PHOTOGRAPHY: Turning a Passion Into a Career

olleen Gutwein O’Neal is a photographer and curator from the Northeastern United States. O’Neal’s work is focused on the human experience through personal engagement, using photography as a way to build lasting relationships within her community. We caught up with her and asked her to answer a few questions about her career and find out what you can do with a photography degree.

DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO MAJOR IN PHOTOGRAPHY?

I didn’t take a photography class until I got to college. Before college I saw photography only as one of many artistic mediums and opted instead to take my electives in painting and philosophy. I spent a lot of time in the summer between high school and college with a friend who was a photography major at Rowan, and this rekindled my interest in the medium. After that, I took an Introduction to Photography class my freshman year and once I was re-submerged in the darkroom, I knew a photography degree was for me. However, I still explored other mediums as well as language, philosophy, math, and science to incorporate all of it into my work.

ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS WHO LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY?

If you are a student and love photography, awesome! Keep loving it! Careers in photography are wide-ranging. If you are interested in the technical aspects of the craft, you could find work as a product photographer. If you love documentary style work and being around people and events, wedding photography could be a great opportunity to hone in on your craft or start your own business.

Alternatively, you can reject “making a product” and consider how photography is harnessed within the art world, create documentary content, or support non-profit groups or activist causes. There are so many opportunities within the field, but you must be willing to hustle.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE FUTURE OF PHOTOGRAPHERS?

Thinking about the future of photography is exciting! It’s such a young medium especially when we think of it on the same scale of painting, which has been an artistic expression created by humans tens of thousands of years ago.

I think photography can surprise us in the art world, and forever change the way we view each other and societies across the globe. As traditional photography jobs seem to be waning, the medium has been made accessible to huge portions of the population through camera phones, and we are able to share our experiences globally with social media.

WHAT MAKES A PHOTOGRAPHER “GOOD”?

What makes a photographer “good” is a loaded question. Is it something your parents or your teachers taught you? Is it something that you feel when you look at an image? I believe we are coming into an age where traditional aesthetics are no longer held as the highest importance.

What you do with your work is more meaningful. A good photographer has nothing to do with the quality of images, Instead, it has to do with the intent of the work and the ethics of the photographer. We are not creating work in a vacuum; we have a great deal of responsibility every time we pick up our cameras.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE FUTURE OF ART?

I think that the future of art is determined by those who do the work, meaning artists, critics, and organizations that hold true to their missions and consistently create. Art allows us to see beyond ourselves and our own expectations, allowing us to reach further and enter worlds we have never even dreamed of. Through this, we're able to pull new ideas into our current state of being. •

Interdisciplinary Arts.

Core arts courses + your customized path.

With classes in: Art, Dance, Film, Game Design, Media, Music, And Theatre.

In My Own Words

Why Did You Choose to Attend LIPA and Choose this Major?

I chose to study BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting and Performance) at LIPA because the program was unlike anything I had seen in the United States and it seemed like a great place for someone to focus on and curate their art in a collaborative setting. Plus, I’ve always wanted to study abroad in England!

What Did You Hope to Get Out of This Program, and Did You Achieve It?

I wanted to do a lot of music collaboration and get more experience and knowledge in singing and the music industry. I have learned a lot about music and the industry so far and have been able to collaborate with other songwriters, producers, and live bands! LIPA is a great place for working with other musicians and artists.

Did You Have To Prepare for This Major in Any Way? If Not, Do You Wish You Had?

I was able to study music at Interlochen Arts Academy for the last two years of high school, and that definitely prepared me to be immersed in an artistic environment that requires a lot of focus and dedication to your craft. Also, as an international student, I did a lot of research into the city and school, to make sure I was all set when I got to Liverpool. The International Team supported me in answering questions and with visa guidance, which helped a lot.

What Is a Typical Day at LIPA Like?

A typical day at LIPA for me consists of a couple seminars about music or songwriting and the business side of things and a band rehearsal or two. I have a one-to-one voice lesson every week, and then usually time to practice or catch up on assignments. LIPA is a place that values and encourages you to focus on your individual career goals, so you can build your schedule outside of class time to fit your needs!

What Has Been the Most Memorable Moment of Your Time at LIPA?

I would say doing my first live performance at LIPA with a full band. It’s so wonderful getting to meet and work with people from all over the world, and my first performance was so much fun because I was sharing the stage with my friends and getting to share the music we created together.

What Advice Do You Have for Teens Looking for the Right College?

Go with your gut. I was indecisive about which college to choose for most of my senior year. I knew LIPA was the right choice for me because when I found out I had been accepted, I couldn’t stop smiling and thinking about the prospect of studying there. You will know when a school is going to be the right fit for you! And most of all, trust that you will make a good decision. You’ve made it this far, be proud of yourself for that.