Do you have to go to college to.....?

do i have to go to college to be a photographer? I know that a few of the famous ones never finished high school...... so do i have to go?

If I were going to college and wanted to be a photographer, I'd make sure to take business classes along the way. In my opinion, photography is a talent and while we can learn some of the skills, only the greats have talent that sits them above the average trained photographer.

Look at this young man's work. http://www.ericswist.com/ Many of these photos were taken before he turned 20 years old. He has natural talent and is an amazingly gifted young man who started taking photos professionally when he graduated from high school. (We have a mutual friend.)

So, you don't have to go to college. You can learn things in college that will help you, but only the great photographers are going to be truly successful, with or without a degree.

Experience is more looked at than qualifications. so if anything try be a apprenticeship with a photographer or something and make a portfolio but goto college at the same time.

No. Taking college courses will help with technical things like lighting and things like that. But you don't have to. It's more of a talent thing.

I would recommend, however, if you don't take classes on photography, to read books, join online groups, and mentor under a professional. It will help IMMENSLY.

You don't have to but it's better if you do. You'll learn a lot going to college plus you'll get more contacts from the friends and professors you'll meet along the way. Plus, if you don't make it as a successful photographer, you have something to fall back on. You can teach photography and it will help you get a lot of business if you have a diploma.

I agree with all the answers above.

Don't expect to be the next Rick james.
I mean you might have skill but the ones
who have made it without school.

are ones who worked hard and had LOTS
of experience. I'm not sure how good you are.

but remember, what your photography might look like
to you, might SUCK to others, lol.

Point being, don't try and say OH IF THEY CAN DO IT,
I CAN TOO.

I'm a smart computer programmer, and i'm 17 but im
not gonna quit school and do my thing,

SCHOOL IS ALWAYS THE BEST CHOICE.
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Don't be a dumbass.
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