Having a degree in photography vs experience. How do the hiring prefer?

9 years 6 months ago #402445 by TGonzo
I've been considering some online photography schools, as a possible way to get my photography career started.  Now I read someones older post yesterday that had me thinking.  And this post suggested that experience is more valuable than any piece of paper saying yo have a degree.   

Let me twist this a little and ask what do hiring managers care about?  Piece of paper saying that you have a bonafide photography degree, or do they look at your raw experience and portfolio to make hiring decision?  

It sucks being new at something, I wish I could time warp forward a few years.  Thank you for your help.

Tim


Photo Comments
,
9 years 6 months ago #402490 by EOS_Fan
Oh experience will always win over degree.  


Photo Comments
,
9 years 6 months ago #402513 by ubookoo
Everything you need to learn from a technical standpoint is available on YouTube. What YouTube cant give you is actual experience or create a portfolio of your work for you.

Get the basics and then get busy building your portfolio while you discover your style and passion.

You are going to do well!


,
9 years 6 months ago #402591 by garyrhook
What "hiring managers"? You need to get trained in business management and marketing. The technical stuff you can learn from online and local classes, by finding a local meetup and a mentor, and by practicing ("how do I get to Carnegie Hall?") a lot. Art class should be on composition. If you have passion for the craft, and drive, you can do everything you need, and accomplish what you want, without a degree.

IMO, of course.


Photo Comments
,
9 years 6 months ago #402606 by Stealthy Ninja
Depends I suppose. If you're going for a traditional position like at a newspaper, they might like someone with a proper degree, but I'd say most places just want experience and/or a good portfolio.
,
9 years 6 months ago #402861 by TGonzo
Thank you for the feedback


Photo Comments
,
9 years 6 months ago #402883 by Joves
I might add that you may want to make your portfolios genre specific, so if you are applying for a paper, then it needs to be editorial types of shots. They do not care if you can do portraits, or landscape work. 


,
9 years 4 months ago #409272 by Karen Russell
 :agree:   experience


Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #409463 by Sue Bidwell
Experience will impact a greater photo than a piece of paper


Photo Comments
,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024

The Sigma fp L is a compact full-frame camera with a 61-megapixel sensor, 4K video capabilities, in-body image stabilization, and weather-sealed construction. What’s not to like?!

Mar 19, 2024

The Canon 1DX Mark III is a big, burly professional camera packed with top-end features. Is it worth the investment in 2024? Find out in this detailed review!

Mar 04, 2024

In the OM-1 vs OM-5 debate, which camera comes out on top? Though they’re different cameras for different purposes, comparing them head to head clarifies which is best for your needs.

Mar 01, 2024
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

Time management is a critical skill to master when you’re a photographer. But how do you get the most out of the limited time you have? Check out this guide to learn a few tricks!

Mar 27, 2024

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024

Opening a photography business means undertaking various photography marketing strategies to promote your work. But you don’t want to do the same old thing - try these unique ideas!

Mar 22, 2024

The Canon EOS 80D might be a few years old, but it’s nevertheless a quality camera to invest in as a beginner or enthusiast looking for a mid-range DSLR with tons of lens options.

Mar 22, 2024

Wedding consultations are a critical part of a wedding photography gig. It’s when you learn about the couple and their wants, and present them with how you will meet those desires.

Mar 22, 2024

If you're looking for the best metal print of 2023, you'll find it from Artbeat Studios. After months of testing, Artbeat Studios beat out the competition!

Mar 21, 2024

Getting the best video shots on your camera or smartphone requires you to understand the fundamentals of composition and video editing. It helps to have the appropriate gear, too!

Mar 20, 2024

It’s easy to lose your inspiration behind the lens, especially as a beginner. These creative photography projects can help inspire you to try new techniques and improve your photos.

Mar 20, 2024