Good reputable schools that offers a BA in Photography?

[V Keen]

Hi, I live in a country where photography degree is non-existent. Thus, I would like to know if anyone could recommend some GOOD, well recognized colleges in the States/Canada, for me to get a BA in Photography? I have thought of Brooks, but I am not from the US. So it cost a BOMB/(actually maybe 10 bombs...) as the exchange rate of US$- Sg$ is bloody miserable. (It cost more than my house!!...) So I would like to know if there is any slightly cheaper ones out there?

P.S: I hope to learn architecture, interior, food and product photography as well as the business side of running a commercial studio.Thanks a lot. Help much appre

[Kate Prather]

I am a photography student at the Art Institute of Colorado in Denver. They offer an Associate's degree, but the program is one of the best in the country. You learn in-depth all of the aspects you mentioned and more. It is a very focused program and very intense, and you graduate with a professional portfolio along with competitive photography and business skills. They will teach you to not only be a top notch photographer, but how to be a great businessperson as well. All of the instructors are working photographers who offer a wealth of information.

I could go on forever... Feel free to email me directly if you would like more info. I am not affiliated with the school in any way other than being a very satisfied student! --Kate

[David R Munson]

I'm a student at Ohio University in Athens, OH. OU basically has 3 photography programs. 1. A BFA program in photography through the school of fine arts. 2 and 3 are Photojournalism and Photo Illustration, which are really just two different sequences in the School of Visual Communication (site can be found at www.viscom.ohiou.edu. OU's VisCom is very highly regarded and I've been very impressed with the quality of the program as a student. I'm in the photo illustration sequence. I had originally wanted to go to RIT in Rochester, NY, but the price was too steep, so I went to OU. Now that I'm here, I love it and don't think I'd want to be anywhere else. The nice thing about the program at OU is that unlike a school devoted entirely to photography (not that it's a bad thing), you have access to courses in other departments, like Journalism and Business, both of which are considered some of the best in the country. If you want to know more about the program at OU, email me off the list and I'll do my best to answer any questions. Like Kate, I am not affiliated with my school in any way other than being a happy student. Wherever you end up, good luck.

[david clark]

Hi, you'll want to take a serious look at Rochester Institue of Technology (RIT)- in Kodak, Xerox backyard & lots of research money there in imaging. Any cost involved my be remade when it comes to job hunting; I don't think they have much trouble placing their grads, and you know you will be working state of the art. For more bang for you buck, look to Canada. In Toronto there is Rierson College/Tech school(I think that's the spelling?). Also, there is a Humbler College that has a program. Do a serious search on the Canadain schools. Best, David

[David Payumo]

You can learn all that stuff by buying a 4x5 camera and a digital back. You should assist a commerical photographer in your hometown. If you want to come to Toronto. Ryerson, Humber and Sheridan are the major schools that I know of that could teach you something about photography. Sheridan and Humber are colleges that focus on the technical and business side of photography. Ryerson is a BFA program that is wide open, you can do anything you want. Personally I went to Ryerson. I am finishing up my 4th year. However I would rather assist a commerical photographer than go to school. I was talking to a friend of my that just graduated. She has tens of thousands of dollars to pay off in debt. That money could have been spend on equipment and projects. You just need to find a commerical photog mentor. Save your money and teach yourself. The school isn't a miracle worker. If you don't have the ability to learn or work hard a piece of paper isn't going to help. My experience at school has been equally good and bad. I don't think I could recommended it for the weak/stupid/unmotivated/casual.

[Richard Boulware]

The answers to the question of where to get a serious education in the field of professional photography are rather interesting. As ex- Director of Photography at the Colorado Institute of art, now known at the Art Institute of Colorado,... are quite enlightening. As a now retired successful professional, I can say, with out doubt, that if you are serious about photography as I was, that there is no question about the first step in this quest. I am a 1967 graduate(BFA) of the Art Center College of Design, in LA... I, and David Muench, Larry Dale Gordon, J. Barry O'Rourke, Carl Furuta and many others are graduates of Art Center...and classmates of mine. Art Center graudates with their BFA's are welcomed with enthusiasm by most advertising agency art directors, because they know that art center produces a quality graduate,....kind of like Marine Corp boot camp. With regard to the Art Institute of COlorado,....I overhauled the program and redesigned the program in 1983,....and hired new faculty. If it is good now....I am one of the persons responsible for making it that way. I have heard and believe that it is a fine program but only a two year program...and does not require the discpline and dedication of the ACCD four year, BFA program.

