Is it okay?

curiouss · #1 10-23-2001, 06:04 PM

That if I major in Fine Arts (Photography), instead of majoring in something typical or brainy like Business or Chemistry?

I am thinking of changing my major to that. And, I strongly feel that I want to become a photojournalist more than anything I thought of. However, I think that my family and friends will hit the ceiling. And I don't won't the reputation of being a dumba$$, because I don't have an "acedemic" major.

IowaHawkeye · #2 10-23-2001, 06:12 PM

here's somthing i follow:

do what you love, regardless of what others want you to do. it's your life to live it as you wish - if fine arts will make you happy - do that!!!!

DGPhoney · #3 10-23-2001, 06:13 PM

I think it's perfectly fine if you don't have a "academic" major. Do what you think will make you happy. So what if it's not academic and it's arts. Why later on in life be un happy because you are fufilling your academic major career and it not being what you want. When you can do what you want in the field you want and to be happy.
I mean I understand the parents issue, my parents geeked out on me when I decided I didn't want to be a Pre - Med Major, but I am glad i changed it, I like the major that I have now, compared to being miserable in something that I was only half hearted about.
So in saying all that I wish you luck and happy decisions
DGPhoney~

Optimist Prime · #4 10-23-2001, 06:15 PM

I don't have an academic major either. It was theter but now is doubled with philosophy. So there. Don't worry about being a dumbass. Every family needs at least one.

amycat412 · #5 10-23-2001, 06:17 PM

You will do better academically in something you love, so consider that too.

I was a BFA in college and at first I felt silly too-- $30K a year to paint and draw and write poetry and critique films?? But, I LOVED it and I learned way more than I would have if I had been an accounting major because I was actually interested in what I was learning.

As they say -- do what you love, the money will follow.

And life is way too short to spend a moment of it pursuing a path that does not make you happy.

Amy

greeklawgirl · #6 10-23-2001, 06:23 PM

I have nothing to add to the excellent advice already given, but I'm going to throw my 2 cents in anyway: Follow your bliss, and success is sure to follow!

curiouss · #7 10-23-2001, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by amycat412

As they say -- do what you love, the money will follow.

And that's the very thing my parents have issues about, MONEY. It won't make me rich.

But, isn't the pay descent, at least?

DeltAlum · #8 10-23-2001, 06:44 PM

Photojournalists can do very well -- but it generally takes a fair amount of time to establish a reputation and get into the better paying jobs -- starting small and working up.

I don't know where you go to school, but the Visual Communications program at Ohio University in Athens has a number of former National Geographic photographers and photo editors on the faculty.

The program, while fairly young, has turned out two or three Pulitzer Prize winners in newspaper photography.

When my daughter took the course, her visiting professor in news photography was the woman who won the Pulitzer for the "Challenger" explosion picture we're all so familiar with.

End of commercial. Good luck.

amycat412 · #9 10-23-2001, 06:46 PM

I make decent money as a writer. I hope to make phenomenal money soon.

I have no idea what photojournalists make, but my guess is you'd do just fine once established. Prior to that, WE ALL struggle.

You really MUST do what you love-- if you don't what may happen is you spend 5 years working as an accountant, realize you are totally unhappy and depressed because you hate it and go back to school for fine arts. I've seen this happen to more than one friend who did not listen to their hearts when choosing a major and career.

ladybug1116 · #10 10-23-2001, 07:58 PM

i just have to say that i agree with what everyone else has advised. i will graduate in december with a degree in music and have never regretted my choice

good luck with your decision!

RowdyRed · #11 10-23-2001, 09:57 PM

It's not always what you major in that makes a difference in your future $$$ - you can minor in journalism or business (depending on your school) and you should also try to hold internships and part-time jobs that are a little broader than your "love" of photography. Major in whatever you want, but don't have tunnel vision. By the way, I 'm getting my personal portraits done by a photographer that started out as a photojournalist - his photos are so unique and well known - he charges through the roof - don't assume an artistic career won't pay well. You can make lots of money off of almost anythign you do well.

pbpck · #12 10-24-2001, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by curiouss
That if I major in Fine Arts (Photography), instead of majoring in something typical or brainy like Business or Chemistry?

I am thinking of changing my major to that. And, I strongly feel that I want to become a photojournalist more than anything I thought of. However, I think that my family and friends will hit the ceiling. And I don't won't the reputation of being a dumba$$, because I don't have an "acedemic" major.

Yes, your parents may freak out initially. But if you asked them which matters more, money or their daughter's happiness...I am sure you will get the answer you want. Honestly, college is about growing into the person you want to become. Half of the college prep idea is not academic, it's the maturity gained through every day interaction with peers. Put things into perspective. While many people choose a "safe" major, those are the people who tend to end up smack in the middle of a midlife crises if it wasn't what they wanted to do. Think "Office Space." Peter Gibbons probably became a CS major because it would ensure him a paycheck. You never want to look back and regret things...(stealing money from the company or blowing up the place...ok..sorry for all the Office Space references!)

You have but a few years in this world to write your page, add your verse in the book of life...so make that passage as dynamic and passionate as it can be. If people were to read ever read that proverbial book, would what was written be what you desired? What do you have to loose? If you respect yourself and are doing what you truly believe you love then no one has any right to criticize you. You would be doing what many are afraid to do. So often, people take the safe route, never knowing their full potential. So in conclusion, I agree with everyone else.

James · #13 10-24-2001, 02:55 AM

Backing it up with a minor in computer science or graphic arts might not be a bad idea. Sort of hedge your bets.

justamom · #14 10-24-2001, 06:58 AM

No better advice than what you've been given... The back up is a good idea. Amycat is right as well-Do what you love and the money will follow.

I have a degree in Education...it was the WRONG major and I only taught for 1 (ONE) year.

juniorgrrl · #15 10-24-2001, 09:05 AM

Considering what I paid for my senior portraits (about $250 for a small package - I had friends spend upwards of $900), photographers can make pretty good money. Weddings, babies, high school seniors...it can add up if you have your own studio and build a good rep.

I'm kinda hedging my bets with an undergrad in MIS and going to law schoool. I figure at best case, the two can work together (intellectual property/internet law) and worst case, I only use one of them.

My advice: Don't major in Computer Science if you think you just like working with computers. Using the internet, building websites and other stuff is NOT the same as programming in C, Assembly, LiSP, etc. I learned that one the hard way.