Learning Photography Without Going To University

It makes sense to go to university to study engineering, medicine or microbiology so as to be qualified and employable in the industry. But why go to university to study photography when it’s not certain that you’re going to get a job from it? College or university is good if you want to go into a photography career that requires some sort of certification but that’s not for everyone and it’s not very common. If you don’t have the time or money to spend on getting a degree then here are alternative ways to learn photography.

Lightroom Photography

Internship

These days established or overbooked photographers are always looking for interns to work with them to help them with their workload and learn the photography trade. It’s also a chance for them to cut down on expenses by skipping employee salary and benefits. Look around everywhere on the internet, in magazines and local studios to get an opportunity to learn photography from seasoned professionals. One major benefit of an internship is that while you learn the trade you’ll also be making connections, building client lists, getting firsthand experience and getting the major details of the business side of your career. Something most of your college counterparts are will not have.

Cinematic Photography

Just Do It

Research suggests that if you spend just two hours every day doing a certain thing, you’ll become an expert in that thing in less than a decade. Take pictures everywhere and anywhere you go. If no one will hire you then do it for free. As you practice your trade you’ll begin to improve day by day. You can start selling your photos and making money once people begin to make positive comments about them. Have this at the back of your mind, most people who have created a massive impact in the world never went to or graduated from university e.g. Bill gates, Steve jobs. It’s not the only way to have a career.

Landscape

Go Online

With many companies, individuals, writers, bloggers and webmasters loading millions of articles, videos, pictures and presentations on the internet for free there are plenty of sources for you to learn from. Read articles, watch videos and join free online classes to learn about photography. Join forums and ask photography related questions of other people who are always more than willing to provide you an answer. You can also sign up for photography blogs and website newsletters to get the latest information about your business and career.

Nature

Join Clubs

Most cities in the world have guilds and associations that cater for photographers; whether they’re professional or amateur. By joining clubs like these you’ll have access to professionals and experts that will give you hints and tips on how to take better photographs. If you keep regular contact with them they’ll surely use you for part-time gigs when they get work overload. So look around and see if you can locate such a club. If they don’t exist in your area try other areas close to where you live.

Landscape

Network

Anyone who can freely relate to relevant people will achieve any goal. Form strong relationships with professionals and potential clients. Most professional photographers will want to help those who are struggling to master their trade. Develop relationships both online and in person and make sure you never shy away from asking questions about anything you don’t know. Practice all the time, share ideas with other photographers and ask your social networking friends to comment on your work. With time you’ll get to your destination.

Malcolm Smith is a self-taught photographer currently working for Lumina Photography in London. He believes working experience is far more valuable than theoretical study.