If you have serious intentions about making a career in photography, the ultimate is Art Center. If you have the guts, the time, and the money for tuition, it is the only way. Art Center is not for the faint of heart. It is DEMANDING. But, the rewards are in direct proportion to the effort and expense. I know. I have a room full awards including national photographer of the year, seven gold medals in advertising illustration including a Cine Golden Eagle, for doccumentary film. If you are really serious about making a career in photography, just list "BFA, Art Center College of Deisgn," and the door will open for you,....while the rest will wait....in the reception room. Trust me....it's true. Richard Boulware - Denver. (ACCD BFA '67...and damned proud of it.) Happy to answer off-list emails.

[Ellis Vener]

In the USA you really have two serious choices: The Art Center in Pasadena California

RIT.

Forget Brooks.

[mark lindsey]

why forget brooks?

[Andre Noble]

Los Angeles City College has an unbelievable, but little known photography program. Each faculty has decades of experience. They are all full-time faculty, and they don't promote the program, because I think they prefer teaching smaller classes.

If you can somehow claim California state resident status: undeniably the best value, tuition-wise at 13 dollars a unit (typical course is 3-6 units), you will find anywhere in the U.S.

[V Keen]

Hmmmm... I think RIT is seriously out of the question, since its a 4 year program at approx. US$20 000 for tuition alone!!(thus more $$$ and time needed.) On top of that, I actually already got a prospectus from them. Unfortunately, out of all the relavant prospectus I requested, they sent me the WRONG one(gave me Biomedical photography instead...) which I didn't want at all.

And the course module under "advertising photography"(inside one of the general prospectus) concentrates on theory and History too much. I believe that it is best to learn things "hands-on". Besides, I was not really impress with the student works featured under the gallery section. *Sorry no offence to RIT graduates* Its just my 0.2 cents worth.

Oh, yeah, some of the schools mentioned, I checked some out already, but I am actually looking for something less than what Brooks would charge (tuition alone...US$17 000/per year for 3 years) and $13 000 for room & broad/year. Thus that is approx.SG$ 165 000!! for a BA degree!!!

Would anyone of you pay such an amount f

[Paul Chaplo]

RIT is awesome, I earned my M.F.A. in Photography there. But, as in all things, budgets force a reality check. As an alternative to the top "academies", consider getting a degree at a State university in related discipline (art, design, marketing, psychology, anthroplogy -- my definition of 'related' is quite broad. Take advantage of state U's great tuition! Then, assist the best shooter you can find. Need some specialized training? Take workshops. Do tons of personal work. Experiment! I encourage you to use college to widen your horizons. Judging from what I've seen, I say avoid just assisting -- take classes in art, etc. that can make more than a technician -- these experiences will give you perspective (no LF pun intended) and a sense of context. Visit museums regularly. Judging from your planning, you have a good head on you shoulders. Make your own program!

[Erik The Viking]

The sad fact is that as a foreign student, you'd pay full-scale fees regardless of whether it is a state-supported school or private. That's right, it'd be expensive whichever way you choose. The public universities are cheaper compared to the private schools. The cheapest alternative are the community colleges like LACC or Santa Monica College or City College of San Francisco. For a two year, AA or Certificate programme you pay about $156 per unit (residents pay only $13 per unit!!). For a 12 unit minimum load per 18-week semester, you're looking at 12X$156 plus miscellaneous fees.

In a four-year college, if you get a very high GPA, you may be able to win an international student's scholarship from the uni. That usually means free tuition for the next semester or academic year. Competition is very very keen as you are up against other hard-up foreign students.

