn is to get out there and do it (plus read books by people like the afformentioned, go to their talks, training courses, read the wildlife boards here etc)

The other thing i'd say is that it will be very very difficult to earn a fulltime living from wildlife photography - even people like mr rouse earn a large proprtion of their income from writing, and from training courses.

Personally if you really want to be a wildlife tog and really want to go to uni i'd suggest that you'd be better off with a marketting or business qualification as you'll need those skills to run your own business , and if the togging doesnt come off you'll have another career to fall back on
 
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As someone who once dropped out of University course only to go back and start another (and finish it) I do know how hard it can be to decide whats right. From personal experience I would say you are better off finding the right degree than toughing out something which wrong for you. Happy people work better and are more successful than unhappy people (its also nicer).

I very much doubt there is single course which can teach you to be a wildlife photographer and I suspect many of the successful pros come from the wildlife (ecology biology) side rather than the photography side but I could be wrong. I think the advice you have had to try to contact a couple of pros is great. I hope you get this sorted out without too much stress. Good Luck
 
big soft moose said:
Its my experience that most (but not, I stress, all) lecturers know **** all about the real world - if they were any good they'd be out earning a living in their supposed feild of expertise.
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As some spending there evening writing a lecture, this is a rather simply view of the world. There are many reasons to want to be an academic rather than simply the inability to get a job. Personally I never wanted to be a cog in the corporate system. :razz:

Additionally many academics do do a lot of consultancy, which is basically selling our skills back to industry.
 
I've got to agree with big soft moose and having had a look at Andy Rouse's website then I guess you need to decide if your money and time would be better spent booking a number of courses with the likes of Andy. I would hazzard a guess that if we both started at the same point and you did a year in uni and I spent my time on courses like the ones below, that I would be a more capable wildlife photographer than you.

Ideally for a more rounded experience I'd consider trying to afford to do both - although having put a son through uni I know that money pays a major part in your choices and that is probably not practicable


http://www.andyrouse.co.uk/index.php?page_id=26

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