Which University for Photography Course?
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we11ingon
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I have to level with you... Dont do it... Get any other job you can to earn some cash.. Buy the kit ...then do it yourself OR Intern with a pro. We have some really awful students coming to our company who think the world owes them a living and they know very little about the REAL job they are supposedly trained for..... Plus you wont be saddled with a massive student debt.... Read a lot hang around and be a VAL ( Voice activated light stand) for a while. You'll definitely learn more!
I'm at university and I think its's extremely worth it however it isn't for everyone. Look at the syllabus and the course and think about what you want to learn. Think about what you want to do, commercial, weddings, art?
I've learned a lot and have been introduced to a much wider scope in photography than I would doing it myself. It also gives you the time to work on your own projects, make contacts, etc. I enjoy the theory side of photography so if thats not for you choose a more commercial degree.
What kind of photography are you interested in?
I've learned a lot and have been introduced to a much wider scope in photography than I would doing it myself. It also gives you the time to work on your own projects, make contacts, etc. I enjoy the theory side of photography so if thats not for you choose a more commercial degree.
What kind of photography are you interested in?
itsdavedotnet
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+1.
Easy to say... but any 'pro' is going to want a core competency before they take on an assistant, even if paying no or minimum wage, plus many working photographers already get large numbers of requests for assisting work, many of whom will even be from graduates.
I'm assuming that you want to go to university because you want to make a career out of photography? ok.
However, a degree on its own will NOT get you there, not a chance. There are some good courses out there, but end of the day, no course will teach you the actual realities of dealing with clients, freelancing, sales etc.
If you search 'university' on here you'll probably find some previous comments from myself and others on the subject. I'm on a commercial photography BA course, but in a bit of a unique position that I was already working and freelancing before I came here, and have and continued to do so, along with some (and hopefully increasing) assisting work at a higher level of commercial photography - my end goal is commercial, editorial and eventually advertising photography. Tough goal, but I can hopefully do it
Other good courses, the falmouth photojournalism course has always been very highly rated and they do some good stuff. Plus, it's by the beach
If I wanted to go into press after, would quite probably be worth following it up with the NCTJ course in press photography at sheffield.Ravensbourne college in london (right next to the O2 - awesome building) has just opened a digital photography course that has a very good course leader, it's suffering a couple of teething problems but sounds very good, and a fast track learning experience to get you acustomed to working as a freelancer in the world of photography - rave has always had a very 'hands on' ethos and the course is no exception. It certainly, from what I'm hearing, sounds like they're doing pretty much everything *right*. Plus you don't have to fanny around with any of this film stuff
Bournemouth do a commercial photo course that's probably worth looking at too. They never got back to me
I wasn't too impressed by the course or facilities at Gloucester's advertising and editorial degree - the emphasis certainly didn't seem to be on creating commercial advertising and editorial quality images.
Most importantly - get out there, shooting, even if it's baby versions of what you really want to do. Want to shoot fashion? go shoot your friends in your college's studio. Want to shoot commercial? shoot some promo stock styleee photos for your college / sixth form. Want to shoot weddings? Not a clue...beg/borrow/steal some assisting experience lol, and shoot lots of portraits and events the whole rest of the time.
If you *just* want to be a portrait photographer, unless you really want (and can afford the uni fees) the uni experience, I wouldn't bother tbh... you'll learn more if you get a HND and try and get a job with venture or a similar studio for a year, all the while also shooting your own pictures out of work.
This is a crazy and crappy industry tbh, becoming crappier by the day...but hey, it's also one of the best jobs there is, so if you're prepared to truly put the work in, and do SO much outside of your uni course, then go for it - the course itself will be useful and worth it, however you will need to put in at least just as much again to prepare yourself for the professional world.
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I graduated from Kingston University in Graphic Design and Photography. There is a photography course which doesn't involve design, but I was unsure what I wanted to do at the time.
I'll be perfectly honest with you...
