Distance / online Photography Course

[craigb84]

Any recommendations for an online diploma?

The Photography Institute have one for around £500 and it seems quite comprehensive.

[Ollerton57]

That's the one that I've seen through the Talk Photography site. I have registered interest as apparently they send you offers to join i.e. £200 off.

One thing that may put you off is that I heard it doesn't count as a formal photography qualification - I can't say that with 100% certainty though!

[McMacro]

Bits of paper don't count, being able to produce the work does

The last few jobs I have applied for always stated "graduate required". Meh, beat them no problem (Mr 3 O-Grades and feck all else).

[craigb84]

I'm not particularly looking for an official qualification for work....it's just to progress my amateur hobby.

Perhaps I should just get out snapping a little more often. I get the basics (apertures and speed shutter modes) but it's stuff like light metering and processing on photoshop that I just don't really 'get'.

[McMacro]

craigb84 said:

Perhaps I should just get out snapping a little more often.

[Torquemada]

You could try Open University T189, or have a look at the Open College of the Arts website.

[Whitefly Swatter]

McMacro said:

craigb84 said:

Perhaps I should just get out snapping a little more often.

cross "a little" out and add "a lot"

nowt loke practice and post here the PH mob will give you a few pointers

[ian in lancs]

what kind of photography?

[craigb84]

ian in lancs said:

what kind of photography?

Landscapes mostly and the odd bit of motorsport when I go. I'd love to get into infrared and HDR but I figured I should probably master the basics first before getting to grips with these.

I have a D3000 with a 55-200 and the standard 18-55 lens. It does me fine right now and is apparently suitable for IR but it's the processing / editing I struggle with.

[dxbtiger]

I really see no reason to pay.

Shot more photos than you ever thought possible (the beauty of digital), come home, look at them, attempt to process them, google for tutorials on what you think you are failing on/ask PH collective for help, learn for free.

Repeat above ad infinitum, I'm 11 months into this process and it hasn't cost me a penny.

[sinizter]

Just go out and practice.

I don't think these courses can offer you any more than what can be found online with some diligence.

Actively participating in some of the forums dedicated to photography can also help.

As well as joining a local photography club.

Save the money and spend it on kit, or getting to somewhere to shoot.

[TXWRX]

I did a City and Guilds course from last october to this June, its no stunning qualification and was run as a night class once a week but i picked up a lot and one of the best things was having a group of different people with different styles having a go at the tasks we were set, amazing how many new ideas that can generate. It does depend who is on the course with you but get a few people who are interested and have a bit of ability and it can be really good

Edit to add it was around £200 for the whole thing

[McMacro]

TXWRX said:

I did a City and Guilds course from last october to this June, its no stunning qualification and was run as a night class once a week but i picked up a lot and one of the best things was having a group of different people with different styles having a go at the tasks we were set, amazing how many new ideas that can generate. It does depend who is on the course with you but get a few people who are interested and have a bit of ability and it can be really good

Edit to add it was around £200 for the whole thing

I'm not disrespecting the course you attended, but I've been on flickr outings and learned similar things with some very experienced folk. Few quid in petrol and you get to enjoy some great places too.

Sign up to your local flickr group and go out with them, most places have them

[K12beano]

Torquemada said:

Open University T189

[xrrr]

I haven't done this course but I have been on quite a few one day workshops with Ian:
http://www.ianbadley.com/section534445.html

He is a top chap and passionate about helping people take better pictures.

Alternatively find some local photographers who offer workshops in your area and book onto one - they are a great way of learning and usually a fun day out too.

[markmullen]

Landscapes are my thing and I'm thinking of doing the Joe Cornish workshop in October, has anyone been to one of his?

[TonyHetherington]

Mark - I know edhasler did a landscape course that he said was brilliant, can't remember who it was though - pop him a message?

[milk2sugars]

I am enrolled on to their newsletter and I have had an offer form them which is only valid until September 30th 2011. Instead of the normal price £550, they are offering £200 off at £350.