Latisha
Do i have to have a degree to be a photographer? If so, what kind/which one?
I want to be a photographer but i need to know what to do to be one and i love taking pictures too. #career
4 answers
Farshad Abu Bakar
Farshad’s Answer
NO need a degree, YOU NEED EYE :)
Hello, Latisha! I am a professional photographer. No, you do not need a degree to be a photographer, but going to school to learn all you can is a smart choice! I've been a photographer for almost 20 years, and have taught myself through trial & error. Just keep taking pictures. Develop your own style. Although I'm self-taught, I feel that there is always more to learn. Recently, I decided to apply at the College for Creative Studies with my portfolio, and was offered a scholarship. I'm very excited to take the skills I've developed through experience, and add a true education to that set of skills. I will be majoring in photography, and might venture into Advertising Design, as well. This is my website: www.amckean.com
Never give up on that dream, sweetheart!
Audra
Hi Latisha, I'm a professional photographer and there are several possible routes you can go. You can buy a camera and teach yourself and shoot lots of frames. You can find a professional mentor to shorten the learning curve. You can take continuing Ed courses like offered at KSU and Emory or you can go for a degree. Savanah College of Art is great. Hope this helps. My website is www.imagesbyjoelwilliams.com. I'm still adding to it. Hope this helps and best of luck. Joel
Joel
Hi Latisha, you do not need a degree, however it would benefit you knowing photography. Laney college has an excellent photography department. However, you might also look into creativelive - it streams live classes on various creative arts including photography. While they are airing live the shows are free and they are rebroadcast after for a short time for free. However then you have to pay. I would also suggest other videos free on line. Starting with" basic camera exposure, ie iso,aperature and shutter speed and the connection between them and learn about natural (ambient light). The basic reflectors, diffusers cheap ones like whiteboard etc, then one and off camera flash (just one) to get you to start earning money. Photography is an ongoing learning professsion.
Lorretta Clarke
Gary Petito (Veteran)
Gary’s Answer
Hi,
My wife is a photographer and you do not need a specific degree..there are courses you can take at colleges and online if you want to learn about specific topics --- lighting, camera equipment, etc. I would suggest joining as many social groups as possible, getting your work out there for review and critique and starting your own portfolio of photographs. Photography is one of those fields where your work speaks for itself and you can sell yourself and your photographs without any specific education or experience.
My wife belongs to at least 6 groups online and recently won 3rd place in a photo contest so now she is "an award winning photographer"...
Good luck!
To add to my own answer, if you did want to go to college or school after high school...studying anything related to journalism, photography, media production, tv/film, etc. would make you more employable in the future.
Gary Petito (Veteran)
Richard Hart
Richard’s Answer
You do not need any formal education to be a photographer. In my opinion those that have a degree, often have the smallest and worst portfolios because they relied on teachers to direct them rather than following their own excitement and enthusiasm. This is typical of many creative careers. Its what you can do rather than how much money you have for a pointless education. Contrary to popular belief, a photographer has to be good at a lot of other things. A photographer may only spend 1/5th of their time actually shooting.
Take a look at group shoots on meet-up and many other videos on youtube that offer instruction without requiring a student loan. Get out there and practice practice practice. You don't need fancy equipment to get started either.
Savanna Scales
Savanna’s Answer
It depends on what kind of career path you intend to follow. If you work freelance or are self-employed, you don't necessarily need any credentials. But if you work at a larger broadcast corporation they may require a college degree, often in the media arts or photography. Savannah College of Art and Design has an excellent photography program, and you can even put together a portfolio of photos in high school to earn a scholarship.
No. You absolutely do not need a degree to make it in any art industry. With that said you will need to know how to sell yourself. ..so a business degree would come in handy
Sarah