BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Photography Question 

Joanna M. Paynter
 

Top Photography Schools... Photojournalism


First question....
Are there top rated photography schools to go to?

Second question...
What are they?

Third question...
Between Brooks Institute and Hallmark institute, which program is better and holds a higer accredidation if I am wanting to do photojournalism?


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June 04, 2005

 
karenemichaels.com - Karen E. Michaels

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  Joey, Since you threw the question out there, I say the school of hard knocks is the best way to become a photographer for anyone who has talent. If you are looking for someway to make a living, study something else, and keep shooting when you can. That way you have a safety net, and can pay the bills while you build a portfolio. Peace,


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June 10, 2005

 

Joanna M. Paynter
  Thanks Karen
I have somewhat assumed that would be an answer. and a good one at that...I def. think experience is the way to go I just don't know where to start that......

I studied psychology and religion for four years to get my B.S. degree...I then travelled to Europe...and the following year I moved to Australia and worked for a volunteer organization known as YWAM for four years...which abled me to travel to quite a few countries to work and help out...

that now leads me to where I am now. Back in the States realizing that what I loved is people and the ability to capture moments and tell a story.

I guess I'm just seeking as to what I should pursue...my heart wants to travel and be a photographer and tell real stories...but how to do that so that I actually learn and grow in my skills and make connections is beyond me...

I welcome all and any advice

thanks


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June 10, 2005

 
karenemichaels.com - Karen E. Michaels

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  Then by all means stick in that arean, with camera in tow. You could work for an outward bound group helping teen-agers around the country. many foundations and for profit psych hospitals have such programs. I was an adolescent and family therapist in a former life. Peace, karen


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June 10, 2005

 

John Travassos
  Joey:

I have to respectfully disagree with Karen's answer(s) and advice.

If you want to be a photographer, then go for it.

Doing something else with "camera in tow" will never get you into the professional realm of photography.

Get into a highly regarded school; expect to work for next to nothing in the beginning; work, work, and work more.

Much of the photography world is about connections, just as in the rest of the world. So you have to put yourself in a place to make those connections. But, get the ground-floor experience first. Don't count on the school of hard knocks for training, first build that education which makes you basically marketable, at least on paper.

Develop your skills; but work just as hard on making those business connections.

Good Luck.

BTW, for my money Brooks is superior, especially in their visual journalism curriculum.

John


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June 21, 2005

 

BreAnna K. Brooks
  ok hallmark is not a standard four year art college ive looked in to it and if you want the whole four year scheme and the college admosphere id go with brooks and brooks is more well known and offers longer programs check out the websites although brooks' website really needs to be better you could do a comparision on collegeboard.com


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June 30, 2005

 
BetterPhotoJim.com - Jim Peak

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  After reading this Q&A, I have to add a shameless plug:

Joey, we now have an excellent online photography course on Photojournalism with David Bathgate, starting on July 6th. David is a wonderful photographer and an acclaimed photojournalist. He's has been teaching his techniques on-location in India for many years. His new online course is a great place to start. It won't cost you an arm an a leg and you can learn photojournalism in your own home town.

Whichever path you take, best wishes!


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June 30, 2005

 
karenemichaels.com - Karen E. Michaels

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  Thanks for giving your opinion Jim. This is a good way for Joey to learn and be able to explore other options. Really it's what e-learning is all about. Peace


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June 30, 2005

 

Gaylen Bicking
  Joey,
I highly recommend Jim's advice with Better Photo.
Also, there are some smaller Newspaper Companies in rural areas that maybe looking for help. I'm working at one part time, the pay isn't great but I'm getting some experience in writing and doing the photography that I love.
Wish you the best!
Gaylen Bicking


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July 02, 2005

 

Wayne Wallace
  Okay,

I'll add my 2 cents to this thread.

First off, I'm biased to Hallmark as I'm a graduate of 2005.

I was an adult student with a successful 20 year career in graphic design and programming.

I chose Hallmark as it was a hard core 10 month training program. Not a bunch fluffy art classes and classes I didn't need.

I wanted a good solid education in photography and the business of photography.

Hallmark teaches a good solid foundation in all types of photography. What you do with it after school is up to you.

Myself I chose to go portrait and commercial. My studio is in Las Vegas. I have class mates that are chasing stars in LA, doing commercial photography in NY and traveling the world doing whatever they want.

If you want to see what some of us are up to visit our blog http://www.hallmarkhipsters.net


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March 21, 2007

 

Raymond H. Kemp
  One of the top schools of journalism is University of Missouri, Columbia.

Ray


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March 21, 2007

 

Whit P. Draper
  My dream is to attend Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara...how difficult is it to get into Brooks? And would it be highly beneficial for someone who hopes to become a Photojournalist to attend a school such as Brooks?


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March 29, 2007

 

Mark Feldstein
  Brooks is a photography school, not a journalism or photojournalism school. I've interviewed a number of Brooks grads over the years who want to work as assistants. Interestingly, their portfolios all look strikingly similar and quite frankly, I haven't thought their work was that great. Like any other school though, I suppose they have their top shelf people, I just have never seen any.

I graduated from Northwestern U about 100 years ago. It's got an excellent J school and as Ray said, U of Missouri is also excellent. In fact, some of my best profs at NU came from Columbia. Also, NYU in New York and oddly enough, Columbia University in New York is a first rate J school too. Brooks is more like a trade school for photography, IMHO.
Take it light.
Mark


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March 29, 2007

 
- Gregory LaGrange

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  Mizzou is what I've heard also, as far as journalism in a college setting as opposed to a photo school.
I know somebody that's going there and that's what he told me why he chose it.


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March 29, 2007

 

Whit P. Draper
  thanks for your advice! I'm pretty much lost when it comes to these things and it always makes it easier to have input from someone who knows what they're talking about


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April 01, 2007

 
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