The pros and cons of a photography degree
A Photography degree is not essential for a career in photography, but there are great courses being offered in photography by some of the most reputable and well-established universities in the world.
If you are an aspiring photographer, you may be at a crossroad in your life as you ponder over the wisdom of spending the next one to four years gaining an education in photography or using them to further your career with practical experience. Of course, each of the above options have their own advantages and disadvantages, so if you are still undecided after racking your brains by yourself, read on to gain a clearer picture:
Among the Pros of a college education are
The four years you spend at college give you a better and more mature perspective of life and your approach to it.
Besides learning about photography, you also pick up basic business and people skills that stand you in good stead when you are ready to start your own business in photography.
You could pursue a Master’s degree, and then a doctorate, anytime you want once you are a graduate.
You are eligible for a teaching job at a photography college if you are a postgraduate or hold a doctorate in the field.
You also learn other subjects, a fact that is to your advantage should you decide at a later stage to major in a subject other than photography. In short, you keep your options open.
A degree, in any discipline, is good for your self-confidence.
You are more likely to complete your degree if you go to college right out of high school; the longer you wait to go to college, the higher the chances of you never making it there.
And among the Cons we have
You are spending four years learning things that could easily be picked up through a practical education, either by teaching yourself through practice and more practice, or by apprenticing under a mentor.
You have to spend a lot of money on a college education, and if you have to borrow to do so, you are going to be starting your career deep in debt.
You lose out on the opportunity to earn good money in those four years you spend gaining an education and if you are skilled enough to find a job straight out of school.
Your clients are not going to bother about your degree as long you are able to take great pictures time and again.
Rephrasing the above point, a degree is worthless if your photographing skills are nearer zero.
The most important thing you need to do as a photographer is practice, practice and practice some more and you certainly do not need a degree for that.
You can pick up hints and techniques from other resources like the Internet and self-help books.
Very often, the curriculum at most colleges are outdated and not reflective of the current times.
A photography degree is a personal preference; very often it has very little or nothing to do with your job. So it is up to you to assess your situation, both emotional and financial, and then take a decision.
This article is contributed by Sarah Scrafford, who regularly writes on the topic of Photojournalism programs. She invites your questions, comments and freelancing job inquiries at her email address: sarah.scrafford25@gmail.com.
