The Timeless Debate: Do Photography Schools Still Hold Their Ground in Today’s World?

A common suggestion many novices receive when embarking on a photography journey is to enroll in an educational institution. Establishments like The International Center of Photography, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and Yale University are a few venues that provide a range of programs. From Bachelor’s to Master’s degrees, alongside summer courses, there is a plethora of options available. Nonetheless, in a medium such as photography, an abundance of reading resources and online tutorials also exist. This raises the inquiry, does the new generation still require enrollment in formal photography institutions, which could incur significant costs? To dissect this query and offer you the most fitting answer, we consulted several photographers who have navigated a similar path. Their perspectives and experiences aim to guide you through the complexities of a photographic career.

Kannetha Brown On Importance of Resources

The first individual on our list is Kannetha Brown, a first-generation descendant of Khmer Rouge survivors, residing in the United States. A graduate of Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, Brown has recently earned her BFA in photography. Presently, her work has been featured on global platforms such as The Phoblographer, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Elle USA, and The Boston Globe.

“Every individual possesses unique stories and aspirations, so it’s impossible to conclude if photography school is the correct choice for someone I don’t even know,” she stated in our interview. “The key factor in deciding whether photography school suits you is to identify the areas you wish to operate in before committing to anything.” To illustrate her viewpoint, Brown references her own journey. After completing high school, Brown took a year off to assess if college was her true path. In her quest for guidance, she enrolled in a photography class, which aligned with her passion. “Although I am still exploring the precise domain I wish to focus on, my photography has significantly improved since I joined photography school,” Brown shares.

The weekly critique sessions and classes, as an example, molded her as a photographer. However, she soon acknowledged she had outgrown the curriculum due to the projects she undertook independently. “I continued running my freelance business, gaining real-world experience by shooting for magazines and clients, and diligently working to enhance my CV and portfolio outside the classroom,” Brown articulates. “I regarded school as one element of my life at that moment, rather than the core component, which empowered me to become quite self-reliant, motivated, and career-oriented.” This is crucial to recognize, as additional work, though laborious and intimidating, can genuinely enhance your comprehension of real-world situations in the field.

One of the most noteworthy pieces of guidance she offers to our audience is the importance of being unapologetically focused on your growth. “Leverage as many resources as you can while also establishing friendships and connections. The ability to engage with a group of peers who critique your work—regardless of whether you adopt their feedback—is essential and educates you on becoming an artist,” she emphasizes. Additionally, she encourages individuals to be “well-rounded.” By this, she refers to mastering techniques and having a solid foundation in history, culture, and art. In a similar manner, she underscores the importance of building connections with industry people while studying photography. “In the arts, your skill level is secondary to your connections. For instance, shadowing individuals in roles you aspire to, interning, etc., is immensely vital,” Brown notes. She believes this aspect is crucial for establishing a foothold in the industry.

Finally, it is equally important to acquire video skills. “Enroll in video classes alongside your photography practice. This is essential for securing employment as a photographer today, and it’s something I wish I had pursued more during my time in school.”

Check out her website and her Instagram @kannetha.brown to explore more of her creations.

Jamie Schofield Riva On Being With Like-Minded People

Jamie Schofield Riva is another artist who returned to her passion for photography after years of working as a model and actress. In her early days, she graduated in photography from the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, before taking a hiatus from the art form. Years later, she reignited her love, taking courses at The International Center of Photography. Today, her works have been displayed at Photoville and ICP, and she has been featured in publications such as The Phoblographer, Click and Shots Magazines, and Pearl Press.

During our discussion with Riva, she stresses the importance of obtaining a photography degree or engaging in part-time courses for those initiating a career. In her experience, she attended two photography schools, which yielded a beneficial outcome. However, she clarifies that it ultimately hinges on one’s ambition and what they aim to achieve with such training. “Some individuals require assistance with the technical side, others with the creative element, while some seek to grasp the business facets,” she conveys. “Being able to tailor your curriculum can be advantageous depending on your current stage of life and photographic creation.” If you recognize that a degree would be too costly, then a smaller course might be a more practical option.

can guide you in the appropriate direction. According to Riva, one of the factors behind this is “the encouragement you obtain beyond and even long after you complete a course.” For example, having individuals who appreciate your photographs as artistic expressions can propel you significantly. “As a creator, it is crucial to be surrounded by similar-minded individuals who can offer insights from their experiences, share in your challenges, and provide recommendations and solutions to the numerous inquiries you will inevitably encounter,” she explains.

In addition to ICP photography school, Riva is an active member of The Luupe and Click Pro, a collective space that provides classes, webinars, and portfolio critiques. “You can pose inquiries of all types and receive a wealth of wisdom from fellow professionals who are eager to connect and share,” she claims. Riva also discovered that her training “opened up abundant opportunities for professional advancement,” which encompassed exhibitions, online collections, and career prospects. “In a highly competitive field like ours, these kinds of relationships are invaluable,” she remarks. Ultimately, Riva emphasizes that “finding the right rhythm in your creative journey and adapting that to your needs” can “advance you further than anything else.”

Explore her website and Instagram @j.s.riva to witness more of her artistry.

Larissa Honsek On The Importance of Group Collaborations

Our compilation wraps up with a gifted interdisciplinary artist, Larissa Honsek. As an illustrator and art director, Honsek found herself drawn to image creation, particularly pinhole photography. “After years in the graphic design field, I felt compelled to further my development and delve into another discipline, so I began [studying] part-time,” Honsek shared with us in a prior discussion. “I dedicated one year to mastering the theory and practice of photography while also [discovering] the pinhole camera.”

Today, as she contemplates her time at photography school, Honsek states she had a phenomenal experience. “I believe there are several important elements in photography that continue to hold great relevance even today,” she explains. “One of the pivotal components of your learning journey is your capacity to explore new ideas,” she adds. In Honsek’s view, having a mentor makes a profound impact on your artistic skills. “If your instructor is proficient, they can influence your style and perceptions,” she notes.

Nonetheless, connecting with a group for collective learning and exploration is even more essential. “Consistent group engagements, like participating in photo walks, peer evaluations, or brainstorming sessions during portrait shoots, are incredibly advantageous for your progress and maturation,” Honsek details. As she reveals, the friendships you cultivate are among the few individuals who will invigorate your creativity. Another vital facet is the regularity of these gatherings. “Frequent interactions, for example, cultivate a nurturing learning atmosphere for your aspirations and projects,” Honsek states. “And when you harness the enthusiasm of your peers and the insights of your instructor, you will undoubtedly yield excellent results,” she adds.

Furthermore, one of the key motivating forces for Honsek has been group exhibitions. “With a group show, there’s no turning back. You must navigate the deadline and present varied bodies of work in a manner that honors the photographer,” Honsek elaborates. Ultimately, she believes that photography schools are also about “going out, mentoring one another, and showcasing your work under the guidance of an instructor,” which is what imbues them with immense value. Honsek advises joining a school to be physically engaged and learn alongside fellow students. “The internet has its limitations in fostering such dynamic energy.”

Explore her website and Instagram @larissahonsek and @larissa_honsek to discover more of her work.

We hope that these varied perspectives have aided you in grasping the importance of photography schools. There is much to learn in this realm, and for a significant portion of it, you require support that arises from a foundation of understanding and appreciation.