Photography Studies bis

greenspun.com : LUSENET : B&W Photo: Creativity, Etc. : One Thread

Hello, i would like to thank Christian and Scott for the answers they contributed. Im mostly interested in street photography and photo journalism in black and white, but i am open to most aspects of photography. I have received recently the documentation from the NYIP that offers correspondency courses for what seems to be a reasonable amount of money. I would like to receive some opinions about this institution and advise about whether a costly university diploma is truly a requisite for working in this field. Thank You in advance Nabil El Aid

-- El Aid Nabil (elaidn@yahoo.com), March 08, 2001

Answers

Hi, I don't work in either of those areas, but here are my thoughts. One, there is no money in street photography, and I don't think there is any such thing as black and white photojournalism. If you are going to be a working photojournalist, I imagine, you have to work in color and black and white, or whatever your editors - or the market - wants. I look very favorably on higher education, but don't think for a minute that a degree - in and of itself - will help you get a job. What I do think you get from a course of study in art or photography, is a better understanding of who you are and a perspective on things. However, all of this can be gotten by going out there and doing it. I suggest you post your question on the Photo District Forum: www.pdn-pix.com Most importantly, I suggest you go out and try to get a job on a newspaper or magazine. At first perhaps as a darkroom helper and work your way up. I really think there is no neat solution to your quest. Now, if you just want to go to school for four years and study photography, that is another matter.

Hopefully, you will get some more responses to your query. There are so many sides and issues to your question. I just don't feel that one person can answer them all.

chris

-- Christian Harkness (chris.harkness@eudoramail.com), March 08, 2001.


Nabil, To be honest, experience and images that are sellable are more of your "resume" than a sheepskin. Not to say that diploma isn't a good thing... any knowledge is good knowledge, but a solid portfolio proving you can work the scene is more approriate for what you are going for. My advise..., is shoot LOTS of film! Go to small newspapers in your town or around your area and try to get in as a "stringer". Put a portfolio together of your BEST work (be very critical or have someone else who knows photography be very critical) and put a clean portfolio together. When you show it, watch the persons eye and take a note which print they delay on and don't be afraid to ask them questions! Also, just remember that you are selling yourself as a competent person. Good luck and keep us informed! Cheers, Scott

-- Scott Walton (f64sw@hotmail.com), March 08, 2001.

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