 Danielle H. Schweitzer |
Photography in College Hi- I am very interested in photography and plan to study it in college. However, I have a few questions because I am unsure about what to look for in a college to study photography. First off, what degree would you suggest? I'm not sure if an Associates Degree would be enough, or if I should look for Bachelor's or Master's degree. Also, what do you think would be the best path would be to take with a photography degree? (ie- photographic design, photography for advertising, free-lance photography, etc) What are some key courses to look for in a college's photography program? Lastly, is there any advice you could give about studying photography in college or photography in general? Thanks!!
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Jenna |
Hi Danielle.... Unfortunately I do not have any advice for you. In fact I am in the same boat as you are and I am desperately hoping someone will respond to your question. I am in my second year of college at a school that does not offer much in photography and I am considering leaving to venture into the world of photography. I've looked at some photography schools but I'm not sure I want to give up the credits I already have. What schools are you looking into... maybe we could compare some?!?! Hope to hear from you.
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Danielle H. Schweitzer |
Hi Jenna! There are plenty of schools that offer photography, but many different types, as I have found. I've seen big universities with photography as a part of their art program, but the school also concentrates on many other majors. I've decided against this because I personally would rather go to a small liberal arts school that focuses mainly on art. I'm from Pennsylvania, but I've been looking into colleges in the Chicago/New York area. One close to me in Pittsburgh I found was Point Park University, which does have many other majors, but has a wonderful visual and performing arts program. New York City holds The School of Visual Arts, which looks great, but is a bit pricy (about $30,000). In Chicago, I found a school I really have been looking into- Columbia College Chicago. Photography is the #1 major there (32% of students in Photograpy, about $25,000, roughly 9,000 students). Other colleges I've heard from- Savannah College of Art and Design(In Georgia, obviously), Parson's School of Design (NYC, concentrated on mostly fashion aspects), The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Antonelli Institute of Art and Photography (Nice, but only a 2 year school), and The University of the Arts (Philedelphia). Many of the schools require a general art core, which I'm against since I'm not much of a drawer or painter or anything. I'd rather just focus on photography, so I've narrowed down alot of my choices if the schools require an art core. Hope this helps! I would be able to tell you more over the summer once I visit the campus. Let me know any schools you've been looking at, too!
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Jenna |
Hey Danielle-- Thanks a ton for all the information. I am also from Pennsylvania-- Very Northeastern PA-- quite far from Pittsburgh... However, I am currently going to school in Long Island and have had the accessibility of NYC for the last two years and honestly, don't think I could live without it- its an amazing place full of endless opportunities. I've also been looking into The School of Visual Arts and Parsons-- although, I am worried about the difficulty of getting into them as I have not fully developed a (what I see as an appropriate) portfolio, even though my grades are relatively decent. I only have 2 weeks left here in Ny and Im hoping I get a chance among my finals to go visit them. I will definately check out Columbia College in Chicago, I never thought of looking around there, and I am very interested in what they have to offer. What did you think of the University of the Arts in Philly-- I had looked into The Art Institute of Philly and they only had a 2 year program to offer. Also I'm not sure if you've heard of the Hallmark Institute of Photography- it is located in western Mass and offers a 10month intensive all out photography course with a professional photography certificate (no degree tho!) However they do have an 83% placement rate immediately upon graduation and a majority of their jobs seem to be in NYC (although schools a business and i'd hate to depend on their advertising to get me to come there) I was very interested at first- but with 2 years done already I think it would be insane to give up all the work and money. It is something to keep in mind though- even to go to upon graduation from college (if ur looking to still spend money on an education after that!! haha) Also- In spite of my artistic eye for photography... I also have no talent for any other art, and I dont think you should be worried about taking one or two "drawing" classes. I know my school has some substitute classes for it-- like graphic design and things that could be much more interesting- and require less drawing/painting etc. College art classes can be overrated, not everyone is an incredible artist who takes them. Within the first year you could potentially get them out of the way... without too much of a struggle. Thanks again, keep me informed.
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Laurie M. Elmer |
Dannielle, you might want to consider the training and backgrounds of those already working professionally in the specific area you're interested in. Also, keep in mind, photography as an art is not different than any other art form. The aesthetics of composition, form, color, light etc. apply regardless of the medium. The camera is just a tool, like a brush or a sculpting hammer. If I were looking for a school, I think I would look for the environment most likely to help me develop my own vision. An art course needs to be much more interactive than a typical college course. You might want to consider class size, meet with the actual instructors, ask to sit in on some classes etc. I was lucky enough to attend a small liberal arts college and earned BA in fine art. Back then, I focused on painting and printmaking. When I dediced to start shooting seriously, everything I learned applied. Good Luck in your search!
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Danielle H. Schweitzer |
Thank you for the advice Laurie! I very much appreciate it!
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Danielle H. Schweitzer |
Jenna- I, too, am lacking the quality portfolio. Although I believe I have alot of natural talent, I don't have the knowledge or access to different tools for a quality picture. Columbia College Chicago doesn't require a portfolio, but I know The School of Visual Arts does. As for the University of the Arts, I really like it because it's all art-oriented. However, Philly kind of scares me when I go there, with the high crime rate and everything. I also checked out the Arts Institutes, but I eliminated them off my list since it was only 2 years, also. Thanks for the info, lemme know if you check out any of colleges with photography, and tell me what you think! Thanks!
