katilynn
What are some ways that i can possibly achieve my goal to become a photographer and also what are some colleges for that major?
i have a passion for photography and possibly owning my own business and beginning and i just want some guidance on how to accomplish my goal as i go on through high school. #business #photography #photographer
4 answers
Stephen Poffenberger
Stephen’s Answer
I have been a professional photographer for over 25 years, which means I started with film and darkrooms. I had to transition into the digital camera technology. My point is in today's technology,you constantly have to continue to learn. So you may feel you are limited in knowledge, don't let that stop you, we all find ourselves with that feeling. I went to Hawkeye Community College in Cedar Falls, IA - at the time it was considered the #3 best photography school in the USA. I also learned from attending seminars and in today's world there are hundreds of free videos on YouTube to address any photographic question. I have owned studios in FL & CA working with advertising agencies which is very financially rewarding if you can make the right connections and deliver what they need and go beyond what the ask for. I visited 53 countries as a ship photographer on cruise lines.
I would suggest you go to my sites to view my work and feel free to contact me:
images and video samples:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/104938425988514974064/photos/p/pub
https://plus.google.com/u/0/104938425988514974064/videos/p/pub
Nina Young
Nina’s Answer
One of the most useful classes I took in grad school was a studio class and the prof made sure that we had a session on the business of photography as it related to having your own studio and business. So yes, I'd go for any 'the business of photography' type class- OR- work for a photographer that has her own business. And yes, figure out what type of photography you like- event/wedding still life/interior/architecture, and put some work together in a portfolio- That too is a process- assessing your strengths, likes and dislikes..
Ashley Savageau, SSAP
Ashley’s Answer
Hi Katilynn,
I think the best advice is to start taking as many photos as you can to build your portfolio! Call around to some local photographers and ask if they need any interns or help during school breaks just to see what it is like. Even if you're only carrying equipment around for them (and not shooting anything), it gives you a good sense of what their day is like.
I found this list of the best colleges in the US for photography: http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-fine-arts-schools/photography-rankings. I think another wise decision would be to look at colleges with good business programs--if you want to own your own businesses, it will be almost as important to have courses in business fundamentals as much as photography!
Follow famous photographers (and even local photographers) on Instagram. Here are some accounts I think have particularly good pictures: earthpics, thephotosociety, usinterior.
There are free classes on photography online as well.
And tons of photographers have blogs where they post their images and explain their shots--as well as frequently talk about owning their business. Do a search like "wedding photographer" and check out their website, see if they have a blog, etc. Here are a few:
ElisaBricker.com
http://www.photomint.com/photography-business/top-10-most-useful-blogs-for-photographers/
http://www.lightstalking.com/professional-photography-blogs/
http://photographyconcentrate.com/26-things-i-wish-id-known-before-starting-my-photography-business-part-1/
Good luck!!
Hi Ashley! Thank you so much for the amazing advice that you provided Kaitlynn above! I had a few follow up questions I wanted to ask out of curiosity:
1. Can you discuss any personal experience you may have in photography/starting your own business? I'd love to know more about any challenges/unexpected risks that come with starting your own business in photography.
2. As a community relations program manager, does photography/art play a role in your job?
Thanks so much in advance!
-David
David Ohta
COACH
Gary Petito (Veteran)
Gary’s Answer
Hi, I found this on collegegrad dot com...hope it helps a little. Good luck!
Although postsecondary education is not required for most photographers, many take classes or earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field, which can improve their skills and employment prospects.
Many universities, community and junior colleges, vocational–technical institutes, and private trade and technical schools offer classes in photography. Basic courses in photography cover equipment, processes, and techniques. Art schools may offer useful training in photographic design and composition.
Business, marketing, and accounting classes can be helpful for self-employed photographers.
Training
Photographers have a talent or natural ability for taking good photos and this talent is typically cultivated over years of practice. For many artists, including photographers, developing a portfolio—a collection of an artist’s work that demonstrates his or her styles and abilities—is essential. This portfolio is necessary because art directors, clients, and others look at an artist’s portfolio when deciding whether to hire or contract with the photographer.
Photographers often start working as an assistant to a professional photographer. This work provides an opportunity to gain experience, build their portfolio, and gain exposure to prospective clients.