CLASSES & JOBS

Taking a photography class in high school was the best decision I ever made, back then. Art is a creative outlet where you can express yourself however you choose. Photography has always been my passion, but I also tried ceramics and painting in high school. I took beginners’ drawing, design, interior design, art for education, typography, photo lighting, photo illustration, many art history classes and color theory in college. I became very fond of art in general, to say the least.

I’d say most people think that to be a photographer, all you need to do is click a button. But I would disagree with that belief. I must admit, I started out with the same thought process though. Then through classes, I discovered a new world in art. There are elements and principles of design that you need to incorporate into your artwork. Most everyone knows you need a focal point in your picture. Some other principles are creating leading lines, the ‘rule of thirds’, whether your artwork is symmetrical or asymmetrical, your overall composition, whether it’s realistic or abstract, shape, space, rhythm, perspective, contrast, patterns, balance, harmony, and negative space. Seems like a long list now, doesn’t it? So maybe it’s safe to say the people who earned a photography degree or equivalent really do have the knowledge and experience that it takes to be a professional.

I first started learning about photography when film was still very popular among the masses. I enjoyed film photography so much that I wanted to hold onto it even when the world was going digital. But eventually, I caved in too and bought myself a nice SLR digital camera. To start learning the elements of design (within photography), most teachers have their students focus on black and white photos first. The reason for this is because black and white is a harder concept to grasp. Since everything is either black or white or shades in between, you have to sort of envision the tones where the reds, greens, blues, and yellows are. Contrast usually is easier though in black and white photos. Then once you’ve mastered taking beautiful pictures in black and white, you may move on to color.

As you can tell, my passion for photography grew as I learned more about art and design. I decided that I would major in Photography - I don’t have my BFA quite yet but I am close to completion. Then the question is, what do you do with a photography degree? You can start your own business (which is what most people I know have done), work for an already established photography business, try to gain contacts within the fashion industry as a photographer, create your own website to showcase your artwork (another popular one), or simply let your talent go to waste and just snap pictures here and there for a family album. I’ll let you decide. As for me, I hope that someday I can look back on my life and take pride in knowing I used my earned talent in photography.