Sunday, 8 March 2009

Why do a Photographic Course?

The editorial in this weeks British Journal of Photography raises the obvious question about photography courses - why do them?   Actually, it was taking about the numerous graduates that are produced with little hope of making a carrier in photography - especially in today's turbulent climate.

So why do a course that will not lead to any meaningful employment?   I am not sure I am the right person to answer that.  I have never set out to do any photography course with employment in mind.  In fact the only times I have done a 'paying gig' I found the whole process frustrating and very unrewarding.   So I make photographs for myself as a form of expression rather than a means of paying the mortgage.  This does give me freedom that professional photographers don't have.  It also means that I have no illusions about becoming a professional photographer, whatever that term means.   I don't want to.   

So what of the kids that are going through the undergraduate courses (even post graduate course like I am doing) what do they expect out of the course?   I have no idea but I would hope that their parents have been able to instill in them the grime realities of life outside.   One or two may well make it, and may make it big.  Some might become trend setters but the vast majority won't.   I have always assumed that trying to be a professional photographer today is very similar to being a professional actor.  There are one or two really big stars, a lot of also rans but the majority are still waiting table hoping for that big break.   Making a living from photography is more about business acumen than artistic talent, such as it is in any walk of life.

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