Online photography degree?

9 years 7 months ago #397681 by Ted Baker
My sister just asked me yesterday that she would like to get into photography and my opinion of getting a online degree in photography.  I told her I was self taught and didn't have much opinion or knowledge of online degree's.  I'm wondering if anyone here might have an opinion on this that you can share please?  


Thank you


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9 years 7 months ago #397817 by garyrhook
If she already has a demonstrated predeliction for art, and simply needs to study the mechanics of photography, find local classes and online resources.

If there's no history at all, get a camera and start shooting, then find local classes and online resources, and then a mentor.

Photography degree? 


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9 years 7 months ago #397977 by ShadowWalker
What is she looking to get out of photography?  Hobby or for hire one day?


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The following user(s) said Thank You: ubookoo
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9 years 7 months ago #397995 by ubookoo
Clients never once asked me to see a degree. They want to see the quality of your work, your price structure, and in situations like weddings they want to know they can stand to be around you for 4 to 10 hours. :-)


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9 years 7 months ago #398041 by KCook
Local classes or workshops make more sense to me.  Though the online degree might help in landing an assistant position with an established photographer.

Kelly

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

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9 years 7 months ago #398180 by Ted Baker
First off, thank you for the answers. How about Meetup up groups?   This wasn't around when I got started and I have noticed some groups that focus on getting started in Photography.  Now these are all for pay groups, but the price is only $10 to $25 per Meetup. 


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9 years 7 months ago #398204 by PT Talker
I don't want to make a big sales pitch here, but signing up on Photographytalk.com will give her access to a lot of good resources, including photographers from fellow novices to professional willing to offer advice. Free membership gives her a lot, and if she wants access to courses in lighting, composition, landscapes, etc. the fee for PT+ membership is minimal.

I think that PT members may have access to some discounts at online universities, as well.

We'd love to have her as a member of the community, either way. Just food for thought.

Doc


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9 years 7 months ago #398262 by icepics
I don't know that there are actually online degrees from websites - for that she'd need to enroll in a college, whether a university for a Bachelor's or a community college for an Associate degree (or community colleges also offer some one year programs that issues a certificate). The university near me offers photography as one of its few mandatory dual majors with business being recommended as the other major. There are online courses as part of a program that combines that with taking classes on campus (class might meet once a month and the rest is done online).

Most any websites online that claim to offer some sort of 'degree' usually just seem to issue a certificate of completion (that would seem to only verify that you took their courses). There are some schools (not necessarily photography related) that call themselves universities but are actually run as a for-profit business, so she needs to check anything out that she's considering.

For photography she wouldn't necessarily need a degree as most photographers are in business for themselves or contract as freelance. She could take adult ed. courses that are for personal enrichment. I haven't gone on a photo walk but that could be an option to try and see what it's like. Is there a camera club in your area? or any community art centers that offer classes?

Sharon
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9 years 7 months ago #398294 by Ted Baker
Thank you all!


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9 years 6 months ago #398520 by KZAM
YouTube is your friend 

I don't need no stink'in Signature! ha ha ha
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