Back to Skool?

[desmo]

This grandpa is thinking of taking a photography course at the local tertiary 'Tech'.

It seems strange to my wife: I've taught photography for the Sth Glamorgan CC in Wales and also as a guest photographic lecturer at Photo Access in New Zealand, a private training school.
I've been a photographer 'all my life" (my father was and i just kinda followed), worked as a photographer in Hair and Fashion, Weddings, Portraits (environmental) and Events as well as whatever came my way sometimes.

I've also processed B&W for artists (exhibition), printed photos for other photographers (competitions) and been published a a finalist in my country's annual Photo Industry journal as well as in NZ's best photo mag at the time (6+ hour moonscape exposures)

By now you probably think I'm blowing my horn and some might even be getting testy thinking I'm a blowhard.....maybe you're right.

But wait, there's more..............

Even with all my experience, and the fact that I am still working as a pro photographer, I'm thinking of going back to skool and studying photography.

So why the hell would I?

Well there is the fact that, like many here, I am self taught and have no formal recognition (apart from a lot of clients past and present).

But that's not it: it's not about my pro work. I have no issue with that.

It's my passion, my motivation.

Perhaps it's you folk, perhaps you re-inspire me.

I have 3 papers left before I graduate with a degree in Communication.
I have the option of the course and time/income is irrelevant.

My art calls.............................

 

[squeaky_clean]

I say if you want to do it, then go for it!

 

[kvanderlaag]

It's never too late, and either way, you'll get SOMETHING out of it, at least. Go for it!

 

[aizan]

if you have some clear goals that school will help you accomplish in the best way, go for it!

 

[desmo]

my only goals are inspiration and human interaction

the 5x4 leaf scanner is a bonus though

if you have some clear goals that school will help you accomplish in the best way, go for it!

 

[RML]

Going to school is never a bad thing, even if it is a subject you're experienced in. I wouldn't worry much about the formal recognition, though. You're list of past experience speaks for itself. Anyway, go for it, I'd say!

 

[rbiemer]

Absolutely take the class, in my opinion! At the least you'll get to meet people who have some interest in photography. And I'd be willing to bet that you will learn something new. What's not to like?
Rob

 

[lido]

Learning something is time well spent. I'd say go for it and enjoy. I have a university degree but would go back to school for the rest of my life if I could afford it 😀

 

[traveller]

my only goals are inspiration and human interaction

the 5x4 leaf scanner is a bonus though

I don't know better reasons, not to mention the bonus 🙂

 

[ch1]

Perhaps your greatest "challenge" will be to sit and listen and not interrupt to "correct" the instructor or "elaborate" on points etc. It can be a real problem when you already have a knowledge-base in a subject to remember that you're the student and not the teacher's collaborator. 😉

Good luck.

 

[photodog]

I would encourage you to not study photography but to study art history or design. One needs to broaden his/her way of seeing.

 

[desmo]

I studied graphic design last semester. thanks though. No interest in Art History

I would encourage you to not study photography but to study art history or design. One needs to broaden his/her way of seeing.

 

[desmo]

Yes, I've experienced that myself: while studying Chinese we had a graduate from another University come along to burgle our scholarship. He always answered the tutors questions before anyone even had time to think.

I always pause a while before answering even if I know the answer to allow others a word in (my Comm Degree I suppose)

good point though

Perhaps your greatest "challenge" will be to sit and listen and not interrupt to "correct" the instructor or "elaborate" on points etc. It can be a real problem when you already have a knowledge-base in a subject to remember that you're the student and not the teacher's collaborator. 😉

Good luck.

 

[desmo]

I love the idea of learning forever (and the 30,000 student campus has some lovely 'sights' on it 😉

Learning something is time well spent. I'd say go for it and enjoy. I have a university degree but would go back to school for the rest of my life if I could afford it 😀

 

[suckerpunch]

i agree with taking something entirely different from photography. obviously you have the knowledge base...instead, maybe take an architecture, fashion, furniture design, or an art class. i think the more you expose yourself to other fields of design and visual arts; and the way they present, design, and compose, can only be beneficial to your photography. possibly even get you a new client base from those fields...my 2 cents.

 

[desmo]

Actually that is a realistic option: the photography classes are in the art school anyway and i'd still have access to all the photography resources.
Not art history but something more practical/physical perhaps.

I'll get the prospectus tomorrow.
The term starts next week.

i agree with taking something entirely different from photography. obviously you have the knowledge base...instead, maybe take an architecture, fashion, furniture design, or an art class. i think the more you expose yourself to other fields of design and visual arts; and the way they present, design, and compose, can only be beneficial to your photography. possibly even get you a new client base from those fields...my 2 cents.

 

[Trevor]

I think your idea is a laudable one. Two things you never mentioned... Landscapes & digital.

Rather than go back over ground that you are already expert in (and run the risk of frustration) why not study digital photography/digital post processing and digital printing? (OK this IS the RFF and what I am suggesting maybe heresy!) it is common knowledge that the people who get the best out of digital are those with a solid background in traditional techniques/darkroom etc. Assuming that you currently don't already 'do digital' then your experience and knowledge will enhance and inform your work.

Landscapes. It was interesting you ommitted it from the overview in your original post. Again, assuming this is because you haven't previously done much landscape work, that is another 'route less travelled' that could be fun. (Especially in NZ where you have every landscape going.)

I have always enjoyed history (living in Britain gives rich source material) and especially enjoy trying to read/research the history of a landscape and try to use this knowledge to inform the character of my photos where possible. Maybe Landscape/History/Digital techniques/Photoshop/Digital printing could provide a new direction?

 

[nomade]

As long as it interests u, maybe u'll get bored after a while...

 

[Skinny McGee]

Desmo do you have a gallery here?

 

[FrankS]

Is your marraige strong? 🙂

In photography, art, and life, it's not the destination but the journey. When you stop learning, you stop living. Only when you stop living, should you stop learning. But then maybe the learning really starts? No one knows.