It was very hard work, and I had very little sleep/time off especially in my final year. I decided that photography was something I wanted to pursue as a career so decided to use the opportunity to concentrate on advancing my photography rather than graphic design skills.
The studio is constantly booked up and it is extremely difficult to get any time in there for a shoot.
They do have quite a good range of equipment to hire, including lighting, tripods etc. but all the cameras and lenses are Nikon (not necessarily a bad thing, just worth mentioning.)
There are two photography tutors who are outstanding. I wouldn't have got the marks I did if it wasn't for one of them in particular who was there for you 24/7 and made time for you whether they were busy or not. (I will be happy to pass their details on to you via PM, and they will email you back with answers to any questions you have).
The only thing I have realised having finished at Kingston is that working for as an assistant has taught me more in 6 months than I learnt at University. However, the photographer I do work for turns down assistants who have not been to University. This probably isn't the case with all photographers though and will be different for other photography jobs.
I think it really depends on how confident you are as a photographer and as a person. For me, I think I needed to go to University to force myself to become more confident and vocal. I can now comfortably do a shoot without being nervous, where as pre-University I would not have been able to. (I'm assuming you are finishing college/sixth form soon, so please ignore that advice if you are a mature student and have several shoots under your belt).
The organised end of year shows and exhibitions meant that as a student you are able to show your work to hundreds of people for free, many of whom are professionals in their field.
One final minor point... This will definitely be frowned upon by many, but depending on your financial situation it can be beneficial. I had savings and decided it was a sensible idea to get a student loan. This meant I could buy new camera equipment with an interest free loan.
Hope that is of some help. If you need any more information please don't hesitate to PM me.
EDIT: Just wanted to add...
Couldn't agree with this more.
I'll be perfectly honest with you...
It was very hard work, and I had very little sleep/time off especially in my final year. I decided that photography was something I wanted to pursue as a career so decided to use the opportunity to concentrate on advancing my photography rather than graphic design skills.
The studio is constantly booked up and it is extremely difficult to get any time in there for a shoot.
They do have quite a good range of equipment to hire, including lighting, tripods etc. but all the cameras and lenses are Nikon (not necessarily a bad thing, just worth mentioning.)
There are two photography tutors who are outstanding. I wouldn't have got the marks I did if it wasn't for one of them in particular who was there for you 24/7 and made time for you whether they were busy or not. (I will be happy to pass their details on to you via PM, and they will email you back with answers to any questions you have).
The only thing I have realised having finished at Kingston is that working for as an assistant has taught me more in 6 months than I learnt at University. However, the photographer I do work for turns down assistants who have not been to University. This probably isn't the case with all photographers though and will be different for other photography jobs.
I think it really depends on how confident you are as a photographer and as a person. For me, I think I needed to go to University to force myself to become more confident and vocal. I can now comfortably do a shoot without being nervous, where as pre-University I would not have been able to. (I'm assuming you are finishing college/sixth form soon, so please ignore that advice if you are a mature student and have several shoots under your belt).
The organised end of year shows and exhibitions meant that as a student you are able to show your work to hundreds of people for free, many of whom are professionals in their field.
One final minor point... This will definitely be frowned upon by many, but depending on your financial situation it can be beneficial. I had savings and decided it was a sensible idea to get a student loan. This meant I could buy new camera equipment with an interest free loan.
Hope that is of some help. If you need any more information please don't hesitate to PM me.
EDIT: Just wanted to add...
Couldn't agree with this more.
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itsdavedotnet
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To a certain extent... this is applicable to everyone, even if less so on kit and more for building your portfolio.
Those three years give you three years in which to build your portfolio, all while you have the access to equipment and studios and professional crit, without having to worry much about making a full living from their photography at the same time, as the student loans are there to help with that.
being at university can also offer many other doors - you can 'get away' with a lot of stuff if you wave the 'student' card, stuff gets easier to blag - and if you get involved with student media, then there's a whole new set of extra opportunities opened up right there within your university too.
Going to uni is alot more than studying and student debt. You get to branch out on your own, get some independnce and have a cracking social life at the same time.
