What classes to take to become a pro photographer?
Nov 27, 2011 10:36:58 #
In my English class we need to write an essay on what career we plan to have after collage. We need to include what classes we need to take to achieve to this career, So all you Pro photographers, What classes did you take? I'd be happy to do any type of photography so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Nov 27, 2011 12:35:12 #
I took two classes: Intro to Photography taught me composition, rule of thirds, dutch tilt, ect. Intro to Digital taught me PS.
Like every other career, there is no substitution for experience. Trial and error taught me a lot. I learned on film, so I had to take notes on every photo, then wait until they were developed. With digital, you get instant feedback. You could get a PHD, and that picky bride is going to choose the photographer with 20 years of experience everytime.
P.S. When you write your essay for ENGLISH class, make sure you spell college correctly LOL
Like every other career, there is no substitution for experience. Trial and error taught me a lot. I learned on film, so I had to take notes on every photo, then wait until they were developed. With digital, you get instant feedback. You could get a PHD, and that picky bride is going to choose the photographer with 20 years of experience everytime.
P.S. When you write your essay for ENGLISH class, make sure you spell college correctly LOL
Nov 27, 2011 13:22:53 #
Nov 27, 2011 14:14:47 #
maura1600 wrote:
In my English class we need to write an essay on what career we plan to have after collage. We need to include what classes we need to take to achieve to this career, So all you Pro photographers, What classes did you take? I'd be happy to do any type of photography so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
At the high end are schools like Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara which are rigorous and expensive, but also includes the business side of photography. You could also investigate an online school like New York Institute of Photography. NYI has course units and includes critiques by professional working photographers. It's much less expensive than a "brick and mortar" school.... You may also explore local community colleges in your area. They are often taught by professionals.
Nov 28, 2011 08:23:12 #
photocat
Loc: Atlanta, Ga
Be sure to include business classes in this paper, this is the area people have issues with, love taking photos and then discover the business side and find they are very much lacking in understanding let alone making business decisions that will grown the their careers.
Nov 28, 2011 09:12:21 #
Roger Salls
Loc: Stratford, CT
Maura, Someone referred to Brooks Institute as high end, well not getting an education is far more expensive than going to a good school. Schools like Brooks or Art Center in LA, are going to give you that edge up that will help you move towards success. I always tell any young person contemplating a career in photography to also polish your writing skills as the two go hand in hand. Simply put go to the best school you can and absorb all the knowledge you can.
Nov 28, 2011 09:42:57 #
Photocat is right. Take a course in business and marketing. I found that out the hard way. Then find your niche in the field and pursue it. Do it better than your competition and you will be in demand. It won't happen overnight, but be patient, it will come. Good luck to you in your endeaver.
Nov 28, 2011 10:29:18 #
tambriab
Loc: Daytona Beach
I went to Daytona State College and received an AS in Photographic Technology. You can also receive a BS there but it is heavily Editorial. I chose not to continue with the program as I am more interested in Weddings, portraits etc. Check into your local college and see if they offer a photo program. If not there are a few very good colleges with excellent programs, Daytona being one.
You will learn a lot in college but you will learn more on your own. Reading, joining forums, shadow a pro. Join PPA (Professional Photographers of America as a student).
Becoming a pro takes years, of learning, making mistakes, but most important you must have an inner motivation to learn.
It is an expensive career. I have invested about $15,000 in equipment and still there is more that I need. Also very competitive. Having said the above, I love what I do and feel very blessed. Not everyone loves their job.
I wish you the best.
You will learn a lot in college but you will learn more on your own. Reading, joining forums, shadow a pro. Join PPA (Professional Photographers of America as a student).
Becoming a pro takes years, of learning, making mistakes, but most important you must have an inner motivation to learn.
It is an expensive career. I have invested about $15,000 in equipment and still there is more that I need. Also very competitive. Having said the above, I love what I do and feel very blessed. Not everyone loves their job.
I wish you the best.