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Jenna |
Hey Danielle-- Well now that I'm out of school for the summer, I've had some more time to look into some schools. I went up to visit Hallmark Institute in Mass (10 months no degree, professional photography certificate school) and to be honest, I was incredibly impressed with the work the students were displaying. They start off the program with teaching you how to load film the first day and by the end are taking pictures I would have easily mistaken as professionals. I could only dream my work could be as good as theirs. Overall, an extremely impressive program. Personally, I want the degree- and I know that you do too... I just wanted to let you know it was out there even for after college-- (it is expensive!!! but very much worth it) Anyway, after leaving there and realizing I had no choice but to pursue a degree... I began looking around... Originally I wanted to stay in the NY/PA area but have since moved onto more possibilities and I am now looking into Savannah as well as Brooks Institute in CA. None are quite promising in taking my credits from college, although they will take them- they still feel I need at least 3 more years of photo b/c of the intense programs.... and being 42 grand in debt already from 2 years of school makes 3 more years not to thrilling. The reason I'm writing to you is not only to fill you in but ask you some questions.... Today I visited Columbia's website (b/c of ur recommendation) and I want to thank you. I am incredibly interested in their program and I wanted to ask you if you have gone to visit it at all... I also wanted to know what drew you to the school and why you have such an interest yourself? Personally, they seem to offer some great courses, and potentially will take my credits... I also saw some drawing courses... do you know that those need to be taken?? And you did say they don't need a portfolio?? What other luck have you had with them... do you know if they are a relatively competitive school (gpa, portfolio, sat scores, etc) I honestly haven't done much research in it, just because I've been looking into as many schools as I possibly can... if you could fill me in a little, that would be excellent..!! THANKS AGAIN DANIELLE!!! JENNA
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Danielle H. Schweitzer |
Hi Jenna-- It's great that you visited Hallmark Institute! I have yet to visit any colleges, but I'm planning some visits for over the summer. I'm definitely going to go up to Columbia College Chicago, as well as Point Park University since it's close by. I'm not sure of any other ones I'm planning on visiting yet, but there will definitely be some more. I love everything I've seen so far of Columbia College Chicago. It seems fully dedicated to everything art, and I love every piece of artwork I've seen from the students there. It's all very original and creative. I do realize that drawing classes are required, and I've found that with any arts college I look into the classes are required, and I decided even though I'm horrible at drawing, I like to do it, and I don't want to rule out so many good colleges because I have to take some drawing classes. I have, however, eliminated some because the arts core was too intense- like one 5 year school that required your first 2 years to general arts, like drawing, 3D art, painting, etc etc. which was too intense for me. Columbia doesn't require a portfolio, they look more at academics. They have about 9,000 students, which is not too small or too big (at least in my opinion). I've also heard many, many great things about the city of Chicago itself. The average HS GPA for admissions to Columbia was a 2.6, and in 2001, 90% of the 2100 freshmen that applied were accepted (and 72% ended up attending). Even the dorms really appeal to me- they're MUCH nicer than many I have seen. By the way, just out of curiosity, what's your thoughts about Parsons School of Design? I'm not sure if I answered everything, but I'm on my way out. Lemme know any more questions you have, or if you find any more colleges to look at! As always- thank you!
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Kathleen Peterson |
Hi everyone! I love this thread because my school is getting props!! I went to Columbia College Chicago. I majored in film production (concentrating in documentary) for my undergrad. Then I went and completed my Master's degree there as well in teaching. Having taken courses in Columbia's photography department I highly recommend it. My instructors were great and class sizes (in every dept. from science to film) are all small. Great student to teacher ratio. The only drawback to that is that it's always noticed when you skip! Chicago is also a great place to be for whatever particular area of photography you are partial to. Cook County and then some are filled with nature and forest preserves... not to mention the lake front. If urban photography is your thing then you're not going to find a more photogenic city (I know I'm biased.)! If you're a people watcher you'll never be bored. It's also a four season city (although some argue two - hot and cold) which is truly distinct in each. There is also plenty of opportunity to work for the school as a student aide. From my sophomore year on I worked in my department's equipment center and as a teacher's assistant. Which is great because you’re getting paid (albeit not much) to be exposed or re-exposed to classes that you and others are paying for... and none of the homework! Columbia is a fairly open admissions school, but your early classes are designed to weed-out those who aren't focused and unwilling to put in the effort. One last thing, for the most part general studies courses (science, humanities, etc.) all have creative components built-into their curriculum to supplement the pure academic aspect. In general studies courses you will be meeting dance, film, photography, music, journalism, and radio (to name a few) students. This is great because you will be exposed to their art forms and you'll discover countless ways to infuse you talent in photography with things you may have never considered before. By the way, the dorms are significantly better than your state college shoeboxes!! Good luck in your search, and whatever you choose just be ready for the experience and you'll walk away with something great!
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