hi let me make a quick point before i even start. photography is my life. okay that aside, i am a 19 year old person who's caught in between high school and the ambition for college. ever since my father gave me his asahi pentax k-1000 7 somewad years ago, i've been addicted. two years ago in high school i took a black and white photography course (really it was just to fill a period of the schedule) and i used the equipment there and was floored by the fact that i could control my own work (a feeling never felt before). anyway i'm stuck between jobs etc etc getting my life in order i thought a bit of background would help you understand my problem i want to do photography professionally i don't know where to start. the problem with going to a photography school is almost twofold. for one, money is a definately a precious commodity to someone on their own, especially with no college degree, etc. so paying for a specialized school is basically out right now. the second problem i have is more of the fact that i do not believe if i study 'tried and true' methods is the best way of learning an art. art should come from the soul, and therefore trial and error on my own behalf would benefit me moreover then learning from other's mistakes, because, in my humble opinion, you do not learn a lesson without having some personal backfires to show you what *really* happens when *you* make the error on your own. maybe i'm just ignorant, i don't know. I feel as if i am not able to have the darkroom setup and play with the toys (which means doing photography for a living, i can't even fathom affording all the proper equipment on my own), i won't be able to learn on my own and be able to express myself fully. (maybe i'm just lonely on a saturday night with too much time on my hands, who knows heh) anyway if a kind soul would be able to give me any helpful hints to point me in the right direction? i do apologize if i've bored you in the process of asking a simple question ;) -Syro

-- Syrophenikan (Syro@wrecked.net), August 06, 2000

Answers

Go to school and learn all the mistakes everyone else has ever made so you won't make them. Talent and creativity are learned as well as inherent. You have to do the work if you want to succeed. It sounds as if you just think wanting it is enough. It isn't. Go to school and work hard. You may be able to starve like most proffessional photographers do in the beginning. James

-- james (james_mickelson@hotmail.com), August 06, 2000.

There is both a CRAFT and an ART to the practice of photography. You can learn the craft by teaching yourself slowly and repeating everybody else's mistakes, or you can learn it quickly from a teacher. Most of the greatest photographers seem to be self-taught. The art part is best learned by making lots of pictures. Lots and lots. Work, work, work. With constant Self-evaluation, and an occassional review session from someone in the field whom you respect. The great artists in all fields work like slaves because they love what they're doing and can't help themselves, not by sitting around on Saturday nights dreaming away the years. I hope you can get your arss in gear, but don't quit your day job.

-- Bill Mitchell (bmitch@home.com), August 06, 2000.

Please include a class on business writing in your studies. All aspects of business rely on communication and being able to write a clear, consice letter, memo, or e-mail will put you heads above your competition.

Check into jobs at your local photo-finishers or consider working for a professional photographer as an assistant in your spare time.

-- Charlie Strack (charlie_strack@sti.com), August 07, 2000.

I have to agree with the others, shoot lots of film AND find a way to get to school!!! Schooling will bring you to a higher order. There are millions of mistakes you "could make" but with a good mentor/prof. you will get past them. There are tuition assisted programs that most schools offer and so what if you are paying for it for 10 years after... it is an investment in YOUR future (just like a mortage)!!! Do yourself a favor, find out what type of photography you want to persue and then target the school for it. Good luck, Cheers

-- Scott Walton (scotlynn@shore.net), August 07, 2000.

Syro - After having taught for some years I am of the opinion that few truly motivated people really need more than two years of formal education in the medium. This gives you the time to explore almost all areas of the medium and experience most technical possabilities. Or course this depends upon the program the school has set up. But as someone that was basicly self taught - I can say that the learning curve (at the beginning) can be much flater when you are going it alone. A simple one week workshop in a specific area can save you months if not years of struggle.

-- Jim Megargee (jmegargee@nyc.rr.com), August 07, 2000.

First off, here's a link to a similar thread on another forum.

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000khK&topic_ id=23&topic=

But to cut to the chase, here are my quick thoughts.