Nov 28, 2011 11:36:48 #
Nov 28, 2011 12:58:17 #
Photo journalism and cinematography are two such courses. Art courses with emphasis on photography are also possibilities.
Nov 28, 2011 15:05:50 #
John Brown
Loc: New Mexico
The first thing is to get a good day job. Just about everyone has some sort of camera.
Photography for art....good luck.
Photography for science...get a science degree so you will know what you are photographing.
Understand the physics of optics.
Be able to do basic math.
Learn to experiment with your camera.
Learn photoshop.
Buy a good printer.
Have lots of back-up external harddrives.
Ignore the pros when taking photos and listen to the pros when making money.
Treat photography an intense hobby.
And realize if it is listed as professional, it usually cost more.
JB :)
Photography for art....good luck.
Photography for science...get a science degree so you will know what you are photographing.
Understand the physics of optics.
Be able to do basic math.
Learn to experiment with your camera.
Learn photoshop.
Buy a good printer.
Have lots of back-up external harddrives.
Ignore the pros when taking photos and listen to the pros when making money.
Treat photography an intense hobby.
And realize if it is listed as professional, it usually cost more.
JB :)
Nov 28, 2011 19:27:53 #
Maura1600, What type of professional photographer do you intend on being? That question must be dealt with early on in your career planning. Some aspects of photography are much more artistic than others. Some are much more technical than others. What are you? I am a forensic photographer which is technical and that matches my personality and capabilities. Many fields in photograph are more technically creative than Artistic. Pick your direction before putting yourself where you shouldn't be.
Best of luck, J. Goffe
Best of luck, J. Goffe
Nov 28, 2011 21:24:24 #
I've been watching & reading this forum for about a month now. felt I had to reply to this. I am a pro 37 years worth, self employed, self taught. primarily a wedding photographer i spent many days in different church settings, looking at light during various times of the day, taking photos with my medium format camera, logging in my f-stops aperture etc looking at my proofs, research in libraries, bought all bridal magazines looking at poses. learning learning learning, constantly experimenting with lighting knowing my camera inside out as well as my flash capabilities. You can learn technical stuff in a classroom but nothing beats experience. If you want to really experience the flavor of professional photography, especially weddings, hook up with a pro in your area and work along side them for free for about a year. Watch what it takes, you'll be surprised and maybe petrified! weddings are not for the feint of heart! I am working on a book about my journey as a wedding photographer, I came through everything with no battle scars but what a ride! i find that most people now don't want to pay for an experienced
pro Brides are settling for "it's good enough" pretty sad all those memories:(.
Pretty much every state has a professional photographers affiliate, I'm from New Hampshire and belong to New Hampshire Professional Photography Assn. Meetings are once a month and they have excellent speakers and programs geared to various types of photography. You don't have to be a pro to join, but have the desire to become one. good luck to all of you and if you have any questions, there is an awful lot of information in my brain!
pro Brides are settling for "it's good enough" pretty sad all those memories:(.
Pretty much every state has a professional photographers affiliate, I'm from New Hampshire and belong to New Hampshire Professional Photography Assn. Meetings are once a month and they have excellent speakers and programs geared to various types of photography. You don't have to be a pro to join, but have the desire to become one. good luck to all of you and if you have any questions, there is an awful lot of information in my brain!
Nov 29, 2011 16:46:14 #
There are quite a few excellent suggestions here for you to contemplate. I might suggest looking into a local technical college or trade school. Many of them have photography courses.
Also, check out the Rocky Mountain School of Photography. They are located in Missoula, Montana. They offer workshops all over the country as well as what they call "Summer Intensive" training. I have taken week long workshops as well as some of their weekend courses and have been very pleased with their expertise and instruction. See if you can find them at: www.rmsp.com
Also, check out the Rocky Mountain School of Photography. They are located in Missoula, Montana. They offer workshops all over the country as well as what they call "Summer Intensive" training. I have taken week long workshops as well as some of their weekend courses and have been very pleased with their expertise and instruction. See if you can find them at: www.rmsp.com
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