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seeking qualifications in photography
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mickyblueeyes wrote:
Many thanks Paul and Euqlan for your replies, I guess I just thought a qualification, would make people more attracted to hiring a photographer. I have worked as a chef for over 12 years now and with my knowledge in food presentation would love to start a little business, doing food photography. Just small scale, such as photos of dishes for menues/ leaflets/ posters/ brochures for restaurants or maybe for some local, small magazines etc. I also thought a formal education in photography would give me an insight into this niche and also more confidence to persue this dream. Maybe I’m mad who knows!!!?? :roll:
That sounds specifically like product/advertising, photography (maybe a little bit of graphics too, if you were to consider designing the menu/leaflet/brochure design yourself) I’m sure if you have a look in the back of some of the photography magazines you might see specific courses for this type of thing.
I’m studying photography at HND level, and I can honestly say it’s one of the best things I have ever done. I didn’t know the first thing about photography when I started (not that I know heaps now, far from it) I had very little understanding of how a camera worked, or what settings to use, or how to approach a subject, none of those things…
I had no idea what to expect from the course, we spent the first six months almost entirely in the darkroom, making prints from film which we processed ourselves. I’d never done anything like that before, and I learned a lot from it.
You mentioned, your hobby in digital photography, shooting film is maybe something you hadn’t considered, but if you do some sort of formal course, you’ll most likely find yourself doing lots of things you hadn’t thought about.Andy Glass and Benedict Campbell are two photographers worth having a look at, they both work quite a bit in advertising and both do some amazing digital work. They both also place a huge amount of value on the work they did on film in the early years of their careers, Glass did some kind of aireal photography, all shot on transparency, and he said it was the best lesson in exposure he’d ever had.
Campbell worked as a printer, for David Bailey for a while, I think, and he too said he learned a huge amount from that, he also said he felt that some young photographers coming through today who hadn’t ever worked with film, lacked understanding.I don’t mean that to sound as if I’m preaching about film… Just trying to stress a point.
Michella wrote:
We are expected to take our own initiative at the college anyway. The only advantage was that we were set some assignments and deadlines, and it gives an idea of how you really must prepare in the real photography world. Of course, a club would run competitions that you could always get the feedback and challenges from.
I won’t even start on the problems I had with the college, such as lack of facilities, overcrowding of classes etc.
I think, although to be fair, I don’t know because I don’t belong to a camera club and I’ve never entered a camera club competition, but I think the two would be quite different…
There is a lot of research, planning and experimental work that goes into a college assignment, not that I’m saying it wouldn’t for a club competition, I’m sure it does, just maybe not on the same scale, I think the brief (one of the things Si stresses as being important) for an assignment would have some requirements that a competition wouldn’tI think most colleges have the same problems, you just have to be prepared to work around them and be willing to work quite a bit on your own, time with lecturers can be very limited, but I’ve never been turned away any time I’ve asked for help.
You’ll also learn a lot from other students, and probably make some very good friends too, it’s very motivating to be working along with a group of like minded people, it kind of pushes you a bit.
You’ll also have access to a library, darkroom, studio, equipment, big printers etc…Allinthemind wrote:
The amount of “qualified” people that have been to visit and had such a poor understanding of what they were doing was unbelievable. This includes photography degrees! If anyone hires a photographer based on qualifications alone, then they are a fool.
I don’t think that’s just limited to photography (or graphics), I’ve worked with and met people on different courses that had degrees in Sports Science and Anatomy, but had very poor awareness and would struggle to get across even the most basic points of an exercise programme for clients…
It’s up to the individual what they get out of a course, some popele coast along, do the absolute minimum to get by, others get really stuck in and work hard, it’s the same as everything else…Like I said, I love my course, it is one of the best things I’ve ever done, and I know lots of other people who have gone back to college with a view to changing their career and they say the same thing.
It is hard work, and as one person I know keeps telling me “it’s a test of stamina” but I do think it’s worth it.If that’s what you want and you feel strongly about it, then there is nothing to stop you, it probably won’t be enough to get you a job, but hopefully you will be able to build a strong portfolio along the way.
Sorry for going on a bit…
Sinead
Hi to all
Thankyou so much everyone for your time to reply to my question. I was overwhelmed by the responses. I have started a home study course in photography, just to dicipline myself in doing assignments etc and hopefully get a little feed back on my photographs. I also take my camera everywhere, when out walking and if away on trips etc. I started veering from using automatic and semi-automatic to trying full manual controls on the camera, and it is true what they say you really notice the difference, especially the vibrant colours that come through in the pictures and the photographs seem to have a warmth that I find missing when using automatic.
It is hard to find time to take photographs, especially with work commitments and also my upcoming wedding. Can’t wait to take photographs on honeymoon in thailand!!!
Hopefully afterwards, I will look for a local camera club to join. Its a great pity I didn’t realize the thrill of photogrpahy years ago!!! Ah well better late than never!!
Again, many thanks to all you replied and hopefully will get to know you all and better in future posts.
