I posted this in the Geek Emporium section. If anyone here wants to contribute id appreciate it.
Hello all.
Recently I have been thinking a lot. I want to switch my career path towards something revolving Photography and/or directing/filming/editing videos etc. I know, this is no easy task to start up in just like anything else. My reasoning behind this is that I have recently discovered that my love and true passion lies within these subjects. There is a problem though. Where do I start? I took two photography classes during high school as well as a digital arts class. Loved them both. My main issue is money. If I want to take college classes I will have to get student loans. Also, how will I pay for a decent camera/laptop and equipment? That is the only thing keeping me from doing what I want at the moment.. Does anyone work in this field and have any pointers on what I should do or where I should begin? I am really interested in this topic.
Even if you don't have any tips for me, feel free to discuss photography or video work. I'd love to discuss with some fellow HFers.
Greetings! A photography proffesion is a wonderful thing and if I were more outgoing, I would likely be doing that myself.
RE: equipment, there are many excellent paths to get good equipment. First, look at entry level equipment. While it may not be as good as the high end stuff, your average client will not know the difference. Second, look at the secondary market. Most professionals will upgrade their equipment every few years and sell them on ebay or craigslist for significant discounts. This is a little riskier, because the equipment has already seen significant wear and tear, and you will have no idea what condition it will be in.
RE: education, I would recommend skipping the college route unless you are talking a quick refresher course. What I would recommend instead (and this is advice from a former photography professor of mine), is to go the apprentice route. You will get an even better training than if you went through school, plus you would avoid student loan debt (freeing money for purchasing equipment), and may get paid for your time depending on who you apprentice with. Plus you would be able to take jobs on the side as long as you weren't stealing them from your teacher. If you still decide to go the college route. I would recommend NAU, if they haven't gotten rid of their photography program yet. It is one of only 30 commercial photography programs in the country and would be better for training you for the professional route as opposed to a fine arts degree.
I hope this helps!
