Hi guys, would like to find out, does anyone have a ba, majoring in photography or something similar? Which are the schools that provide these degrees? Does lasalle, nafa or sia do that?
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
BA in photography?
- Thread starter MrSpace
- Start date
- Status
i think NTU has this arts and digital media design thing...one of the majors is digital photography but i haven't really checked it in detail yet... the other is RMIT i guess..and that's what i'm trying to find out more about as well..lol
if I am not wrong laselle or nafa has a part time course in photography uncle fren of mine took it before.. wld like a dip in photography or design as well.. post details of your findings here?
there's a slew of advert in the papers for a $140x 36 months course with 'free' D50
haha find it abit dubious as in.. i rather go for a better, cheaper one that allows me to choose what camera I wanna use...
there's a slew of advert in the papers for a $140x 36 months course with 'free' D50
haha find it abit dubious as in.. i rather go for a better, cheaper one that allows me to choose what camera I wanna use...
In the first place, why do you want a BA in Photography?
I have a MFA in Photography from Rochester Institute of Technology, and not many bosses in Singapore want to hire me.:cry:
Why? You may ask. Your employer will ask you: "Do you have experience or not? I don't need a graduate to take my photos." or "I don't need technically perfect pictures, but rather a fast worker who can meet deadlines."
Now, if you are taking the BA purely out of interest, then this will be the most expensive university course you'll ever take (besides medicine and law). Why? Lab and material fees take a big chunk out of your bank account.
Tips: The fastest and cheapest way to learn photography is to become a photo assistant or an apprentice. Learn the ins and outs, pros and cons, and the business aspects of this industry. But the most important lesson of all, studio and outdoor lightings. You may be surprised to know that most professional photographers suck in lighting. Only a few of them who I can consider a master. Nick Vedros is one of them.
I have a MFA in Photography from Rochester Institute of Technology, and not many bosses in Singapore want to hire me.:cry:
Why? You may ask. Your employer will ask you: "Do you have experience or not? I don't need a graduate to take my photos." or "I don't need technically perfect pictures, but rather a fast worker who can meet deadlines."
Now, if you are taking the BA purely out of interest, then this will be the most expensive university course you'll ever take (besides medicine and law). Why? Lab and material fees take a big chunk out of your bank account.
Tips: The fastest and cheapest way to learn photography is to become a photo assistant or an apprentice. Learn the ins and outs, pros and cons, and the business aspects of this industry. But the most important lesson of all, studio and outdoor lightings. You may be surprised to know that most professional photographers suck in lighting. Only a few of them who I can consider a master. Nick Vedros is one of them.
i agree with photobum.
I believe the degree courses for photography arent up to scratch yet...not any that i hear of.....especially when i came from an art school myself.
I believe the degree courses for photography arent up to scratch yet...not any that i hear of.....especially when i came from an art school myself.
As far as I concern, lasalle does not offer BA in photography eventhough some department do have photography lesson ( but only very basic knowledge - dont expect much )
NAFA if not mistaken have a part time course in photography but not a degree.
NTU has a digital photography subject in Art & Media design, however this program only start last year so this year gonna be the second batch. Beware of being guinea pig =p
website list if you wish to cross check :
www.lasallesia.edu.sg
www.nafa.edu.sg
www.ntu.edu.sg
NAFA if not mistaken have a part time course in photography but not a degree.
NTU has a digital photography subject in Art & Media design, however this program only start last year so this year gonna be the second batch. Beware of being guinea pig =p
website list if you wish to cross check :
www.lasallesia.edu.sg
www.nafa.edu.sg
www.ntu.edu.sg
photobum said:
i agree with this...credentials are nutting if u cant shoot...
imho, a portfolio and awards are more impt...
cheers.
i feel inadequate without a 'proper' education in photography
i'm learning hands-on now, but a part of me screams 'there is more'
but that's just me :dunno:
/end rant
i'm learning hands-on now, but a part of me screams 'there is more'
but that's just me :dunno:
/end rant
What kind of "proper" education do you need? I had my so-called "proper" education, a Masters in Fine Arts degree from one of the finest photography schools in America, international awards and everything, but can I be Clang or Russell Wong? Or, can I make millions of dollars a year? My answer to you is "no."Stereobox said:
At the end of the day, it is your experience, skills and portfolio that matters most. Save your money and develop a "kick-ass" portfolio. Impress your employers and art directors. That's your priority now.
photobum said:
thanks photobum
contrary to what i think you might have been led to believe (in no part thanks to my random, selfcentred rant earlier on), i do acknowledge that holding on to degrees and diplomas don't necessarily equate 'success'.
but one thing i do believe, 'education' can, and should, come from all sources.
in a bookstore, i find myself unintentionally tend to browse longer in other 'categories' than specifically photography-related.
i feel inadequate that i know so little. and i'm not being humble.
it was more of a personal rant of recognising my ignorance, than a complaint of lack of commercial 'success' / public recognition.
sorry for the OT , MrSpace. i rode on your thread as an outlet
I have BA in Photography and it has help me redefine skillls to a higher level when I came into the working world. The exposure you have, the people you meet and being introduce to the industry are all pure gems. Photography is an acquired skills which you need patience, talent and a little bit of luck.
