I believe the short answer is no.

I studied Graphic Design at University, it was only in my last year that I swapped my elective from Advertising to Photography. To be completely honest, I didn’t learn much in that photography class. This was in 2007, so digital cameras were around, but not as accessible as today. We spent a lot of time on thinking about concepts for photography projects, and not much time on the practical aspects of how to actually use your camera, or how to make a living in photography.

However, our uni lecturers would sometimes email job advertisements, and during the last year a photography part time job caught my eye.

Long story short, I interviewed and ended up getting the job. It was an assistant photographer position at the University of Auckland, across the road from where I was studying. I stayed in that role for the next 4 years, mostly part time, learning everything about the technical side of photography, and also how to handle a huge number of photography situations and challenges.

While I loved the job at the University, I still wanted to be a Graphic Designer. It wasn’t until I got another part time job with a wedding photographer, that my world completely changed and I KNEW in my heart of hearts, that wedding photography was where I was supposed to be.

Even before University, I always wanted to have my own business. I just thought I would be doing design.

I don’t regret studying Graphic Design, I’m glad I did. After all, I doubt I would be here today if I hadn’t, as I only got a job as an assistant photographer because of that lecturers email.

But I still don’t think you need a degree in photography to be a photographer.

The pressure to go to a University when you leave high school is very real. If you don’t, it’s not normal. People can assume that you aren’t smart enough, or don’t have it all together (who does when they’re 18?!).

So what do I think it takes to be a photographer?

PASSION. Lots of it. As in, you tell everyone you are a photographer. You offer to photograph everything and anything. Your family, friends, and anyone you have contact with, all know about your obsession.

DETERMINATION. Yes there is competition. Yes the market is flooded. But that won’t stop you. You might fail. A lot. But you know that failure means you are living your life with passion, and you are one step closer to your dream.

COMMITMENT. What is it going to take to stand out? Complete laser-focused dedication to your goal. Not letting anyone else’s success get you down. It might mean you get up earlier to write that blog post. It might mean that you sacrifice a weekend with you friends in order to shoot a wedding. How bad do you want it?

University can teach you a lot of things, just don’t forget about the price though. I’ve just paid off my 30k loan (7 years later).

I’m not slagging University. I just believe that if you go to University to be a photographer, make sure you have perspective. Think about why you want to go. University won’t necessarily guarantee your success, and it definitely won’t guarantee you a job. Yes you can ‘grow up’ and become more of a ‘well rounded’ person, but I’m not sure that 30k justifies this.

If you want to be a photographer, that’s awesome! Remember, everyone starts somewhere, don’t be intimidated by someone else’s success, and NEVER. GIVE. UP. xx

What do you think? I would love to hear from you!