In today's world, it seems like anybody can be a photographer. With the proliferation of digital cameras and advancements in cell phone photography, capturing images has become more accessible than ever. Moreover, with the rise of AI technology, creating photorealistic images doesn't necessarily require a traditional camera anymore!
When I was in high school pondering over my future, I had serious doubts about pursuing photography as a career. The field seemed saturated with talented individuals, and I questioned whether I could truly distinguish myself as a professional.
However, I came to realize that with dedication and effort, I could carve out a niche for myself even in a crowded industry. That's why I decided to pursue photography as my major in college, ultimately graduating in 2022 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography.
While majoring in photography isn't a prerequisite for becoming a professional photographer, there are certain advantages and insights I gained from my academic journey that have helped me stand out in the field:
Finding My Niche:
During my time in school, I had the opportunity to explore various genres and styles of photography. In the beginning, my style was very artsy and moody! I felt like every piece had to mean something, but I didn't have much of a message to share, so I produced what "felt" meaningful.
Over time, I started gravitating more towards colorful studio work. It felt so exciting to be producing things that felt like they could be in a magazine! My homework assignments slowly revealed my interest in food and the restaurant industry, as I kept planning shoots in restaurant locations around the college town of Provo, and bringing crackers into the studio for charcuterie shoots!
I discovered a passion for food and product photography, along with a penchant for lifestyle portraits. Through constant practice and critique sessions with professors and peers, I honed my style—a clean, bright aesthetic with warmth and contrast.
I was able to use my portfolio to apply for a food photographer position within the school's dining department, which furthered my love of food and product work and cemented that it was something I would really be passionate about doing.
School also led to me doing an internship with Trisha Zemp, a renowned stop-motion artist, which is where I learned all my stop-motion knowledge! It is such a fun and unique way to add value to your brand, and I love being able to offer stop-motion to my clients!
Some of my favorite school projects!
Mastery of Light:
A significant portion of my education was dedicated to understanding light, both natural and artificial. Under the guidance of experienced professors, I learned various lighting techniques, often through hands-on studio sessions with flash photography.
Mastering artificial light has provided me with invaluable flexibility and creative control. I can now shoot at any time of the day, manipulate moods ranging from warm and sunny to edgy and moody, and expertly shape the lighting to accentuate the best features of my subjects.
Business Savvy and Customer Service:
One of the highlights of my academic journey was a course titled "The Business of Photography." Here, I gained insights into crucial aspects such as building a professional website, pricing my services, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Understanding that photography is fundamentally a service-oriented profession, I've implemented strategies to enhance my clients' satisfaction. This includes offering a professional gallery delivery system, ensuring swift turnaround times, and maintaining a customer-centric approach from initial consultation to final delivery.
Friendships and Networking:
Beyond the technical skills and artistic insights gained through my photography major, perhaps one of the most invaluable aspects of my college experience was the opportunity to network with peers from various disciplines. Interacting with fellow photography majors, as well as students studying graphic design and advertising, has proven to be immensely beneficial in expanding my professional network.
Through collaborative projects, workshops, and shared courses, I've forged connections with individuals who bring diverse perspectives and expertise to the table. This network has not only enriched my creative endeavors but also provided me with a pool of talented professionals to collaborate with and refer clients to.
The relationships cultivated during my college years continue to serve as a valuable resource for both myself and my clients.
In a competitive industry where success often hinges on collaboration and referrals, the bonds formed with fellow students have proven to be instrumental in advancing my career as a photographer.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while majoring in photography isn't essential for everyone, it provided me with the skills, insights, and confidence needed to thrive in a competitive industry. It's been a rewarding journey, and I'm grateful for the opportunities my education has afforded me in pursuing my passion for photography.
I hope that this article has been helpful, whether you are considering majoring in photography yourself, or if you are looking to hire a photographer with a unique skill-set. For me, this choice has been invaluable and has brought me a career that I am very satisfied with!
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