Glen Converse
(K=2000) - Comment Date 6/29/2005
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Ron:
I'm not a professional photographer, but I would think that great photographers are inately artistically talented. The technical stuff anyone can learn. It's the seeing-eye that makes the product. So if you're talking about being self-taught technically and feel you have an eye for the image, knock yourself out and go for it.
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Mark Hamilton
(K=8387) - Comment Date 7/1/2005
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Ron
20 years ago I picked up my first camera and I haven't put it down since. I was consumed by my new found passion. I photographed every day bought countless books on photography. Visited galleries, exhibitions I took in as much as I could. I am a self taught.
12 years after picking up my first camera I knew photography was what I wanted to do. I had a good job with a good income but it wasn't who I was or what I wanted to be. So I quit to become a professional photographer.
I then undertook a full time 4 year art degree not to learn photography but to get to know people within the industry that had contacts within the profession.
So to answer your question is it possible to make a living being self taught ? Absolutely. Of all the work that I have undertaken as a professional photographer I have never once been asked if I have had any formal training. Clients are more interested in your portfolio than the letters that you may have after your name.
I don't know where you live but in good old NZ if you are a photographer there is work to be found but not a lot of jobs.
I don't regret for one minute my decision to change career. Perhaps I could have made more money in my old profession but I know I'm richer by far doing something I love.
Mark
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Glen Converse
(K=2000) - Comment Date 7/5/2005
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Mark:
I wish I had the courage to change professions at the tender age of 61. I know I could do it, but I would have to train as an assistant with a pro photographer. But I much enjoyed reading and thinking about your post.
Thanks for the stimulation.....
Glen
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[[dead account]]
(K=6692) - Comment Date 7/6/2005
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I am a self-taught graphic artist and I make a fine living.
In fact, when I originally interviewed for my current job 6 years ago, I beat out graduates from some really great art schools.
I sincerely believe that hard work and an unswerving lust to better yourself and your work is the equal of any college degree or formal education.
To do so, you have to be obsessed with what you do since you have to compete with people who have an advantage over you. Read everything you can get your hands on, study artists and photographers you admire, and never be satisfied with the work you did yesterday.
If I can make it, then anyone can.
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Ron Harrington
(K=766) - Comment Date 7/7/2005
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Thanks for all of your comments, I will be quiting my present occupation soon I hope and I think I will go for it.. I put my wife thru nursing school,,, now its my turn.....
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[[dead account]]
(K=6692) - Comment Date 7/7/2005
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I'm putting my wife through design school and she graduates in December, so I know where you're coming from.
Good luck on your new career path, Ron.
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Ron Harrington
(K=766) - Comment Date 7/8/2005
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What passion and determination, must be more of what it takes, but I do recall, getting most of what I really wanted the most. Thanks for sharing that....
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