If looking for a well-rounded education is not your goal, consider Portfolio Center or Creative Circus, both in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. These are professional trade schools in advertising that train you in the technical and business aspects of photography and related subjects. No, you won't know your Homer and Virgil upon graduation. But you may have a nice portfolio at the end of two years.

That said, I wonder if you'd consider your own local Temasek Polytechnique. I believe that its School of Design provides a photography specialisation under its aegis.

If you look at the comments of your compatriots John Clang's on PDNONLINE, perhaps you would realise that formal training in photography is not always required to succeed in the buz. Hard work and a quick mind help.

After all, a $120 Gs spent at Art Center College of Design can buy you a lot of fancy equipment. And I know of a few Art Center graduates who end up pushing cameras in a camera store. So you see, it is no guarantee that spending lots of money on a diploma buys you quality. In this biz., only a great portfolio counts. That and a sense of resposibility and a good character go a long way.

[Erik The Viking]

Okay, one more for completeness' sake: Emily Carr School of Design in Vancouver, I believe.

[Andre Noble]

Now I know what my problem is. It's my sense of resposibility.

[Kat_2594]

You really should consider Art Center. Just think that the money that you will b e spending on tuition, you will probably make it back the first year you graduate. Many pleople in the creative world will know what the Art Center teaches and respect that thus giving you the advantage over the "freelanc er". The competition in photography is tuff but not many students graduate a year from the art center.

Kat

.......... remember the schhool doesn't make you a great photographer but cre ativity and talent does!!!!

[Robert A. Zeichner]

I would have to agree with Kat. As a graduate of Pratt Institute, I can remember all the hype about how much demand there is for a graduate from there. While I'm certainly happy with what I got out of school, from the perspective of learning about photography (in particular, fine art photography), I could have obtained far more from investing just a fraction of my parents money in a couple of years worth of workshops. No one cares a nit about my degree. They look at my work and that tells them all they need to know.

Think about it. You could spend two years just touring the States and learning from the very best in the field. You could learn view camera technique, printing, alternative processes, architectural, nudes, landscape, color, b&w, digital, the list is endless. You wouldn't end up with a degree, but you might come away with more! And you could experience first hand, how various masters work. I'm certain the cost would be a fraction of tuition. You'll get to see a lot of the country as well. Just a thought.

[Jorge Gasteazoro]

Sam Houston State U in Huntsville TX, they have an excellent program, is a state university and I personally have met many graduates from there who appeared to have gotten a superb education.

[Martin Loft]

Greetings....There's also Concordia University in Montreal. Does anyone know of a "distance learning" BFA program on the Net? As in lectures and assignments submitted via computer. There seems to be a program for just about everthing else.

[Hovig Boghossian]

Ok. Forget about $$$ problem. You don't need to travel also. type: www.nyip.com
it's just a mouse click away. I graduated in 2004 and I say go for it.
New York Institute of Photography,that's all what you need. You want digital, LF or 35mm, Pro or hobbyist, it's all their.
I'm sure you will be as satisfied as I am.
Good luck.
Hovig

[Turner Reich]

If you always wanted to be a president of a country or an astronaut then Art Center College of Design is for you. It's like the Marine Corp. boot camp though. I know I went there. I found Brooks Institute better for me and the area is much nicer.

Remember getting a great education on the cheap is not an option. If you are going to hack away in a noname school and rack up a bunch of loans, that would be a step back and not forward.

Go for a great school, your best chance at the top positions, or assist to an existing photographer. Remember that some credential might be handy in the future, like a college degree on paper with accrediation.

OK, what about education? Well I went to high school... And I was assistant to Jim Beam. What did you do for Mr. Beam? Well I loaded film in his camera and carried his equipment. and so it goes...

OK, what about education? I went to ACCD. Ok to start on Monday?
OK, what about education? I went to Brooks Institute of Photography. Ok to start on Monday?


