Photographers....help, please

dave · 01-20-2012, 02:13 PM

Questions about where to start......

Judging by the photography thread, there are some incredible photographers hanging around here. I take it that at least a few of you are professional.

I have a very good friend who is quite artistic - AA in graphic arts, considerable talent as a painter, etc. She has recently decided that she'd like to become a professional photographer. This came after a recent visit to a local for-profit "Art Institute". I don't question her desire, drive or ambition. However, I'm scared by the pressure sales (and, I admit, the extremely high cost) at the 'institute'.

Unfortunately, I am the least artistic person I know and have zero knowledge about how to guide or even conduct this conversation. All I know is that I'm afraid we're getting sold by the school more than successful career ingredients. Google hasn't been all that friendly, either.

So, I'm just looking for some very basic info from any pros out there:

1. Do you think a BA from an "Art Institute" at 30+K a year is worth that much more than one from a 'state school'?

2. How do we even evaluate an art school? (If this were an engineering or business program, I think I could easily research, discuss and evaluate - but I'm really at a loss here.)

3. Do you have any recommended web destinations that I can do my own research? Forums or such where I can get some objective opinions?

4. Your thoughts on education, getting experience, keys for success, etc.

Thank you very much, in advance!

01-20-2012, 02:13 PM	#1
dave Have My Own Room Join Date: May 2011 First Name: Dave Location: Northern VA Posts: 1,180 Trading: (15)	Photographers....help, please Questions about where to start...... Judging by the photography thread, there are some incredible photographers hanging around here. I take it that at least a few of you are professional. I have a very good friend who is quite artistic - AA in graphic arts, considerable talent as a painter, etc. She has recently decided that she'd like to become a professional photographer. This came after a recent visit to a local for-profit "Art Institute". I don't question her desire, drive or ambition. However, I'm scared by the pressure sales (and, I admit, the extremely high cost) at the 'institute'. Unfortunately, I am the least artistic person I know and have zero knowledge about how to guide or even conduct this conversation. All I know is that I'm afraid we're getting sold by the school more than successful career ingredients. Google hasn't been all that friendly, either. So, I'm just looking for some very basic info from any pros out there: 1. Do you think a BA from an "Art Institute" at 30+K a year is worth that much more than one from a 'state school'? 2. How do we even evaluate an art school? (If this were an engineering or business program, I think I could easily research, discuss and evaluate - but I'm really at a loss here.) 3. Do you have any recommended web destinations that I can do my own research? Forums or such where I can get some objective opinions? 4. Your thoughts on education, getting experience, keys for success, etc. Thank you very much, in advance!