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Is a photography degree worth the money?


7 years 3 months ago #514045 by Benny13
Does anyone still get degree's in photography these days?  Just trying to figure out if it's worth the money still?  

Were you self taught or did you receive formal education? 
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7 years 3 months ago #514065 by Cathy Kadolph
I'd just work as an apprentice to a well known photographer in your area. 
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once you grow up." Pablo Picasso
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7 years 3 months ago #514183 by Vahrenkamp
Education is always worth getting.  Now (like another post asking) is photography the option for sole career choice?  I would hedge your bets, and double down on a business major with minor in photography.  
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7 years 3 months ago - 7 years 3 months ago #514204 by effron

Vahrenkamp wrote: Education is always worth getting.  Now (like another post asking) is photography the option for sole career choice?  I would hedge your bets, and double down on a business major with minor in photography.  


If you are fresh out of high school maybe, this is fine advice. Its tough to go back to college once you've been in the real world awhile....
Why so serious?
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7 years 3 months ago #514233 by Joves

Benny13 wrote: Were you self taught or did you receive formal education? 


When I was 9 my grandfather gave me one of his old 120 cameras, and a notebook. He told me to write down what my film, and settings were. Then I would get critiques on what I shot. So I was mostly self taught, with help on other aspects that I was missing. As Vahrenkamp pointed out, you are better off having a business degree with an minor in photography. With business you can get a real world job.
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7 years 3 months ago #514332 by Stic
Actual experience is way more valuable than a degree...
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7 years 3 months ago #514337 by effron
To the successful pros a question. How many jobs did you take where the client asked for a diploma?
Why so serious?
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7 years 3 months ago #514408 by Addicted2Photos
I struggle with answering this.  Isn't the answer kind of subjective towards the person whom is asking the question, situation?  
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7 years 3 months ago #514452 by Neillien
I think that a teacher, mentor, or guide is a huge part of progressing as a photographer. However, you don't necessarily have to go to school to find that.
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7 years 3 months ago #514483 by Chris Yates
This is certainly a subjective question. While you may not be asked about your degree by a potential client, that's not to say that an education doesn't have worth to it. There's a lot of things that a degree can provide in getting you a client base and the skills necessary to professionally pursue photography. The way I see it, seeing what you can learn from others won't hurt you – however, you have to determine whether the gains you'd make in the classroom can make up for the time and money that you'll need to invest.
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7 years 3 months ago #514550 by Screamin Scott
Pretty much self taught although I did take some correspondence courses decades ago (never finished the course it was thru the "Modern School of Photography"-still have the books). That said, being a successful photographer involves a lot more than being able to take a proper image. I'd also suggest a business & marketing major as without business acumen, you will not succeed as a photographer.
Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/
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7 years 3 months ago #514899 by tobythephotoguy
I'm self taught!
I think that there are definitely benefits to going to school, but it's certainly not a necessity. However, it is really a personal decision and it's important to take everyone's opinion with a grain of salt.
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