Good Luck

tr

[Andy Eads]

Photography is a very broad field with opportunities for lots of widely differing personalities. I love technology and science and got my degree in industrial photography at Brooks. No regrets. The BA got me a job in a cutting edge tech company. Fast forward 25 years and my BA got me into Washington State's Plan 2; a program to get people from the commercial fields into teaching. Over 800 kids have been through our photo program at my high school and many are at photo schools throughout the country.

As for LA Art Center, if you want to get into illustration work, that's the place to do it. Aim high. However, there are lots of good programs throughout the States that will get you going in portraiture, wedding, news, editiorial, commercial, etc.

Workshops are an invaluable part of continuing professional development. Both taking them and teaching them. But workshops alone don't offer the concentration needed to get you launched. Get a foundation, get into the field, keep learning and give back a little something. It's a great life.

[JW Dewdney]

Greetings....There's also Concordia University in Montreal. Does anyone know of a "distance learning" BFA program on the Net? As in lectures and assignments submitted via computer. There seems to be a program for just about everthing else.

Yeah - Well - I'd be a bit biased to push concordia. But I got my BFA there. At the time I considered MIT and Yale (NM would have been great - but a bit remote for me) also... but I did it in Canada mostly for cost and that Montreal is an amazing city. It was a heck of a good school, though. And better set up for equipment than anything else I've seen. But it really depends on who you want to study with, etc...

Sounds like there's a lot of apples/oranges/bananas talk going on here. It really depends on what the original poster wants to pursue. I wouldn't touch the vocational schools like brooks, art center, etc... since they're geared towards pumping out catalog photogs, etc... you really don't get down to thinking about the medium or having to really answer for your work. it seems there are two main 'types' of school - the academic - and the vocational schools like those. Just depends on whether you want to do commercial work or art.

[JW Dewdney]

I'd bet europe would have some pretty kick-ass schools also - esp. in the major cultural centers - Goldsmith's College of Art for example in London. And it would be a hell of a lot cheaper than most anything in North America - depending on your citizenship status, of course!

[jnantz]

Ok. Forget about $$$ problem. You don't need to travel also. type: www.nyip.com
it's just a mouse click away. I graduated in 2004 and I say go for it.
New York Institute of Photography,that's all what you need. You want digital, LF or 35mm, Pro or hobbyist, it's all their.
I'm sure you will be as satisfied as I am.
Good luck.
Hovig

i know what you mean hovig!
i mentored under a woman who got a photography education at the new york institute of photography - she studied by mail in the 1930s ( from rural maine ), and did her retouching exam, in nyc hanging out with the surrealists.

great school, and they sure do have a lot to offer!

john

[paulr]

Hmmmm... I think RIT is seriously out of the question, since its a 4 year program at approx. US$20 000 for tuition alone!!

I think you need to consider what a BA degree is. It is not training for a trade. It's education, broadly defined by the University/Liberal Arts tradition.

Any good, reputable school offering a BA is going to be a 4 year institution. It's also not going to be trade school (although programs like RIT blur the line).

If it's a good, reputable school, the BA will require a whole lot more than just photography, and you're going to pay for all of it. In my opinion this is a good thing ... do we really need more people in the world who know about f-stops but not anything about history, civiilzation, science, art, literature?

If you're truly not interested in any of that (or if you have it from some other source), then I think you'll be best served by an Associates degree, or by a non-degree technical program that just teaches the nuts and bolts of what you need to know.

Or ... as others have suggested, maybe you can learn what you need to know informally. Assist. Apprentice. Read. Practice. Honestly, I wouldn't want to spend the valuable time and money set aside for education on learning a trade that you could pick up on the job.

[Turner Reich]

This all boils down to the person who is going to pursue the career. What are her goals? Does she even know what she wants to do with photography. And with photography in a heavy transition into digital should she study with a film based photographer or a digital photographer?

I have two degrees from Community Colleges, AA and AA&S. I have a BS also from a University and Brooks. When I attended Art Center after my BS I was told that 1/3 of the students at Art Center already had a BA, BS or BFA before they arrived. That said it is one of or not the most difficult and expensive schools in the world. In fact a lot of the students are from the rest of the world.

