i dont know which one to go to..
brooks institute
cal arts
art center of pasadena
otis
they all have there pros and cons...
does anyone have any more to add to the list =]? What kind of photography are you considering or at least interesting in pursuing: fine art or commercial photography? What school you go to should reflect your personal needs, abilities, and interests in photography.
For example, if you are pursuing a career in fine arts then don't bother with any of the above mentioned schools. On the other hand if you are looking into commercial arts, in particular product photography Brooks is a good school although my experience with recent Brooks graduates as well as people who hire recent Brooks graduates has been the school has been living on a reputation and no longer has the cutting edge it used to have in terms of its teaching staff. This is not to say that there aren't talented students who go through their program.
As for the other schools you mentioned they are much better in terms of their design departments: graphic, interior and industrial but none really have that cutting edge for photography.
If you have the money and you haven't made the decision between fine art or commercial photography then consider the Rhode Island School of Design.
However, it is not enough for you to listen to peoples advice or read reviews on schools posted on some website because not eveyones educational needs are the same. All the educational institutions which you mentioned are all in California, you should personally call the dean of the photography department at each school and talk about who you are and what the school can offer you in terms of education, educators and facilities (studio and equiptment). I know so many people who have gone to an art school based on a reputation only to find out that the school doesn't live up to their expectations because there is a conflict, the most common one being that " they don't offer enough guidance" or " I can't work with or understand what the professor". So do yourself a favor, meet with the faculty. You are paying big bucks to go to their University, and it is their job to lure you in, and to prove to you they are the best.
Personally speaking as well as relaying to you what many others have said in graduate school. Save art school for your MFA, or if you are already very honed in your art making skills. For undergraduate go to a regular Univeristy and try to get an appreticeship at a studio(if you are pursuing a commercial photo degree). You will save lots of money, and if you feel the need to hone your vision more, then get your MFA. The best answer? Don't go to any. They can teach you how to use a camera, but they can't teach talent. Get out there everyday and work on your portfolio. Rent a studio or put money into a dark-room co-op. When it comes to the real world, they don't care what school you went to - they just want to see marvelous work. And like I said, you don't get "more talented" if you go to art school. |
