Expert: Erin Reid Coker - 5/3/2009

Question
Erin,

I've wanted to work in sports journalism since middle school.   I recently dropped out of a four year liberal arts school because of a personal crisis, and the fallout has left me an ashamed denizen of my mother's basement.

I'm looking at a few art schools on the web, but a lot of them seem to lack real credibility.  

Do you have any advice?  Would it be better to see if I can't get an apprentice/intern-ship?

I think I have some very real talent as a photographer, and I'd gladly send you a digital copy of my portfolio.  

I'm just trying to find my way.

Answer
Great questions and at least you have your sense of humor to get you along in these rough times!  I can't speak of too many online schools that offer photography so you are on your own there...where are you from?

Depending on where you live, you may want to drop an email to the photo editor or photographer at the local papers.  The state of many papers are gloomy these days but be persistent on trying to freelance for them.  Send them your portfolio, and send me one too!  Work on your craft by shooting some local sports and getting to know local athletic directors.  Maybe do some investigations on who covers the booster clubs or yearbook photos for the local high schools and pick up some work there.

This all depends on where you live and what's available I guess.  Most importantly, don't give up and DO NOT work for free.  We all need to realize that our work is worthy of being paid for.

Going back to school certainly would help with your chances of landing a job and certainly may help you network some.  If you are very talented already then you may already have an advantage.  You also may already be aware that newspapers are hurting and photo jobs are scarce to say the least.

It's tough out there.  I have been in the biz for over 11 years and could lose my job at the paper any day!