Brooks is now very expensive and being in Santa Barbara, one of the most expensive citiess with absolutly nill housing, is not realistic unless the person is so determined and that may not be enough without $$$.

So ACCD and Brooks are $$$ and vocational programs are questionable for training and the apprentice route is highly questionable; then a two year Community College program with a concentration in photography and the option to go on and get a BFA at a four year College or University would be the ultimate answer.

[Gordon Moat]

The big name or well known schools can sometimes make some connections. Many large corporations shop for talent at some big schools, such as Art Center. However, staff photographer positions are not the predominant form of work for photographers, so choosing a school based upon which corporations visit or hire out of there, might not be the best approach. That approach can work well for design fields, and sometimes for fine art. I hesitate to mention big schools for fine art, since the majority doing fine art anything for a living are struggling, especially just out of college. Consider the expense prior to attempting a big school for fine art.

Brooks had some recent lawsuit and settlement turmoil, and might not be the name it was in the past. Santa Barbara is a nice area, but there is next to zero work in photography there once you graduate. You could go to the other large college there, but might end up having too much fun in Isla Vista.

If you think you want to work commercially in a certain city, then investigate the colleges and art programs in that city. Going to a new place for your education can lead you to make new connections. Sometimes those new connections can help you once you graduate. If you went to a college in a city in which you did not intend to live after graduation, then your emphasis should be on the quality of the education and the instructors. This is not all bad, an extreme example would be Yale or Harvard, either of which carry enough general kudos to get you into doors later in other cities; but you still better have the images to back up the credentials.

A degree in Fine Arts is more than learning to operate the tools. You will find a way to express your creative vision, and in the end build a portfolio that will launch your career. It does not matter much what cameras you use (though some people might find that offensive for me to suggest that), but you will need to prepare for doing photography as a business. Some schools offer a wide selection of gear that yo can check out and use as needed, while others will give you a list of items that you need to use. Getting a degree in Fine Art can be expensive, much more than just the cost of tuition.

It can also be incredibly tiring, since you will be constantly working on projects. I often looked forward to more regular (non-art) classes because I could simply read a book and regurgitate that and the notes on each test; a process I found easier than the endless push to create new ideas and concepts. A degree in Fine Art is not simple, and can involve vast amounts of time and effort. If you approach it like a career, then you will likely do well with it.

You should also check into National Portfolio Day. This is a travelling day event that goes to many cities in the US and Canada. The top thirty or so art schools usually have representatives there. You can take a portfolio or some loose images for critiques, or just visit and talk with many representatives and professors. Even if you do not take a portfolio, it can be good to look over someone's shoulder and listen in on a few critiques of others works. Definitely recommended, even if you have no intention of attendind a big name or expensive school of art.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
A G Studio
<http://www.allgstudio.com>

[David Luttmann]

Considering this post started back in 2001, his degree should be completed by now... ;-)

[Gordon Moat]

Hopefully the original poster is not the only one reading this thread. I was under the impression that since it came up again, perhaps that indicated some interest. My college career was 1994 through 1998, so indeed exactly four years would be enough, though many take a slightly less frantic approach of completing a degree in five years. Oh well . . . I hope someone finds the information useful.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat

[Turner Reich]

Considering this post started back in 2001, his degree should be completed by now... ;-)


Oh my, didn't see the date. It came up and away it went. It would be interesting to see how it did turn out.

[Frank Petronio]

Just work. Get a well rounded education in liberal arts so you know what to photograph. Or better yet, learn a marketable skill that you can fall back on, like plumbing or electrical work.

The best professional photographers hire good, hard working assistants regardless of where they went to school. Work for some good commercial shooters, drive a cab in Manhattan, shoot for yourself -- that's as close to a "formula" as I can think of.

There is nothing in practical photography that you can not learn from books, the internet, an occassional workshop or simply asking the world famous pretentious super artist, "How did you do that?" Really, you can learn the real-world stuff in less than a year - so just go do it.