Do You Need to Go to Photography School to Make a Career in Photography?
Do You Need to Go to Photography School to Make a Career in Photography?
Short answer: No. Especially with awesome YouTube teachers like myself out there. Ha!
That said, I did go to school for photojournalism, and it helped my career a lot. But it didn’t teach me everything I needed to know. I actually left in my final year, gave myself a real-world education by moving to Cambodia, then Vietnam, camera in hand, and never really looked back.
What I Did Learn in Photography School
1. Ethics in Journalism
I learned the importance of fairness, accuracy, and why you don’t manipulate your work. Understanding AP standards helped me stay professional and land over 100 assignments for The New York Times.
2. The Fundamentals
Aperture, shutter speed, ISO, lighting—learning those basics gave me confidence with my gear and how to use it intentionally.
3. Accountability
Peer reviews kept me sharp. When I didn’t get the shot, I had to explain why—in front of a class. That taught me to push through and finish stories properly.
As my teacher said: “Excuses don’t go in the caption.”
4. Real Storytelling
I didn’t just learn how to take a photo—I learned how to tell a story through sequencing, portraiture, and detail. It took constant feedback, tough critiques, and trial and error.
5. Competitiveness
Monthly contests, workshops like Eddie Adams, and winning the Nikon Emerging Photographer award pushed me harder than I ever would’ve pushed myself.
6. Being Fully Immersed in Photography
School gave me a rare space to live, breathe, and talk photography all day. It’s something I’ve only experienced again during intensive workshops—and it's hard to replicate in adult life.
What School Didn’t Teach Me
1. The Business Side
I had no clue how to invoice, handle late payments, charge for travel days, or differentiate between editorial and commercial rates.
2. Running a Business
There were no lessons on contracts, building a website, networking, or pitching clients. If you weren’t working for a newspaper, you were on your own.
3. Freelance Life
No one taught me how to market myself, handle taxes, or adapt through slow seasons. That was all trial by fire.
Would I Do It Again?
Yes—but with a big caveat. I went to a state school, worked full-time as a bartender, and paid my way through school. No debt. If I’d gone to an expensive private school and walked out with six figures of student loans? Totally different story.
I didn’t follow a traditional path. I took what I learned and realized quickly that I still had a lot to figure out. I stayed committed, learned through the ups and downs, and kept going.
Now, 20 years later, I run a successful production company with a full-time staff, and I still love what I do. I'm still learning, still evolving—and I love teaching what I’ve learned along the way.
Thanks for reading. If you want to learn more, check out my workshops, YouTube channel, or book a 1:1 session. Always learning. Always shooting.
