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The Major Stressing Series: How
to Choose Your Major I discovered my love for photography purely by accident. My sophomore year in high school, my best friend told me photo lab was an easy A. I figured I'd give it a try. As expected, the class was pretty easy. We weren't able to do anything complex because the principal was afraid we'd electrocute ourselves while using the darkroom. But I didn't let that stop me from learning: I took books out of the library to learn how to use a darkroom and practiced as often as I could. I continued taking photography classes through the rest of my high school career. When I graduated I was known as the "photo geek," the girl who spent all her free time in the darkroom. But I didn't care; I had found my life's passion. How many other high-school seniors could say that? What I learn in my photography classes is different than what people may think. I'm not just learning about photography — I'm learning skills that will help me throughout my life. To be a photographer, you need to be aggressive and quick thinking. You can't learn that stuff by sitting in a classroom. Photography is something you have to perform and experience; not all majors can make that claim. To me, taking the picture is the most challenging aspect of photography. After all, anyone can press a button on a camera. I look for interesting subjects and angles. I ignore the obvious and take what some say is the unusual side of usual things, by looking past the surface of the object to discover a hidden side to it. I try to find what people miss by just taking a quick glance. The darkroom is like a drug, and I'm hopelessly addicted to it. I'm usually a horribly impatient person, but for some reason I have patience for everything related to photography. I'm able to develop film and print pictures without getting bored and leaving to do something else. I can spend hours in the darkroom and not even realize it. In fact, I feel relaxed and satisfied when I develop film. My classmates always seem frustrated and tense, but for me the darkroom is an escape. What intrigues me most about photography is seeing the image of a print slowly appear in the developer. To me, watching the silver, gray, black and white tones of the image appear on what started as a blank sheet of paper is the most amazing part of the developing process. Ever since I made my first print I haven't been able to stop. Telling my parents that I wanted a career in photography, however, was not all fun and games. My dad was my strongest supporter, but my mom told me she'd rather I do something else for a living because she didn't want to have to support me for the rest of my life. I respect her feelings and understand why she's hesitant to accept it. I figure I only have one life to live, though, so I might as well do what I want with it. I don't mind having little money, as long as I'm doing what I love. I've considered other occupations, but nothing appeals to me nearly as much. If photography has been able to hold my attention for the past four years, I know I'm destined to stick with it. I chose photography as my major for two simple reasons: I like it and it's fun. I can't sit behind a desk all day and stare vacantly at a computer screen. That's why photography is perfect for me. I'm able to move around and see everyday things in ways that other people could never imagine. Choosing a major is always difficult. I went with what I liked best and what I felt I would get the most out of. I didn't make some complex decision — I just followed my heart. Love this
column? Hate it? Tell
us all about it. The Major Stressing Series: How
to Choose Your Major © 2000 Student Advantage, Inc. |
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