Photography

[scoobydooby]

Does anyone know how easy it would be to obtain a career in photography if it had been studied at University? The only obvious jobs I can think of are media related, police work etc. My daughter has just done GCSE in photography, is about to study at A Level and wants to continue into Uni. She's quite academic and is good with Maths, Sciences etc. Whatever she decides to do is her decision and I will support her but there's a part of me that's a little worried about the vacancies for this kind of work (or lack of). It would be a shame for anyone (not just my daughter) to spend years at Uni, building up debts, only to have to take an unrelated job at the end of it.

[violetblue]

She may be able to use her skills in hospital/medical photography, and also in medical media work. Maybe it would be better for her to stick with her sciences, using her photography as a related skill? If she enjoys photography and maths, she may be the sort of person who gets quite into computer-related graphics type things. Many people (self included) have jobs unrelated to their degrees and it isn't a negative thing, honestly!

[joko]

weddings, christenings, portraits, interior design, food/ menu designs, book illustrations, hair salons, make - up artists,

[Buenchico]

At university level, it's almost impossible to find courses specifically in still photography. (It's too narrow a field). The subject is usually expanded to something like 'Film & Photography'.

The official graduate careers website recognises that many people, who acquire degrees in this subject, move onto other areas after graduation. However, it also suggests some career options for those who are determined to find relevant employment:
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_p age/Options_with_your_subject/Your_degree_in_f ilm_and_photography/Job_options/p!ejFpapm

Chris

[mosesg]

My friend did this course and sometimes works on TV and film sets taking stils, she also does a load of PR related work, but has had to work really hard to build up a client base, some months in winter are quite quiet

[chucker]

Blackpool art college do a really good course. Its world renowed in the industry. I did a graphic design degree and I got to work with photography students. Your daughter really needs to look into the available courses and the employment rate after graduation. I touched on photography in my course and I really enjoyed it but its a lot harder than people think. I would think freelance photography would be an option. At work we hire photographers for some jobs and they charge a small fortune :-)
Have a look at the link below.
http://art-design.blackpool.ac.uk/default.htm

[Hapus]

Glasgow do a medical photography course

[Paul54]

Photography can be a very good job to get into. However many are drawn to it not understanding how tough it is after college or university to get a paid job.
Most photographers today tend to be self employed, freelance or doing contract work.
Very few students are lucky enough to find paid employment after leaving studies. You also need a very good folio of work, and that takes time to build up. Clients and employers want to see what you do.
I would advise anyone thinking about trying for employment in photography to also train at something else first.
Most photographers have to love and live for photography. If you don't have that passion then you don't get far.