So as most of you know, I’ve entered my final year of college. And now that it’s begun, I know it’s just going to fly by, like last semester did, so I’m starting to dip my toe into preparing for post-college life.
Jobs.
And networking.
And trying to learn as much as I can so I can be the best candidate for whatever jobs I apply for.
I sent my first networking e-mail to my step-dad’s ex brother in law. He’s some big hot shot in advertising, though he doesn’t know much about photography, so I’m not sure how much of a help he’ll be. But it’s a start. At least it’ll give me practice in talking to people about networking.
I was also talking to Tilda last night and she offered some advice and possible contacts, so I think she’ll be more helpful. So yay for that!
Her first suggestion was to get a job as a photographer’s assistant. Well, I started looking online on like monster.com and stuff to see what people require of assistants, and dude- I don’t know anything.
I have so much to do before I’m ready to get a job in photography.
First of all, I need to start putting together a portfolio. And not just a Black and White print portfolio- I need to start doing my own shit in digital. Because that’s what the corporate world is. I love my old fashioned stuff, but I’m well aware that I’ll be earning money through digital work. And I’m OK with that. I’m a tech nerd- digital is fun too.
I should practice more with Photoshop- I’m pretty good with it, but I never really did figure out “masks.” And there are all these other photo programs I see people list that I should probably learn.
I think I’ll be getting a demo in Lightbox in a few weeks, so that’s cool.
I also need to just seriously learn more photo tech skills. Which is obvious since I’m only in Photo 2. But I need to really familiarize myself with a digital camera. And I’d love to learn medium format digital (though, it’s probably similar, right?).
Lighting is a huge factor. I don’t know shit about lighting or studio work or any of that. And I really need to be in charge of my learning because my school isn’t so thorough. I think we’ll learn a little about lighting this semester, but not a whole lot. Luckily I still have time to take photo 3 and 4. Not that I intend to end my photo education there. ICP(Internation Center of Photography) in the city looked to have some awesome classes and workshops. I wish I had discovered it in December or earlier so I could have taken a workshop over winter break. Oh well. I’m for sure going to keep an eye out for the summer programs.
I’d like to learn about scanning negatives and stuff like that, just so I know how to do it in case a job should need it.
Of course I still want to develop my skill in film photography as well. Oy.
Oh man, I can’t believe how much work I still have to do before I’ll be ready to get a job.
Or even an internship!
You know, everyone always asks me what I want to do when I get out of school, and I’m always so tongue in cheek when I answer= “employed, not living at home, not homeless, not a starving artist.” And really, as an art major, these are things that I strive for! These are actually things I keep in mind when thinking about the job world.
I would love to be a photographer. And I would love to be able to take the right steps to getting there (because I don’t graduate and automatticaly get a job as a photographer).
All I know for sure is that I’m putting in all this time and effort to get a college degree and I damn well want a job that makes actual use of it. No more retail, no temping, no waitressing. I want a career. In art. For as long as I want it.
Oy, becoming an adult is a long, difficult process!
Avah | May 11, 2008