:nono: How could you use one of the lowest interest rate loans you'll ever receive for material items such as a expensive camera....some poorer students will be forced to spend their loan on rent, pizza and cheap wine from the co-op.
:nono: How could you use one of the lowest interest rate loans you'll ever receive for material items such as a expensive camera....some poorer students will be forced to spend their loan on rent, pizza and cheap wine from the co-op.
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Hi Ed,
A lot of people are going to have a view on this, but the most important question to ask yourself is what do you want to get out of the university course?
If you think that doing a university course is a sure-fire way to get a job in your chosen field, then you're barking up the wrong tree. Very few graduates actually end up in a job relating to their chosen subject and real world experience will often count for a lot more than a piece of paper.
However, if you want to be able learn in a controlled and structured environment alongside other people with a similar interest - and possibly have access to a greater range of kit and genres than you'd manage on your own then maybe uni is the right move for you.
Some more details on the particular type of photography that you want to focus on might help people be more specific in their recommendation of courses - although it looks like some pretty good advice already from those above.
If your ambition is to set up your own photography business at some point, then it might also be worth considering business courses instead and developing the photography on your own.
If you can find a business course that covers marketing, book-keeping and contract & copyright law that would stand you in good stead.
As I said, it really depends on what you want to get out of it and what your ambitions and learning style are :shrug:
A lot of people are going to have a view on this, but the most important question to ask yourself is what do you want to get out of the university course?
If you think that doing a university course is a sure-fire way to get a job in your chosen field, then you're barking up the wrong tree. Very few graduates actually end up in a job relating to their chosen subject and real world experience will often count for a lot more than a piece of paper.
However, if you want to be able learn in a controlled and structured environment alongside other people with a similar interest - and possibly have access to a greater range of kit and genres than you'd manage on your own then maybe uni is the right move for you.
Some more details on the particular type of photography that you want to focus on might help people be more specific in their recommendation of courses - although it looks like some pretty good advice already from those above.
If your ambition is to set up your own photography business at some point, then it might also be worth considering business courses instead and developing the photography on your own.
If you can find a business course that covers marketing, book-keeping and contract & copyright law that would stand you in good stead.
As I said, it really depends on what you want to get out of it and what your ambitions and learning style are :shrug:
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Skyline On Fire
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Do business if you want to do photography for a living.
An art based qualification is a waste of money, its an industry dominated by portfolios and contacts.
An art based qualification is a waste of money, its an industry dominated by portfolios and contacts.
One more thing to add, a degree can also branch out into the other parts of photography, curating, education, literature, galleries. It's the contemporary field that I am most interested in and my degree has been essential to me.
If its of any more interest I am applying to do my honours year at Brighton and Newport.
If its of any more interest I am applying to do my honours year at Brighton and Newport.
EdMoss
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Looking at the state of the photography industry at the moment, spend the next 3 years at university and hope it's better then now.
Have a think about what sort of photographer you want to be, Blackpool has a good reputation for fashion/advertising.
It's very true, you will get out of the course what you are prepared to put in.
When I was at college I worked late nearly every night as I knew what I wanted to do, and I was well aware how hard it was to get a job (That was 1994.)
Just keep one thought in mind, shoot a commercial portfolio in your final year, images that are commercially viable and ones which will help you get a job.
Have a think about what sort of photographer you want to be, Blackpool has a good reputation for fashion/advertising.
It's very true, you will get out of the course what you are prepared to put in.
When I was at college I worked late nearly every night as I knew what I wanted to do, and I was well aware how hard it was to get a job (That was 1994.)
Just keep one thought in mind, shoot a commercial portfolio in your final year, images that are commercially viable and ones which will help you get a job.
EMA747
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I very nearly was on the Press and Editorial Photography degree at Falmouth for Sept 2010. Being 27 it was more of a tough choice than if I had been 19 and not already been to university.
