[mickyblueeyes]

April 14, 2009 at 5:37 pm

ps sorry for all the grammer and spelling mistakes, it shames me

[mickyblueeyes]

April 14, 2009 at 5:35 pm

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.

[mickyblueeyes]

April 5, 2009 at 5:50 pm

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.

[mickyblueeyes]

March 19, 2009 at 3:47 pm

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:

[mickyblueeyes]

May 4, 2008 at 12:11 pm

many thanks for your help. It says on ebay, where I bought it, that is for nikon, but tried to google the lens and could find no reviews on it or compatibility info.

Hope will be ok

Cheers anyway