Being someone's apprentice is another way out but you have to live with plenty of sh** from your employer (that's if he thinks you are qualified to be his apprentice). I have a few apprentice before but only a handful are really good. And not all will actually teach you.
It will take a big chunk out of your account (your parent's account actually) but if you have the funds, by all means. Go for it.
RIT is famous for their Photography more than the Fine Arts. Only a handful of Singaporeans appreciate art. So honestly speaking, it's not that you can't find a job or no one wants to hire you but you are at the wrong place. States or Europe should be better off for you. Majority Asian countries still find fine art is just fine art. Full Stop.
RMIT on the other hand not only teaches photography but it's latest course teaches Digital Photography which 70-80%(maybe higher) of the studio in Singapore is using or converting to digital. Digital Retoucher is another good prospect as well as my digital retoucher is earning about minimum $5,000 a month.
It's not always all about attending courses and attaining degrees/masters will secure you a job when you get home. It's more than that. You learn to manage your life better, negotiate with clients (graphic designers, art directors and direct clients) more efficiently and learn new mistakes, expecially when you are in overseas.
Some may find technical skills not important but it is. Most photographers have some knowledge or skills in lighting but none can match overseas photographer. Again only a handful are good as many photographers are turning into a businessman. Singapore market, Photography is secondary to them.
Being someone's apprentice is another way out but you have to live with plenty of sh** from your employer (that's if he thinks you are qualified to be his apprentice). I have a few apprentice before but only a handful are really good. And not all will actually teach you.
It will take a big chunk out of your account (your parent's account actually) but if you have the funds, by all means. Go for it.
RIT is famous for their Photography more than the Fine Arts. Only a handful of Singaporeans appreciate art. So honestly speaking, it's not that you can't find a job or no one wants to hire you but you are at the wrong place. States or Europe should be better off for you. Majority Asian countries still find fine art is just fine art. Full Stop.
RMIT on the other hand not only teaches photography but it's latest course teaches Digital Photography which 70-80%(maybe higher) of the studio in Singapore is using or converting to digital. Digital Retoucher is another good prospect as well as my digital retoucher is earning about minimum $5,000 a month.
It's not always all about attending courses and attaining degrees/masters will secure you a job when you get home. It's more than that. You learn to manage your life better, negotiate with clients (graphic designers, art directors and direct clients) more efficiently and learn new mistakes, expecially when you are in overseas.
Some may find technical skills not important but it is. Most photographers have some knowledge or skills in lighting but none can match overseas photographer. Again only a handful are good as many photographers are turning into a businessman. Singapore market, Photography is secondary to them.
i think the local sch are not passing on the art of photography...its a total waste of time to go thru a localuni/poly/design sch for a photography cert/dip/deg/BA/MA...go find a job as a asst....i hav met many ex-students from NAFA and TP coming for interviews as a photographers...and when i see their portfolio...i almost vomitted blood(wonder how they pass)...then i asked them if they wanna start as a asst...they gave me a look and say i got diploma ley....NBz...i got degree also start from asst...haiz..:dunno:AngelZhou said:
anyway...NTU is not known as a art uni/sch....dun waste time here...go japan if u can afford to and their english has a great reputation!!
I couldn't agree with roti more.roti said:
Last month, two interviewees, supposingly one from NAFA and another from TP, came to my interview. Both of them presented a very well-orgaized and written resumes, but the moment I looked at their portfolios, I almost fainted. Then, I thought: "Do all these people know what they are doing or learning?" I have friends who are teaching at both institutions, and they are experts in their respective fields. Are these the kind of students they produced?
I ended up hiring someone who don't even have a diploma or degree, but a good line of experience from other studios. Plus, I am willing to pay him $250 more than those two who have received their "proper" education.
I have a MFA degree in Photography. At RIT, their graduate degree for photography courses are offered through MFA program only.Pro Image said:
Minimum $5,000 a month!:bigeyes: I will quit my current job and work for you without hesitation.Pro Image said:
FYI, I was a working as a digital imaging specialist (a.k.a. digital retoucher cum photographer) for a reknown commercial studio in Chicago from 2001 and 2003. My monthly income was only US$2,590 (about S$4,420).
If you are paying your DI artist that kind of money, I think you should have your company's salary schemes reviewed by MOM. My cousin, who is a junior lawyer, his monthly pay is just about S$5,800.
- Status
Similar threads
