Pros & Cons of Formal Photography Education – A Humber College Perspective

With cameras at our fingertips—whether digital, DSLR, mirrorless, or simply a smartphone—it’s fair to wonder whether investing in a formal photography education is worth the cost. As someone who spent two years studying Creative Photography at Humber College, I’ve been asked that exact question more times than I can count.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The value of post-secondary photography training depends on your goals, learning style, and career path. In this post, I’ll draw on my own experiences to outline five advantages and five drawbacks of pursuing a formal photography program. While I firmly believe in the benefits of a structured education, I also recognize that many photographers build thriving careers without it. Here’s my balanced take on the subject.

THE ADVANTAGES

1. Structured Learning Environment
College photography programs offer a step-by-step curriculum that builds your skills from the ground up. You start by mastering camera basics—shutter speed, aperture, ISO—before moving on to advanced techniques and post-production workflows. I still recall my first semester, where I spent weeks experimenting with exposure settings. That systematic approach gave me the confidence to control my camera in any situation.

2. Access to Professional Gear and Facilities
Studying on campus opens the door to top-tier equipment you might never afford on your own. From fully studios with coves and and lighting rigs to darkrooms and high-end editing suites, you get hands-on time with industry-standard tools. During my program, I tested countless lenses, strobes, and modifiers—each new piece of gear expanded my creative toolkit.

3. Exposure to a Wide Range of Styles
College assignments push you to explore genres you might never try solo. Through portrait, landscape, fashion, documentary, and experimental projects, you learn new techniques and discover what truly resonates with you. One memorable assignment had me shoot environmental portraits: I dabbled in creative lighting setups, composition tricks, and storytelling—elements that remain central to my work today.

4. Built-In Networking and Mentorship

When you study photography, you’re surrounded by peers, instructors, and guest professionals who share your passion. These relationships often turn into collaborations, internships, and referrals. I still collaborate with classmates I met at Humber College, and my instructors have provided ongoing mentorship—opening doors to countless opportunities, and paid projects.

5. Curated Portfolio Development

A strong portfolio is your calling card, and college gives you structured opportunities to build it. Regular critiques, group exhibitions, and portfolio reviews help you refine your best work. Presenting my images at our end-of-year show was a game-changer: I received feedback from industry insiders and left with a polished collection that showcased my growth and versatility.

THE DRAWBACKS

1. Cost of Education
Investing in a formal photography program can be expensive. Tuition, equipment fees, and supplies quickly add up—and scholarships or financial aid aren’t always available. Before you commit, carefully weigh the potential return on investment and explore lower-cost alternatives (online courses, workshops, or mentorships) if the sticker price feels prohibitive.

2. Significant Time Commitment
Post-secondary programs demand a heavy time commitment. Between lectures, assignments, and critiques, it can be difficult to balance school with part-time work, family responsibilities, or personal projects. During my two years at Humber, I often found myself spread thin—while I gained invaluable skills, I had less opportunity to build freelance experience or develop my own creative portfolio outside of class.

3. Limited Business Training
Most photography programs emphasize technical and creative skills, often dedicating only a small portion of the curriculum to the business side of the craft. Although my own program included a single business course, I found there was much more to learn about marketing yourself, managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and nurturing client relationships. These critical skills are honed through real-world experience—and supplemented by workshops, online resources, or mentorship. If you choose to pursue a formal program, plan to augment your studies with additional business training so you’re fully prepared to run a successful photography venture should you choose to do so.

4. A Crowded Job Market
The photography world is highly competitive, and a diploma alone doesn’t guarantee work. Many successful photographers are self-taught or have built careers through internships, networking, and personal projects. After graduation, I discovered the importance of continuously updating my skills, embracing new trends, and cultivating professional relationships to stand out in a saturated field.

5. Rigid Curriculum
College programs offer structure—but that structure can feel restrictive if your passions lie in specialized niches. While I appreciated the comprehensive foundation my program provided, I craved deeper exploration of beauty and fashion photography, which wasn’t a core part of the syllabus. To pursue my specific interests, I supplemented my education with targeted workshops, online tutorials, and industry mentorships.

With that being said…

Formal education in photography brings undeniable strengths—structured learning, access to professional gear, exposure to diverse styles, built-in networking, and portfolio development. Yet the financial cost, time demands, gaps in business training, fierce job market, and one-size-fits-all curriculum are important trade-offs.

Whether you choose the college route or carve your own path with workshops, online courses, and hands-on experience, your success will hinge on continuous learning, adaptability, and a solid understanding of both creative and business fundamentals. For me, the investment was absolutely worth it—and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Your passion, dedication, and willingness to keep growing are what truly define your journey as a photographer.