| Is a degree necessary to be a photographer?

Is a degree necessary to be a photographer?

sabzzz asked the question:


Can you all tell me if it is really necessary to get a photography degree to pursue a career in photography? I always thought its all about great photograph acumen and an eye for detail and be at the right place and time to capture a good picture.

What do you all think?

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Comments

6 Responses to “Is a degree necessary to be a photographer?”

  1. photoguy_ryan@verizon.net on February 22nd, 2009 8:33 am

    All you have to have, is a camera.

    You should see about some marketing, business management, and business law courses.

    Just because it is a business.

  2. Big G on February 23rd, 2009 7:27 pm

    Absolutely not! It’s all talent!

  3. aresharmony on February 26th, 2009 2:12 am

    It will help. But i think other agency would like to see the character or ability without all those degree….certificate stuffs. I think anyone can learn those, but still a good education in a certain area of specialty you want wont hurt either!

  4. garrett on February 28th, 2009 11:09 am

    I suggest trying to open up at online store to try to sell some photos over the internet.

    It’s difficult for them to get noticed, but if they start to sell then you know you have true skill, and may not need to become a photography major.

    Either way, its good to take some business courses to learn how to get noticed.

  5. wrtallman on March 1st, 2009 7:39 pm

    IMHO a degree is NOT necessary to be a photographer. On the other hand IF you want to make a living working with/for another photographer or studio then a degree “might” be required - mileage will vary. Decide for yourself what it is that you are most interested in, educate yourself and develop your determination to see it through! If you are really honest with yourself you may come to a point where you decide that you need to take a couple of classes locally, online or an on location photo seminar, to help you get your lighting “just right” or how to quickly pose people and capture their personality, or to understand more about your equipment or workflow. The main point is that no one will be able to deflect your desires in photography (or life for that matter) when you are clear about your goals and know what it is that you need to work on. Be very careful of putting too much importance on what others say about your work, only YOU know WHY you took the shot and in the WAY that you did. Try to keep an open mind “Set it for f/8 and BE THERE!” Learning can take a lifetime.
    Anais Nin once said, “We don’t see things as THEY are, we see things as WE are.” I love that and use it a lot in my byline.
    And Buckaroo Bonzai said, “No matter where you go, there you are.” So where I go I’ll take the camera too. :-) Enjoy it.

  6. gryphon1911 on March 3rd, 2009 11:00 am

    While you do need to understand the technical aspects of photography, a degree is not necessary.

    I am a self taught photographer, and a lot of the “greats” were also self taught.

    Photography should be more about what you like, as making photographs that others like is subjective at best. Most professionals make a living creating technically superior images, but have compositions that will appeal to just about everyone.

    Now, if you are looking to get into the “artsy” side of photography, that’s a whole different animal.