[tmcgrath]

September 1, 2006 at 9:36 pm

I agree completely Brian, which is why I am responding with what I’ve found out so far!
I might take a combination of NCAD if I can get in at this point, along with some of the Gallery or DIT short courses as it suits.

o Kilroys Diploma (?485 ? start anytime – 6 mths) http://www.kilroys.ie 1850 700 700
o Open Learning (?440 GBP – start anytime – 6 mths) http://www.uk-open-learning.com/CartV3/Details.asp?ProductID=558
+44 (0) 1946 811240 (Dip. Pro.Photo – accredited by the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council…whether that means much?!)
o Gallery of Photography (various courses) http://www.irish-photography.com 01 6714654
o DIT Short Course (various courses) http://www.dit.ie/DIT/appliedarts/docs/DLFLYERDecember2005Final.pdf 01 402 7829/3108
o DKIT Into to Photography (?150 ? Oct 4th ? 7-9pm for 10 weeks) http://www.learn.ie (042) 9370585
o Griffith College C&G 6923/6924 – 1 YEAR FULL-TIME (?4400)
o Griffith College C&G 6922/6923 – 2 YEAR PART-TIME (?2500 per yr) http://www.gcd.ie
o NCAD Cert in Photography & Digital Imaging (Cost unknown – 1 yr PT) http://www.ncad.ie/faculties/education/cead_pdi.shtml 01 6364214

Hope this helps anyone else seeking courses in the greater Dublin area!
Cheers,
T

[tmcgrath]

August 30, 2006 at 9:59 pm

Hi everyone,

Thanks very much for the enthusiastic & constructive responses.
I’m more & more encouraged about getting into photography as a career given the useful advise at hand on this forum!

I started with a film SLR and now utilise both film & digital. I think its fair to say its all down to personal preference and circumstances which you use. But for my 2cents worth, I would rather appreciate the concepts of film photography than not. I want to do it the organic way too I suppose. Theres so much to learn in film that it can’t be underestimated in my view.

I have emailed Drogheda Photo Club but judging from the website & bounced emails I’m not sure its still up & running…but thanks for that Fintan & Davenewt.

Brian C, I wasn’t sure what the C&G 6923 Level 2 course actually was which you were referring to but I’ve discoovered I already found this same course at Griffith College Dublin for anyone in the area that may be interested. See link below:
http://www.gcd.ie/index.jsp?1nID=108&2nID=124&3nID=124&nID=221&aID=268
The fulltime course is 1 year comprising of 6923 & 6924. The parttime course is 2 years comprising of 6922 & 6923. The main difference between the two I’m not so sure about, but I am definitely going to consider doing the PT course asap.

I’ve also been checking out all the various societies that photographers become affiliated with of which you mentioned some…I will not get ahead of myself yet do and will do some courses before trying to become LSWPP or LRSP!

Finally, a quick question…what distinguishes a Professional Photographer from an Amateur? Is it simply some letters after a name?
Photography to me is all about perception & its the perception of others as well as your own that your striving to entice.

Thanks everyone again for the advise.

Cheers!
T