Student Help!

[Byronkirk]

Hi Guys

Could anyone give me a little advice on anything I might need or should take into consideration when I start studying photography at university in october.

Thanks in advance every one

 

[ryank]

Speaking from experience.. depending on where you study, you might have to do some other aspects of art to broaden you up artistically, I did some illustration and graphic design. I quite enjoyed it, keep an open mind about it, its all fun. (Obviously this may just have been my course)

Where are you studying may I ask?

 

[mastertrinity]

what degree/diploma is it?

I left my BTEC in photography in December because it bored the life out of me. You usually have to do Textiles, Studio photography, Contextual studies (the meaning of photography), Graphic design, video and then photography. It was quite interesting but the biggest PITA was that you had to constantly update sketchbooks with photos and artist bio's for the coursework which racked me off because I ended up learning more in the first week of me leaving than in the entire course time

have fun though, like I say to people it depends on your learning style, some like a school environment with tutors and coursework while others prefer to work on their own

 

[squizza]

I have just finished my degree in photography gaining a respectable 2:1. No one will employ me because they know its what I want to do, and so I am unable to even get a simple receptionist position...and there are next to no photography jobs near (I'm talking 30+) mile radius around me, kinda wishing I never did it to be honest. All I have is a load of debt. I've been in contact with plenty of newspapers, magazines etc, for work experience even and no one wants me. Everyone in my group that graduated with me is in the same position too. Good luck if you go ahead with it but for me, its going no where fast, no matter how hard I try.

 

[mastertrinity]

I have just finished my degree in photography gaining a respectable 2:1. No one will employ me because they know its what I want to do, and so I am unable to even get a simple receptionist position...and there are next to no photography jobs near (I'm talking 30+) mile radius around me, kinda wishing I never did it to be honest. All I have is a load of debt. I've been in contact with plenty of newspapers, magazines etc, for work experience even and no one wants me. Everyone in my group that graduated with me is in the same position too. Good luck if you go ahead with it but for me, its going no where fast, no matter how hard I try.

I tried to tell everyone that on my BTEC course, but they were naive and really didn't believe me so I can't wait to see them graduate and then see how hard it is to get a job.

I feel sorry for you though because you've had to pay out all that money and now like you say, people won't employ you. I think it's always best to get a diploma/degree in something like IT/Business/Plumbing or whatever because these are jobs that are always wanted and it can be a good back up plan.

Have you thought about doing a short course on something like maths and english etc that could get you a job quickly and easily. or IT technicians are always needed so you could look into that?

 

[DeeJay]

Sarah, what about event photography or even stock photography?

I know it is probably not what you had in mind when you were picturing (no pun intended) your photographic career. You would be taking pictures and making money, plus you would be learning what actually sells...

 

[Jerm]

The days of having photography jobs are well and truly behind us IMHO.

If you want a 'career' in photography then you have to make one yourself.

I'm not familiar with what is taught on these courses, but from experience as a professional who came into the industry quite late in life I'd say that the course should be 40% photography and 60% business skills.

Whilst you're looking for a job Sarah why don't you shoot for stock ?

 

[johnb]

I have just finished my degree in photography gaining a respectable 2:1. No one will employ me because they know its what I want to do, and so I am unable to even get a simple receptionist position...and there are next to no photography jobs near (I'm talking 30+) mile radius around me, kinda wishing I never did it to be honest. All I have is a load of debt. I've been in contact with plenty of newspapers, magazines etc, for work experience even and no one wants me. Everyone in my group that graduated with me is in the same position too. Good luck if you go ahead with it but for me, its going no where fast, no matter how hard I try.

Ouch, feel for you

John