Photo schools and salaries in the NE???

[ScottTsiaras]

Asking this question for a friend; she is rather into photography and
was wondering on the career aspects...are there any good schools in the
NorthEast (New England) area, and where can she find out the salaries of
professional photographers in the area? Her interests are mainly
nature (landscape/scenic) and architectural photography..thanks for any
help!

[Gordon Moat]

Strictly doing photography as a profession may be a difficult endeavour. It
would be better to learn some digital editing (like PhotoShop), and perhaps
add in design skills. Having the talent to compose a good photo can easily
lead to learning good layout skills for design.

Some other routes to explore would be photographing for stock agencies.
Many of these companies are saturated with images, so likely many
rejections before getting listed. Doing architectural photography is a
speciality, so perhaps the images could be interesting enough to get
regular work. I have a few construction companies that do custom remodels.
That kept me fairly busy last year.

The landscape and scenic route would be a bit more difficult route to make
money. Setting yourself apart from other landscape photographers may be
tough. Once again, offering a different viewpoint may be the way to go.

She should not look at strictly specializing. A variety of work in her
portfolio can lead to the work she wants to do, and should not be ignored.
When she learns to photograph people well, it can lead to more work.
Corporate clients (businesses) rarely want to use stock photography; they
want a view of their company, including buildings, products, and people.

Unless she already has lots of equipment, sticking to two bodies, and a few
lenses may be a good way to practice. Getting good with her existing
equipment will help her decide what to get next, and not before it is
needed. If she goes to a school, they will provide her with an equipment
list, and possibly equipment she can check out to use. Doing well composed
shots with limited equipment may help her get noticed.

If she goes to a school, the instructors may be a great source for finding
work. At reputable schools, these individuals are required to be working
professionals. She should also not be worried about assisting professional
photographers, since there is quite a bit that can be learned.

Last, do not strictly think that a photography school is the only way to
get into photography as a profession. Graphic Design training can help.
Formal art training, or an art degree, can be very useful. A good
background in composition, colour theory, and historical perspectives can
lead one to take better photos.

Best of luck to you, and her.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
Alliance Graphique Studio
<http://www.allgstudio.com>