Photography as a hobby

[TheTravelingSee]

I love doing photography. It's been a passion of mine for the last 8 years at this point. Althougy I would say that I "specialize" in product, food and toy photography, I am open and love all types. For the most part I haven't been paid for the majority of the photography I've done. But I've been hired for two weddings, a wedding boutique photo session, several graudation photoshoots, and by the USMC for their annual Marine Ball (primary photographer). My toy/doll photography has been displayed in exhibitions in the Czech Republic, Spain, Taiwan and the United States. That being said, how would I go about presenting this information on the AMCAS? Is this considered a worthwhile hobby even though I haven't received any notable honors or awards for it? Will adcom think it's generic?

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[AJS59]

I love doing photography. It's been a passion of mine for the last 8 years at this point. Althougy I would say that I "specialize" in product, food and toy photography, I am open and love all types. For the most part I haven't been paid for the majority of the photography I've done. But I've been hired for two weddings, a wedding boutique photo session, several graudation photoshoots, and by the USMC for their annual Marine Ball (primary photographer). My toy/doll photography has been displayed in exhibitions in the Czech Republic, Spain, Taiwan and the United States. That being said, how would I go about presenting this information on the AMCAS? Is this considered a worthwhile hobby even though I haven't received any notable honors or awards for it? Will adcom think it's generic?

I'd say include it. It makes you unique, better than someone who just says they "like to go to gym" or "go run." Plus the art of photography dovetails in very nicely with a lot of considerations in medicine.

 

[LunaOri]

it’s worthwhile to list as a hobby/freelance job. You have actually accomplished quite a bit, and should have some stories to tell!

 

[Goro]

Adcoms like to see hobbies. It shows that you're a human being.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I hope you get paid for your freelancing (occasionally). May some of your future classmates (or faculty) hire you for their private parties and functions. Just speak from the heart why you enjoy photos of toys or whatnot. Don't feel you need to justify it.

 

[Catalystik]

I love doing photography. It's been a passion of mine for the last 8 years at this point. Althougy I would say that I "specialize" in product, food and toy photography, I am open and love all types. For the most part I haven't been paid for the majority of the photography I've done. But I've been hired for two weddings, a wedding boutique photo session, several graudation photoshoots, and by the USMC for their annual Marine Ball (primary photographer). My toy/doll photography has been displayed in exhibitions in the Czech Republic, Spain, Taiwan and the United States. That being said, how would I go about presenting this information on the AMCAS? Is this considered a worthwhile hobby even though I haven't received any notable honors or awards for it? Will adcom think it's generic?

You might also consider listing this as an Artistic Endeavor. Describe it just as you have here.

 

[LindaAccepted]

I love doing photography. It's been a passion of mine for the last 8 years at this point. Althougy I would say that I "specialize" in product, food and toy photography, I am open and love all types. For the most part I haven't been paid for the majority of the photography I've done. But I've been hired for two weddings, a wedding boutique photo session, several graudation photoshoots, and by the USMC for their annual Marine Ball (primary photographer). My toy/doll photography has been displayed in exhibitions in the Czech Republic, Spain, Taiwan and the United States. That being said, how would I go about presenting this information on the AMCAS? Is this considered a worthwhile hobby even though I haven't received any notable honors or awards for it? Will adcom think it's generic?

This is a distinctive hobby, and you've gone about it in a passionate and distinctive way. Definitely include it at least as one of your activities on the AMCAS. Where and how to include it? I'd frankly need more information about other activities that you've participated in, but my vote is to include. It will set you apart.

 

[boogiecousins94]

If you are comfortable having your photos online/if you have an online portfolio you could always put a link to it. I did that for residency and fellowship applications and multiple people I interviewed told me they looked at it-sparked a lot of convos!

 

[winder333]

As you said, though you’ve been a photographer for just a few years, you were the only photographer for the USMC Marine Ball, you carry photographic portfolios with you that has been exhibited in multiple countries so of course you have a lot to write on the AMCAS application form.

When presenting this, the key aspect should be the new things about your inning as a photographer, peculiarities of the shoots you took, for instance, wedding and graduation events. It could also turn the tables and show that you are not a one dimensional candidate and you possess a lot of experiences.

And actually, it’s okay if you don’t have really grand honors or other accomplishments in your life. Committees especially value genuine interests and the passion driven behind them. You only have to tell two or three incidents in your own life that have helped shape you into who you are. It’ll help them get to know you as a person as opposed to a student, and that’s what they want!