Mickey – have been looking at a few home study courses myself, would be interested in which one you went for and how you’re finding it if you get a chance to let me know? Like yourself, am only getting into photography and am so knowledgeless it’s utterly shamefull! In fact, any help that anyone could give would be great :)
Hi Turk811
I am like you, a newbie to the world of photogrpahy and only discovered the magic of photogrpahy in the last six months or so. Now I am only to get the confidence to progress to semi automatic functions on my camera with a little cautious manualcontrol functions. Now, as regards the home study photography course, I was currently studying a nutrition course with ITEC as part of a two course for the price of one deal I applied for, so I rang to see could I change my second course option for photography, and that was cool. :D I just have my first assignment, and it looks basic enough but its not costing me anything plus you have can complete your assignments at your own pace no deadlines, which is good first course to start.
I have seen some what looked good home study courses, which I have listed
1. School of photographic imaging, its listed on the amateur photographer website and the school works in conjunction with Nikon, to offer various courses, including bonus extras and discounts. It caught my eye because I am using a Nikon D40.
2. Kilroy college, this covers both film and digital, but personally I think to learn film it would be better in classroom or hands on learning, as I would not have a clue about chemicals and etc, plus is only for 6-9 months
3. Cmit college, it offered what looked like a good digital course and the qualification was accredited to a fetac level 6, recognized in Ireland, the college also offers other home study courses such as adobe photoshop and web design etc. The courses are only for 6 month durations, and I might consider the courses later down the line when I am more practiced and experienced using the camera and learn to do assignments easier and quicker.
4. The New York institute of photography looked ok too and seemed to offer alot in regard to materials for the course, although, I would not know if they offer any significant qualifications.
5. You could also go through the open university which would give you a recognized degree although it would not be a cheap option.
I looked also at courses that say will help you to become a freelance photographer, I didn’t seem to see too much good feedback on them.
I hope this is a little bit of help for you, but of course I am noooooooooo expert in the slightest, only a newbie with a newbie perspective for myself.
Although home study is a great way to see if you really enjoy photography without too much expense, I certainly would agree that hands on learning is also of benefit, and want to do a night class or two with hopefully other on line related photography courses. I also intend to join a camera club when have a little more time, can only imagine, you get some great tips and help from other members and share common interest. As my poor future wife to be will confirm, her head is wrecked with my constant talking about photography and drooling over the latest digital cameras in magazines like a big kid. I’m guilty of being a bit of a gadget freak!!
Again I would also like to thank all members who gave me advice especially, Euglan, Paul, Michelle, Thedarkroom, Allinthemind, mick451, Jessthespringer (Sinead).
I took a picture of the harbour in courtown, which I thought was nice at the time and loaded it onto the laptop as the main picture on start up menu. My sister and others commented how lovely the picture was and mentioned colours and contrasts to me. I was delighted with myself as it was the first picture I took with a tripod and on semi automatic settings from always full automatic. However, I still would not know the ins and outs of how a picture looks great to just being ok, but I can’t wait to learn and hopefully replicate as good a picture using manual settings.
Sorry for writing such an essay of an answer to your question, you can see now how my fiancee’s head is wrecked, although to be fair she has supported me fully in what I would like to do.
Keep in touch and let me know if you hear of any better courses.
Yeah I was actually looking at the cmit one myself, I tend to pick things up quick enough once I get the head down so the 6 months isn’t too off-putting for me, plus the boyfriend’s going away for 6 months so gives me something to keep occupied! Agree with ya on the camera club, already been looking into a few myself!!
I’m lucky in that my boyfriend’s into photography too, so he’s delighted to have my interest (finally!). You should try getting your missus more involved, took a while for me but now I’m the obsessive one!!
And don’t worry about the grammer, spelling etc. This is the ‘internet’ dontcha know, none of us speak real english anymore! ;)
I am studying at the Open College of the Arts, doing a distance learning course called The art of photography.
http://www.oca-uk.com/distance-learning/photography-1-art-of-photography
It could lead to a degree if you wish, or you can study the courses individuallly. I was a complete beginner when I started and knew nothing about aperture and shutter speed. I am now nearly at the end of the course and it has enriched my life so much.I’d have to agree with the Si. As a teacher of workshops, I’ve had more than a few students who were attending various colleges pursuing photography-related qualifications when they came to me. The number of them who are unfamiliar with even basic composition and exposure details is astounding.
I think that what you’ll get from a formal course is, perhaps confidence and a step in the door to your first job as Mick pointed out. If you can find yourself a mentor who’s willing to do the same, then you’d be far better off. The piece of paper itself won’t be important in the future, in my opinion. I’ve never been asked for my qualifications on any job, ever.
Cheers,
PeterPeter,
Went for an interview on Friday and that was the first thing I was asked, what are my qualifications (answer – none, just passion :lol: ). Needless to say I didn’t get the job, didn’t even get as far as showing the portfolio. Seems that the qualifications are becoming more important for those of us starting out! :(
Will be having a look-see at what courses you offer :wink:
Sórcha
Sórcha –
Sorry to hear that! What sort of job was it? Assistant?Cheers,
PeterPeter,
Yup, pretty much, and I was even willing to work for free… Seems like it’s gonna take me another while yet to get anywhere. Ain’t gonna let it get to me though, it’s their loss in the end, a spare spare of (FREE!) hands is never a bad thing.
Sórcha
Sorry to hear that Sorcha. The job market has unfortunately changed now for most jobs, and they would have loads of applicants. It was probably different before. But keep the good spirit up. :)
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