I do hate having to tell people “no” when it comes to internship inquiries. After the flood of inquiries I have gotten over the past 3 days I decided to post an article in hopes that I can explain my views (and start forwarding other inquiries here).
I have a handful of people every week or two requesting “internship” or “mentor” positions with me, and honestly I simply don’t have the space or need for such an addition at this point. In the future when my business has grown to an acceptable size that there is a necessity for more help I will only be interested in taking on college students with a career in the industry in mind. Why you might ask?
Well –
I get the question so frequently I feel like a broken record sometime. “How can I do what you do” Well…. Its going to be a lot of work, and take a lot of money to get started. Is this the answer anyone wants to hear? No. A lot of people have misconceptions about the art world. Its not easy, there are just many people who are good at what they do, making it appear easier than it truly is. It also does take monetary investment – ever heard the term “starving artist”? I went to college for 5 years to attain my Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus in Time Art and Photographer and a minor in Art History. Yep, it’s a mouth full. And there was many a sleepless night…. Well…. There was some sleep in the photo lab but it wasn’t intentional. I have also been building up my equipment over the years, I couldn’t outright buy everything I have and use in one large purchase. As fun and exciting and “easy” some may think being a photographer looks, there is a lot of time and money backing that — and if that’s ok with you the fun and excitement will always be there.
Now, don’t get me wrong – I am in love with my job. I wouldn’t change what I do for the world! Am I going to get rich quick? No. But that’s not why I do it. I do it because its my passion. And I think that’s where those of you thinking this is something you want to do need to start.
Do you have a passion for photography? Or is it something you simply enjoy doing (IE: your awesome hobby). Just because you love taking pictures and seeing that instant gratification on your digital camera screen doesn’t mean this is what you will be doing the majority of your time as a professional photographer. The actual taking of the pictures is just the starting point. Post editing typically takes up as much if not more of your time. Not only that but you NEED people skills. So many people have come to me saying they want to be a photographer because they are anti social. This is a huge road block. If you aren’t willing to get yourself out there networking, you will simply never make it. Regardless of what you are photographing, you WILL have to work with other human beings if you want to make this your career — someone has to pay you right? There is also all of the stuff others don’t really see being done – taxes, licenses, insurance, advertising, web design, contracts, etc.
I tell everyone who comes in asking me how they can do what I do that college is incredibly important. It isn’t necessarily the degree itself but the experience that comes along with it. When I have to hire a photographer this is one of the first things I ask about. This is because with proper education in the field you go into your career already knowing how to use the equipment and you have already been in a studio setting. You already know how to use lighting, you know how to develop in a dark room (which even if you’re using digital I think is important because Photoshop is mimicking what the pros have been doing all along to film), and you KNOW how to use a camera. Whereas those who have not gone to school have to learn as they go and as they can afford the equipment. Not to say there aren’t those who have the natural talent, but nothing can replace experience!
So long story short: You still think you want to be a photographer. GREAT! If you truly have a passion for it, you should try! Its very rewarding.
BUT,
Are you willing to put in the time and money to get some education?
Will you still love it when the “work & business” aspects have been added?
Are you a people person and are you willing to network?
Just make sure to think about everything that comes along with running your own business and being a professional!
This is sure to make some non believers in college angry, but it’s my personal opinion. I suppose if you find an amazing photographer (or whatever part of the art world you have an interest in) who has a full studio and dark room that is willing to teach you their ways and give you run of their things, that would work just as well as college : ) If you do find such a person, let me know, I want to come play too!
edit: fixed my awesome typo : )
