Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

acrumpledphoto · **Newbie from Bedford, TX -** 03-08-2010, 11:23 AM

Hey there! I'm Taylor! - I am a photography major (well, trying to be, if i can ever get done with my basics at the community college) - I've loved photography for quite some time (about 9 yrs?) I have always hoped to become a photographer. And now, really ready to get it started. I love taking pics of landscapes, wildlife, street photography, and such. I'm not big into portrait photos, but I am very eager to learn some techniques for that kind of photography. I am currently working with a Fujifilm S5200 (saving up for a better one)

CaptainTom · 03-08-2010, 11:30 AM

Welcome to TPF

Some of us have definite opinions on the usefulness of a degree in photography.

I always suggest ditching the photography courses, you can get a better hands on experience elsewhere, and going for business/marketing classes.

"I know many great photographers who are going broke because they don't know how to market themselves, and many who are average photographers making a great living because they do. "

YMMV

acrumpledphoto · 03-08-2010, 12:24 PM

I actually have been thinking about changing my major the past few semesters, i still would like to take some photo classes, though :-) just to get some proper training. I agree though, hands on is the best way... I'll look into the business program though :-)

CaptainTom · 03-08-2010, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acrumpledphoto

I actually have been thinking about changing my major the past few semesters, i still would like to take some photo classes, though :-) just to get some proper training. I agree though, hands on is the best way... I'll look into the business program though :-)

Proper training is the question.
You can get more practical training via workshops and seminars or at the
Texas School of Professional Photography than any of the courses I've heard of (with the exclusion of the high end professional photography only schools).

Many schools offer photography classes because they know that students will pay for them and can get an "easy credit". These classes are not completely useless but they don't generally have the substance of 'professional' training.

I'm beating a dead horse. This subject has been bandied around for decades but I do believe that today there is more opportunity to learn via other avenues than the traditional university route.