1. If you can manage, go to college; there is no downside here. It's an experience that is both broadening and maturing, both of which will enhance your artistic vision, as well as provide numerous other personal benefits. If you go, do liberal arts; study art, philosophy, history, science, whatever, until you find something that rings your bell and gives you your own unique angle and perspective. It opens your eyes to possibilities like nothing else. It also will help you with the communications skills that are so vital to practical business survival. And it's also a great safety net if you need for a second job.

2. If you can't manage college, create a do-it-yourself program - i.e., read, read, read. There's no better way to learn, but you'll have to be more disciplined. Also, selectively take courses in stuff where personal interaction would be particularly helpful to your learning process (as determined by your aptitudes). Don't forget those communications skills; you won't fully appreciate their importance until later.

3. Study photographers whose work you admire. There's some phrase - I think it's "imitate, integrate, innovate", that describes the evolution of artistic vision. A very worthwhile concept. And while you're at it, bring some focus to you're efforts - if you spread yourself too thin, you won't achieve as much.

4. Practice, practice, practice. Both the actual photographic act and darkroom stuff. And experiment while you're at it; nothing ventured, nothing gained. This is the craft part, mostly, but also road-testing and evolving your artistic vision.

Good luck. I know it doesn't feel like it, but 19 is young - don't fall into the trap of feeling rushed. Invest in your future and you won't regret it.

E-mail me if you'd like to talk further.

Chris

-- Chris Werner (cbwerner@att.net), August 07, 2000.

Gotta jump in here--Take as many business courses as you can--All of the photogaphic knowledge in he world will not serve you if you try to make a living in the field with no business knowledge or experience. This is my biggest gripe about photography schools and courses!

-- fred (fdeaton@hiwaay.net), August 08, 2000.

If you are self-taught, your work will hopefully look like you. If you are taught like everyone else, your work may just look like everyone else's. See the editorial in the last issue of LensWork (maybe two ago). I don't know if self-taught will get me where I want to go, but at least I'll get there honestly. As for university, it is not a trade school. Yes, if you can afford to, and you can stomach it, go, but take History, Physics, English, or some other useless area and it will open your mind up so you can screw a lens into the resulting hole in your head. I'm 32; I put my camera down for more sensible pastures at 18, and hibernated for 12 years. Now I know I'm 5 years off from what I want to image and working a good union night job to pay for my follies. I may never be "pro" but "starving artist" applies to anyone. Dean

-- Dean Lastoria (dvlastor@sfu.ca), August 08, 2000.

Hi Syro

The advantage to being nineteen is the the resilience you have at this age: to make mistakes and then come bouncing back. So, go take some risks, buddy.

The most important is to get a visual education, and a visual vocabulary. DOesn't matter how you get it, just get it. The world has become a great resource for those who would choose to teach themselves - autodidacts. Look up references on your favourite photographers, draughtsmen, painters, sculptors, architects, visual artists, graphic designers, product designers, and yes, even animators, old and new. It depends on your make-up; some people are self-starters, and if you belong in that hallowed company you may find that there is no need to attend a formal course in photography. This is not to decry attending college. I would still recommend college if only to stretch your mind and learn how to communicate effectively in words and in visuals. And most importantly, yes, learn to have something worth saying with your photography.

That said, if you can find a good professional photographer in your area, do try to assist him.

Read often, read much and read widely. If you are living in America, this country affords you cheap photography lessons in its community colleges around the country. Take one or two or as many as you need but make sure to supplement the lessons with reading on your own. And never take what is taught as the holy gospel. Question, question, and try to find out answers on your own. In time, you will find your own style. And burn lots of film.

Good luck.

Exx

P.S. Some of the best photographers I know are self-taught or studied something else other than photography in college. You see, the tecniques of photography are that difficult ( some try to mystify the process); it is having a vision, having something worthwhile to say, and knowing how to bring all that about in your chosen medium, that is the difficult part. Remember Einstein's precaution, make it as simple as possible, and then no more. And then also heed Picasso's admonition, you have to know WHEN to stop painting the canvas. In short, knowing when enough is enough.

-- Exx (xx@xxx.com), August 11, 2000.

Hi Syro

The advantage to being nineteen is the the resilience you have at this age: to make mistakes and then come bouncing back. So, go take some risks, buddy.

