The birth of 2009 has had a greater significance than the dawn of any other year preceding it – it was the year that was the harbinger of a bad economic downturn when the world collectively got a rude awakening from the blissful stupor it was in. From sitting pretty on a financial high, from the excitement generated by globalization and the opportunities it opened up, from fat salaries that opened the way to luxurious lifestyles and lavish living, there came a sharp drop to the land of reality, one that brought ruin to thousands of people through closed companies, lost jobs, and lost lives as well.
The dull climate still persists, and although governments are offering bailouts to revive the ailing economy, we have a long way to go before things start to look up and we’re in the clear. In such a scenario, how would one go about getting an education in photography? Is it prudent to enroll in a college degree that takes up between two and four years of your time, entails that you spend money, and also prevents you from working to earn some money? Or is it wiser to learn the trade on the job and make a few bucks in the bargain?
It all depends on personal preference and the size of your wallet and savings account. If you’ve been wise or if you have parents with foresight, you are one of the lucky few who have saved enough money for college. So if you can get through your education without incurring any debt that will put you in a deep hole when you graduate, you can opt for college. But be prepared to be employed only at entry level positions when you graduate, unless you plan to open your own business or get into a partnership with a trusted ally. College is a wise choice if:
- You don’t have any debts to take care of when you graduate. It’s going to be difficult enough to earn your keep, and you don’t need the added burden of debt on your shoulders.
- You want to gain business skills as well to handle the administrative aspects of your business.
- You have a long term plan, one that involves more than just earning money.
- You have a financial cushion to hold you up while you spend two to four years of college and then find your feet in the professional world.
On the other hand, if you’re struggling for money, you’re better off learning photography from a mentor. It’s not a formal education, but it’s an education all the same. Alternatively, you could turn to the Internet and access the millions of resources it offers. The best way to learn is through experimentation and practice – all you need are good equipment, a passion for the profession, and access to editing and processing technology. If you basically have the talent for photography, there’s nothing that cannot be learned with time – you can either get help or learn on your own. It’s best to combine earning and learning though, especially if you have a family to support and no nest egg to rely on. What with the way the economic climate is today, you don’t know how far off or how faint the silver lining on the cloud is, and you need to be prepared for further rainstorms before we can expect the calm.