The least expensive tuition is at the American Academy of Art for $15,900 including fees as well and for living on campus, I’m still not sure how much it costs, but you can always live around the school area walking distance. American Academy of Art offers a Bachelor’s Degree — which is 4 years in Photography. Some of the more expensive private schools, such as School of the Art Institute of Chicago traditionally cost overall is $62,710 and also offers Bachelor’s Degree, Post-Bachelor’s Degree, and a Masters Degree. In my major (photography) there are only a Bachelor’s Degree and a Graduate Program.

Alonso Balderas is a Digital/ AP photography teacher at Morton East High School. He is very passionate about his job. He loves teaching students and in love with photography. He’s a genuine person, but he also doesn’t go easy on you. If there is something off about the photograph that seems off, he’ll tell you, he would hold back. Feedback is good, that’s how you learn and get better.

How many years have you been working at Morton East High School as a photography teacher?

He started in 1998, he worked at Morton East high school 21 years about to be 22 years.

Can you tell me about your background and how you got into to be a photography teacher?

Mr. Balderas was first a theater teacher when he started at Morton and he always wanted to be a teacher, he just didn’t know what kind of teacher he wanted to be. He also loved photography, so he got a degree in art.

Did you always know you wanted to be a photography teacher or was there something else you wanted to be before.

Alonso Balderas always wanted to be a teacher, he just didn’t know what kind of teacher he wanted to be at the moment.

What do you think the future holds for people in your field?

Since everybody thinks they’re a photographer and thinking having a cell phone and one click of a button and automatically thinks they’re a photographer but once everybody knows how its more than that he does think it would start to pick back up because the photographer industry was really doing bad.

What are the biggest challenges in your job?

Staying motivated and getting your students to be motivated.

What personal characteristic is required for someone to be successful in your job?

You have to care about people, you have to believe in yourself. Be strong you can do did.

Are there many opportunities in your field?

There are not many as it should be. Mr. Balderas had to wait for someone to retire to get this job. What should people do to get started? Shoot (Photo-shoot) as much as you can. Look up tutorials on YouTube and no matter what don’t give up.