The most important is to get a visual education, and a visual vocabulary. DOesn't matter how you get it, just get it. The world has become a great resource for those who would choose to teach themselves - autodidacts. Look up references on your favourite photographers, draughtsmen, painters, sculptors, architects, visual artists, graphic designers, product designers, and yes, even animators, old and new. It depends on your make-up; some people are self-starters, and if you belong in that hallowed company you may find that there is no need to attend a formal course in photography. This is not to decry attending college. I would still recommend college if only to stretch your mind and learn how to communicate effectively in words and in visuals. And most importantly, yes, learn to have something worth saying with your photography.

That said, if you can find a good professional photographer in your area, do try to assist him.

Read often, read much and read widely. If you are living in America, this country affords you cheap photography lessons in its community colleges around the country. Take one or two or as many as you need but make sure to supplement the lessons with reading on your own. And never take what is taught as the holy gospel. Question, question, and try to find out answers on your own. In time, you will find your own style. And burn lots of film.

Good luck.

Exx

P.S. Some of the best photographers I know are self-taught or studied something else other than photography in college. You see, the tecniques of photography are not all that difficult ( some try to mystify the process); it is having a vision, having something worthwhile to say, and knowing how to bring all that about in your chosen medium, that is the difficult part. Remember Einstein's precaution, make it as simple as possible, and then no more. And then also heed Picasso's admonition, you have to know WHEN to stop painting the canvas. In short, knowing when enough is enough.

-- Exx (xx@xxx.com), August 11, 2000.

All of these people are right. I cannot cannot cannot afford school, but I'm in school anyway and with no financing. Photography is very expensive no one can deny that. But get your self in a class somewhere. Our local art museum offers classes much cheaper than college, they are taught buy who??? My professor! As a side job! But you get no credit for them...Do you care, maybe not. Those classes cover a lot more subject but in less detail than mine. There ia a lab you can use, and play. I think though that the most important class I have taken was in college. I don't know what they call it where your at but here it was Advanced B&W. THE ZONE SYSTEM. You will spend way way way more money making mistakes to learn that than just shelling out the money for the class. Believe me, you get to see the results from all those "mistakes" and why you shouldn't make them because in class youWILL make them. It's a tough class but you'll use it the rest of your life.

Jane

-- jane (jmnG@juno.com), August 12, 2000.

I was like you when I was 19. School was the last place I wanted to be. But what Jane said made a great deal of sense. It doesn't have to be college. I went to a small community art school to find out if this was I really want to do. I did go on to a another photo school to learn how to be a professional photographer, but none of my time was waisted at the first school. In fact I teach there now. But do take the time to learn your craft, it will serve you well. School is a great place to make mistakes, the world is not. If you have the passion, you will find a way to be what you want to be. I had a friend who wanted to be a photographer and he had a plan on how to become one, which included going to school. Anyway, he worked his plan and now he is a very well know photographer in Atlanta. I did the same and now I am doing what I wanted to do in photography. Think it through and don't let excuses get in your way. In the end you have only you to answer for. Whether you go back to school or not, as others have said, get a good visual background. Photography is much, much more than film and developers. Now one last thing. No one cares where you went to school. The reason for going is for what you will learn. Only your work will make you become what you want to become. If you sell your photograqphic services, your work, and if you can get it there on time is all the client will care about. Sorry if I sound like a father.

-- Rcik Lang (rickpho@aol.com), September 10, 2000.

Listen to the ones that say education is the best.. Just a hint for you, make your self a photo log sheet, record the details of all your shots on paper and when you get your photos back from the lab, take the time to review the results, one at a time study the picture and make notes on the back of it, fstop used, shutter speed, location and type of lighting, was your meter showing a high or low setting or was it in the center. Take a small note book and keep records of what you did that worked good so you can avoid mistakes if you take the same shot again. Set a realistic goal to attend college. Or at least a night class or two. Think about the shot you are going to take, what you want it to look like and then look to see what will mess it up, composition, lighting, things in the back or fore ground, look all around the view finder, don't just see part of the big picture. Some thing small can ruin a great shot real easy......

-- John Cairns (jccc@nb.sympatico.ca), September 26, 2000.