3 answers
britney
Student
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2
Questions
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how much schooling do i need to become a photographer
#photography
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3 answers
Nicolas Ortega Ward
Director of Photography
3
Answers
Takoma Park
Updated
Nicolas’s Answer
Hi Britney, as you've heard before you do not need a degree to become a photographer, although it can be an extremely useful thing to have and it will open many doors once you start applying for jobs.
That being said a degree is a big financial commitment and if you are not ready for that or, you "like" photography but "not love it" or are "obsessed" with it, maybe its not worth following that path.
Let me be clear if you can afford a degree in Arts, Communications, photography or something similar, or just in general you should definitely do it, but the most important thing you can do is PRACTICE.
If you want to become a real good photographer, the best way to do it is to just "DO IT" all the time. Read about it, watch videos about it, talk to people about it and most importantly take as many pictures as you can (and it doesn't matter what camera you use).
If you do this I can guarantee you will certainly know if you want to go to school and study Photography and also its important to keep in mind that you will be able to take maximum advantage of the classes if you already know what they are talking about.
From a personal perspective, I went to school and got a degree in Communications and it has been very useful in my life. But without a doubt 90% of what I've learnt has been practicing and working in the filed.
I hope this can help you decide. And remember that "practice makes perfect"
Best,
Nico Ortega
That being said a degree is a big financial commitment and if you are not ready for that or, you "like" photography but "not love it" or are "obsessed" with it, maybe its not worth following that path.
Let me be clear if you can afford a degree in Arts, Communications, photography or something similar, or just in general you should definitely do it, but the most important thing you can do is PRACTICE.
If you want to become a real good photographer, the best way to do it is to just "DO IT" all the time. Read about it, watch videos about it, talk to people about it and most importantly take as many pictures as you can (and it doesn't matter what camera you use).
If you do this I can guarantee you will certainly know if you want to go to school and study Photography and also its important to keep in mind that you will be able to take maximum advantage of the classes if you already know what they are talking about.
From a personal perspective, I went to school and got a degree in Communications and it has been very useful in my life. But without a doubt 90% of what I've learnt has been practicing and working in the filed.
I hope this can help you decide. And remember that "practice makes perfect"
Best,
Nico Ortega
Kristen Blake
Sr. Associate, Deployment Enablement Team, PwC - Placing the right person for the right job at the right time.
6
Answers
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
Hi Britney,
Technically you do not need any schooling to become a photographer, but I would HIGHLY recommend you invest going to school and getting your Bachelors degree in Art or even Art History. By investing in your education, you will develop your skills and expand your network. Also, if ever you decided you wanted to take a different career path later in life, you will have the schooling behind your to pursue other options. I hope this helps!
Sincerely,
Kristen Blake
Cheryl Guerrero
Marketing Manager
5
Answers
Brentwood, California
Updated
Cheryl’s Answer
If you become a photographer, you can go to a standard 4-year college. But there are others who become a photographer who doesn't need a bachelor's degree. I'd say for most professions, you don't necessarily need a degree. The most important thing is getting work experience. Get as much experience as you can: you can apply for internships, you can be a photo assistant, you can start shooting photos and explore different interests in photography, and you can find a mentor to help guide you and help you along the way.