Photography or not

I used to be amazed at how professional photographers have Degrees in Photography because it is not easy by any standard.

And i have been giving it some thought.

I am confused as to whether i should take a Diploma in photography and then proceed to having a Degree because i do not want to be like those random people who buys expensive cameras because they are interested in photography but not to the extend of having a certificate to prove that they are really a professional.

No. I'm not saying that i want a certificate in photography just to show off to people that i am a certified photographer but more of a seriousness in this line because first off, semi-professional or professional cameras are by far not cheap. And the lens that comes with it cost more than the cameras itself. (Those high-end, first party one lah. )

And secondly, i feel like some knowledge is missing when i take photos and the satisfaction of taking a great photo is not there.

Furthermore, i want to be able to have the knowledge of troubleshooting when some shots are not perfect.

And i used to think that by just getting a DSLR and attending a few same and mundane all-you-need-to-know-about-photography (or so they say) courses, i am already on my way to become a good photographer.

Well, practice plays a part too but in my circle or school friends, i'm the only one who has been attending chapalang courses and knowing about the AV/TV. And it also doesn't help that some lecturers has their SLRs stuffed high up in their noses.

I want to take my photography to the next level and i have always had this thinking that i can always fall back on my photographic skills to earn money if i were to get bored with my Engineering job. It's sort of like making moolah doing with doing what you loved.

Anyway, if all goes well, i should (hopefully) be taking up the (part time) courses once i am done with my Engineering diploma.

(=