I have to agree with going to Brooks. I graduated in 1989 and have never had a technical issue that I was not able to solve. Yeah, some of the assignments are very boring, however I still use the lessons learned on a daily basis. My folks still remind me of the costs. Art Center is also a great choice. The great thing about going to school in California, unlimited rental resources, great locales, and wonderful light.

I learned on film but I have applied this to digital. Photoshop was not available in '89 so we learned how to fix things before we shot. Having digital now is icing on the cake.

Some of the teachers were boring, but the upper division commercial instructors were the best. That is when it was fun and I really learned.

RIT is a pretty good school if you're interested in learning
but the place is boring.

www.rit.edu

RIT had a good ad / fine art program there.

i'm currently @ RIT right now and i think they had a lot of good cameras, lighting, digital backs, macs, labs etc

however it's in quarter system, not semester

I am also attending Brooks. It is a great school if you are totally dedicated to photography. As the guy before stated... some of the assignments are boring, but you know your techniques in and out when you leave. As for fine art, no, that is not emphasized at Brooks but, readily available. California is great, but expensive, as is the school. If photography is in your heart, you will find a way to continue, even without a degree. Good Luck. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. www.serenandjason.com

quote:

Originally posted by lauren:
[qb] I am currently a freshman at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. I absolutely hate it. I'm doing foundation year, but I also got into a sophmore photo class. It is basically the same thing I took sophmore year in high school. We even have the same book! I understood that going here meant I would repeat a few things, but I didn't think it would take until the end of junior year to pick up where I left off. I want to transfer out, but I don't know where.

I am interested in all kinds of photography, but I would like to do fine art and advertising.

My question to everyone is, what do you think the best photography schools are and why? [/qb]

Lauren,
Another important question to ask is if you plan on going to grad school. If you do, then skip the community colleges, Hallmark, and SCAD (they have some accreditation issues). There are many excellent fine arts schools that haven't been listed here: ASU in Phoenix, SVA in NYC, California College of Arts & Crafts, Temple, VCU, etc. You may also have to choose which is more important to you, fine art or advertising. Most schools will emphasize one over the other. Good luck!

Thanks for everyone's advice. I have decided to transfer to SVA in the fall. I'm so excited!

quote:

Originally posted by lauren:
[qb] Thanks for everyone's advice. I have decided to transfer to SVA in the fall. I'm so excited!

[/qb]

I'm transferring in 3rd year, how about you? See you there.

Theresa Franks
I think the best photography schools are the ones that focus on photography. As you know there are many schools that frustrate students because they have to take all those other liberal arts or humanities courses that don't focus on there career path.
Hallmark Institute of Photography in Turners Falls Massachusetts teaches only photography and the business of photography. It is intense and students never complain about not being challenged believe me. It is total immursion into all aspects of photography with a reality based grading system. They have all full time professional photographers who love to teach as instructors instead of a professional teacher who occasionally takes a photograph. Are you looking to be challanged?

quote:

If you do, then skip the community colleges, Hallmark, and SCAD (they have some accreditation issues).

I realize that this reply is way dated but this needs to be addressed. SCAD does not have accreditation issues as you can see from their website.

http://www.scad.edu/about/college/accreditation.cfm

Its the same accreditation that UGA and Georgia Tech use.

I realize this is an old thread but if anyone is lurking here and considering going to Hallmark I'd be glad to share my experience with you.

I graduated from the Hallmark Institute of Photography back in 2005.

Prior to attending Hallmark as an adult student I had a successful 20 year career in graphic design and programming.

When I was looking for a school I looked at all the schools available and decided that Hallmark was the best choice for me and my situation.

It was a valuable educational experience and my photography career is taking off as a result of my training and the connections the school has provided.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

http://www.waynewallace.com