Is there a future for the photography degree?

June 13, 2011 by jeff 14 Comments

Photo By Will Folsom

I saw a flyer the other day for a photography school that said “Why not turn your passion into a career?” It started me wondering, what exactly is out there for someone with a degree in photography? I have some friends that have gone to some very prestigious schools with very deep photography programs. Each of them have all been of the same opinion, which is that they see a hard road ahead for anyone looking to turn a photo degree into a full-time career. It’s almost like the schools are selling a false bill of goods that says get our degree and you will be well on your way.

That certainly might have been the case 15 to 20 years ago but in today’s economy with the level of competition, I just don’t see that being the case. Of course colleges and universities have always been full of degree programs that have little, if any possibility of translating into a career but for some reason, it just feels like the photography market is such a different animal than it used to be.

If I had to advise someone in high school with aspirations of getting a degree in photography I would probably tell them to think broader. Don’t just lock yourself into photography but to think multi-media. Having versatility in video, web, graphics, and design will make them much more marketable. Having multiple skill-sets is almost a given these days. It’s not enough to just take a pretty picture. Even in the field of photojournalism, having multimedia skills will put you at the forefront of where the market is going.

Of course this is just my opinion and I would love to know what you think about the subject so please feel free to drop a comment and share.

Filed Under: Comments, Photography

http://www.richardhales.co.uk Richard Hales

Photo degrees here in the UK slightly different from those in the US. Most photography courses are fine arts based and are designed to develop your artistic skills through the medium of photography. These courses don’t aim to “turn your passion into a career” which is the biggest difference. If you are in the UK and want to do a BA in photography, go for it but don’t expect to be a jobbing ‘tog at the end of it, that would spoil the adventure.
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Flo

Here in France there a just a few reputable higher education establishments that offer a degree in photography. Admission is usually based on your portfolio, general knowledge test, a round of interviews etc. Some are very pricey indeed (6000-8000€/year) and I am personally not convinced that they teach you what you expect. There’s a lot of theoretical education going on, not enough of practical teaching and whilst it may be great to know the theory of photography from a to z, I’m not sure it’s going to translate well in practical life. Still a major focus is put on film photography and dark room, which is great to learn for sure but than again – do I want to spend 2300€ for an evening course alone where I’m going to be taught for 3 months how to develop film? I’m not convinced. Therefore I agree that unless you have a lot of money to spend on a degree like this, think broader, think versatile, think out-of-the-box and think business, too.
http://www.mpfoto.sk Michal Pecek

In some countries is photography degree required in order to start the business as a profesional photographer …
http://www.imageconjurer.com Bernie Greene

I did two years of photography back in the ’70s in England. It didn’t help me in the slightest in getting a career. The only thing I remember being taught was, “It’s very hard to make a living in photography these days.” Sound familiar?

The thing I would do differenty, given the chance, would be to have skipped college altogether and to have found a working successful photographer who I could have begged for the opportunity to assist for a couple of years. I would do it for free and work McDonalds on weekends if need be. That would be a valuable education.

It is ironic perhaps that the state wants all kids to go into debt via university and makes the kind of assistant job I would recommend practically illegal through minimum wage laws.
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John Pemberton

After 34 years as a photojournalist I retired. The photography degree will get you in the door. I would tell anyone to embrace multi-media. I have always gone against the grain. I always thought that all media have their way to tell the story in different ways. Explore the different media and learn all of them. Understand you will be self-employed for a minimal contract. This will give you the freedom to do anything and have the flexibility to get the story ‘out there’.
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Joe S

No matter what field a young person is going into today, I would encourage them to get a good education in business in addition to their other field of study. You can be a great photographer, engineer, physician, etc. & if your ambition is to work for someone else, that is all you need. If you want to strike it out on your own, however, you can be the best in the world and still fail if you have poor business skills.
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jacques

I’ve realy liked to take pictures and when I’m on holiday I can’t resist not taking pictures so what should I do ?? I’m on high scool and realy can’t see a future for myself !! My dad is forceing me to take drastick choises and that’s why I have searched for future in photografhy !!
Ray

You are right! I did exactly what you are suggesting, decades ago with great success.

I was already experienced in all areas of photography, when I decided to go back to college and learn broadcast television production. That led me into graphics and animation. I also got into multi-screen, media productions initially with colour slides and later with digital projectors. I also produced and directed television and video productions and often did my own camera work as well.

So, I would say that this is not where the market IS going. The market HAS ALREADY got there.
Holly

I have to agree with you. After getting my Photography degree from CSU in SF Bay Area three years ago I have had to adapt to the economy.

My first year out of college I was mostly freelance photographer and as a seasonal Lifetouch Photographer. Made maybe 6k in second part of 2009 after graduating in June.

In my second year I had got pretty lucky. I landed a part-time job at a very small media company (5 employees) called Bay Media Arts in San Mateo. I was doing misc jobs like assisting in video editing, photography, photo editing, 2nd camera videography and web updating. I was familiar with doing most of these things in college but they taught me a lot too. A few months after being hired I was laid off due to lack of budget. Shortly after, I got a low pay internship at SolarCity. I was going to customer homes and recording their solar stories for the marketing department. After a few months there were no more customers to interview so I got laid off again. I tried my hand at freelance again. I used my Canon 5D mk1 to shoot a few weddings, events and products; almost free that I got on craigslist and from friends. That year (2010) I made a little more than 10k.

Then later in 2010 I got a job as a photo editor, digital imaging tech. It was better than the internship and freelancing because it was full-time. On the other hand the wage was low and had no benefits. While working at “sjfdhkj” I got a Canon 5d mkII because I heard it has better resolution than mkI and had great video capabilities. My boss at “gshdk” found out I had a 5d mkII and offered me a freelance gig as a videographer. So I learned a few key things about shooting video on a dslr and off I went. In 2011 I made about 18k, a little better.

This year I am still at the same job as a dig tech. No pay raise since I started working there but it is a full-time job they hook me up with freelance work from time to time. I do sometimes wonder if this company will go under. on occasion they hold our checks bc the money is not available. Also, no one has gotten a raise since they have started working there. Some of which have been there 10yrs.

* I am starting to think about going back to school at night and getting a technical degree in Radiological Science (x-ray, mri tech). It is a stable job with good pay and benefits that deals with analyzing/capturing images of the anatomy. At first, I could take classes at night but then I would have to take days off of work to take classes only available during the day. My husband just got a raise and I would be able to do this financially. I am still unsure and would love some feedback.

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