mia
what type of minor does a photographer need to take
#photography
3 answers
Gloria Ortiz
Gloria’s Answer
I would say that you would benefit from a minor in a field where you want to apply your photography skills. For example, a lot of photographers are also graphic designers, videographers, or web developers, because they have a good sense of how to present information visually. Or maybe you want to be a photojournalist, capturing the news of the day through images. Then a journalism or multi-media type minor would benefit you. If you plan to own your own photography business, a minor in business would also help you solidify the details of how to own your own business.
Overall, I would recommend on choosing a major that compliments your overall career goal.
Best of luck,
Gloria
Dennis Cox
Dennis’s Answer
I would suggest a degree in business with photography as a minor would be a better idea. Photography is a business -- a highly competitive one -- and to be honest, not a very attractive one financially anymore. With the advent of digital photography the value of photographs has dropped precipitously. As a photo workshop instructor told me three decades ago, "if photography was easy, everyone would be doing it." It wasn't so easy then, but now everyone with a smart phone is doing it.
Possibly studying graphic arts is a better career choice than photography, however, there are fewer magazines and books being printed now. As my income from photography has diminished, I now do some design work in women's fashions, travel posters, business and greeting cards and the income from it in my experience is minimal.
Fortunately, before I semi-retired, I had a very successful career for a few decades doing assignment photography for magazines and licensing my travel photos worldwide, but those days are long gone. I'm now photographing a book which I am also designing and publishing as an independent publisher. Admittedly, publishing is a risky venture requiring substantial cash that may or may not pay off. It's something I can afford as a retiree, but I don't think it would be a wise career move for someone starting out. With a degree in business you can undoubtedly find better opportunities and a more secure career than pursuing the fields of photography and graphic design.
Kyla Whittington
Kyla’s Answer
Graphic design may be a great minor for your love of photography. You may decide to use your photos to create holiday cards or wedding invitations. It's great pairing. I've taken graphic design courses as continued education as I was building my portfolio. Most of the photographers I know have daytime jobs as graphic designers. Best of luck!
A Bachelor of Arts in Photography provides more options for a career and for advancement; bachelor's degrees typically include art, business, marketing and other courses to round out one's education. A polished portfolio, which is often a requirement for graduation, is another benefit of a bachelor's degree program.
Bernice