Do I need to take photo classes and art courses to be a great photographer and get into the business.?

I've always been of the opinion that you can teach yourself how to do most things as long as you have the initial talent, but lately it seems I should have taken art courses in photography so that I would have a chance of working in the field. Any photographers out there that can offer advice. I'm 24 so I feel it's a little late to back to school for it.

I think you can probably teach yourself a lot of the technical aspects of photography by trial and error. I think your better off shooting lots of pictures and seeing which ones work, develop your own style.

If you want to take a class that will help you in the photography business you should take a business/marketing class. Often the most successful photographers are not the best photographers artistically or technically, but they are successful at marketing. Getting the clients is the name of the game.

ha that's funny,im typing this from photography.lol

classes always help just for the technical aspect of things...but it seems like the business is a lot about who you know.

if you aren't into going back to school i suggest taking pictures nonstop and building up your portfolio. go to a lot of interviews and start creating a contact list and building up your references.

YES !

Taking classes will definitely help. Go for it. lt's what you'll learn that's important and not how late in life you've decided to do it.

Good question.
Talent and dedication are the key aspects of success in any field; photography included.

I strongly recommend you major in business with a minor in art and photography. Why? Business is the prime mover in photography and expertise in business skills will do wonders to ensure you make the best of the opportunities that become available.

Photography courses will help you learn the basics of the technology and some of the artistic skills, but won't be a substitute for the raw talent you either possess or don't. You may be interested to learn that most of the great photographers did not major in photography in school. Ansel Adams came from music, others have architecture, history or language as a formal educational background.

As modern technology advances, I highly recommend you apprentice yourself to a true professional in a field that most interests you and see where that leads. To do this, you need to be in a geographic area that supports photography and offers the best opportunity to connect with the right sources. This means large commercial areas such as NY, LA or the like.

You should always be trained for your profession.

This gives you the edge and the standard is accepted and understood by the market.

Many people can and do make it into photography without training but in order to be noticed they have to be very, very good and have a unique way of working.

Its never too late to go back to college. One of the art students at my university is over 70 and she's doing a PhD at the moment.

Get back to college/university earlier rather than later if you want this to work as your career.