Would you recommend photography as a occupation?

9 years 6 months ago #402031 by Ben Vanderbilt
Our neighbors kid wants to be a photographer, with his father asking my opinion about photography as occupation. I said no.  It's not that I don't support and love photography, because I do.  It's because I feel the kid should get a computer science, marketing or business degree of some sort.  Learn that, then pursue an artistic occupation if you want too.  If that doesn't work out (and it doesn't for most), you at least have your degree to fall back onto. 

How do you feel about that advice?


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9 years 6 months ago #402120 by Joves
I think you gave good advice, but especially in this day and age. Even what were the best jobs in the industry are no longer safe. The majoring in business, and comp tech will give him the tools to promote his photography later as a sideline until he could possibly make enough from it.


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9 years 6 months ago #402135 by Hassner
You gave good advice. A friend was a photographic lecturer. She started first year with 30 students. She ended second (final) year with 12 students. She saw a future in three students who had a combination of passion and creativity. She kept contact with those three. Just one had enough business sense to squeeze into the market (with major financial start-up backing from his parents). Five years later there are still a few of the final twelve that do photography part time, but with another job as their major income.


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9 years 6 months ago #402158 by Mike Ayrouth
Yep, good advice.  Get at least a degree that will be more utility base.  Business, marketing and computer science degree would even come in handy for the new photography business.  

Getting BETTER one photo at a time!
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9 years 6 months ago #402174 by W Cage

Joves wrote: I think you gave good advice, but especially in this day and age. Even what were the best jobs in the industry are no longer safe. The majoring in business, and comp tech will give him the tools to promote his photography later as a sideline until he could possibly make enough from it.


:agree:  


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9 years 6 months ago #402188 by Scotty

Joves wrote: I think you gave good advice, but especially in this day and age. Even what were the best jobs in the industry are no longer safe. The majoring in business, and comp tech will give him the tools to promote his photography later as a sideline until he could possibly make enough from it.


I agree 100 percent.  It's an unstable market.

When the last candle has been blown out
and the last glass of champagne has been drunk
All that you are left with are the memories and the images-David Cooke.

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9 years 6 months ago #402209 by ShutterPal
+1 business or marketing degree


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9 years 6 months ago #402363 by Paris Gal
Yes, but make sure you have a solid back up plan

5D mark II gripped | Canon 100L | Canon 85 1.8 | Sigma 50 1.4 | Tamron 28-75 2.8 | 580ex II | 430ex II x 2 |
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9 years 6 months ago #402379 by EOS Man
:agree:   famous last words! 

5D Mark II | 50mm f/1.4 EX | 24-70mm f/2.8L | 70-200mm f/2.8L | 430EX
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