One of the main things that has not been said here is the cost of study. For me to live in Falmouth plus uni fees, food, etc etc it would have cost around £40,000-50,000 for the 3 year duration. That is a hell of a lot of money whatever you want to study but for a degree like photography I had to weigh it up with how much having the degree would increase my job prospects. In the end I just couldn't justify those costs in these tough, uncertain times. I originally studies Civil Engineering which is a degree that pretty much buys you a job at the end as graduates are so sought after. Photography isn't like that at all. Unfortunately I didn't finish my civ eng degree due to bad illness at the time.
Basically I am trying to say to the OP, be aware of the very high costs of study as well as thinking about the actual degree itself.
One of the main things that has not been said here is the cost of study. For me to live in Falmouth plus uni fees, food, etc etc it would have cost around £40,000-50,000 for the 3 year duration. That is a hell of a lot of money whatever you want to study but for a degree like photography I had to weigh it up with how much having the degree would increase my job prospects. In the end I just couldn't justify those costs in these tough, uncertain times. I originally studies Civil Engineering which is a degree that pretty much buys you a job at the end as graduates are so sought after. Photography isn't like that at all. Unfortunately I didn't finish my civ eng degree due to bad illness at the time.
Basically I am trying to say to the OP, be aware of the very high costs of study as well as thinking about the actual degree itself.
Thanks a lot for the replies! wasn't expecting this!
Anyways perhaps I shall tell you all more. I'm actually asking this for a mate of mine. He's interested in photography but I guess it's still early age. I will discuss with him regarding the issues raised.
One of you guys mentioned about civil engineering. Coincidentally I'm actually a masters holder in civil engineering and my job has been alright. But the post spending review effect is beginning to kick in but so far it's still fine.
All in all, thanks a lot for the info and your replies are much appreciated!
Anyways perhaps I shall tell you all more. I'm actually asking this for a mate of mine. He's interested in photography but I guess it's still early age. I will discuss with him regarding the issues raised.
One of you guys mentioned about civil engineering. Coincidentally I'm actually a masters holder in civil engineering and my job has been alright. But the post spending review effect is beginning to kick in but so far it's still fine.
All in all, thanks a lot for the info and your replies are much appreciated!
EMA747
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Well I might well return and finish off my degree sometime if I can find a way of funding it (student loans won't go anywhere near me as it's been 10 years since I started the civ eng degree). I am still interested in the subject matter, and it's nice to hear someone who says that actual job is ok.
itsdavedotnet
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Screw that, start building one from day one. Uni offers SO many good opportunities to get involved and even produce commercial grade editorial, commercial, music, sport, fashion, beauty, etcetcetc, images, as long as you take the right mindset and network and talk to other students, and get involved!
EMA747
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It's a pity there isn't some form of night-school or part-time study that is similar to uni but without lasting 3 years and without getting the actual degree.
I mean I think I would class myself as about advanced amateur having done a-level and been shooting seriously for about 10 years. I would like to do some study at push my work to a professional/commercial grade and also to work on a few simulated projects so that I know I would be able to deliver high quality work and know how to go about working with clients on projects.
All the courses I have seen locally are just learn how to use your camera ones.
I mean I think I would class myself as about advanced amateur having done a-level and been shooting seriously for about 10 years. I would like to do some study at push my work to a professional/commercial grade and also to work on a few simulated projects so that I know I would be able to deliver high quality work and know how to go about working with clients on projects.
All the courses I have seen locally are just learn how to use your camera ones.
itsdavedotnet
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hold out a year or two, and with more and more people wanting to 'go into photography', and tutition fees skyrocketing, you might just have your wish...
end of the day, nothing's gonna teach you about dealing with clients and that kinda stuff other than doing it though... to a certain extent, one of those 'learn as you do' kinda things... commercial photo assisting work has helped me though too...
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By all means go to university for the memories and great times you will have (many of them) but do really consider going if you are using it purely as a gateway into employment.
EMA747
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That would be nice but there are endless threads on here where pros are saying they don't want to teach others (fear of losing business or whatever)
I would love a chance to shadow a sports photographer but I think it is next to impossible to find anyone willing to do it.