The biggest danger:

Indoctrination of certain beliefs, instead of being able to pursue your own (genius) artistic vision.

For example, if Kanye went to art school or music school, I would be you a trillion dollars that his artwork wouldn’t be as interesting as it is today.

If Elon Musk got his MBA, he wouldn’t be the successful entrepreneur and businessperson he is today.

If Leonardo da Vinci went to art school, I’m sure he wouldn’t be allowed to pursue engineering to the extent that he did on his own.

The structure of art school

There is a difference between school and the (brutal and bloodthirsty) capitalistic world.

First of all:

Just because you succeed and thrive in the academic school world doesn’t mean you will success and thrive in the bloodthirsty capitalist world.

Also,

One should never go to art or photography school if one will go into debt.

Debt is the devil. If you can go to art school or photography school for free, sure — why not. But assuming you gotta pay out of pocket, or worse, go into crippling debt, say no.

Do you desire to become an entrepreneur?

I believe society needs more interesting entrepreneur-heroes.

In today’s “less martial” world, most of us won’t enter life-threatening combat. The ancient Greeks sought glory and “success” on the battlefield. In today’s world, it seems we want glory on the socio-economic battlefield.

In America, it seems we care more for money, fame, and ‘success’ than social standing (what the French, English, and Europeans crave). Also we Americans desire freedom:

‘Financial freedom’
‘Location independence’
To become a ‘digital nomad’

It does seem the trend now is towards minimalism, simplicity, and “eco-friendly” (or leaving a smaller footprint on the earth). Assuming this is the case, consider yourself an entrepreneur-hero. You gotta have the COURAGE to pursue your passion, and the courage to blaze your own path. To go to art school/photography school actually seems the ‘easy way out’– you want a teacher to “guide” you and tell you what to do.

In praise of self-teaching yourself (autodidact)

I’d say keep it simpler:

Learn photography on the internet (technical things, how to operate a camera, etc).
Philosophize on photography and art yourself (what you consider beautiful vs ugly)
Think about what you really want to achieve with your photography (do you really want to travel the world? Become rich via your passion? Have exhibits? etc.)