Advice Wanted

Hi guys,

I've got a bit of a dilemma atm. I'm considering doing the distance learning diploma in digial photography offered by the photographic institute:

http://www.thephotographyinstitute.co.uk/index.cfm/apg/outline

However this is fairly expensive at £550 and I was asking some of my colleagues at work and they were of the opinion that the qualification will not be of any benefit to me winning work (should I go down that route).

Alternatively I was thinking of picking up a couple of good general photography books and reading around the subject in my own spare time, buying a new lens or two and asking if I can be a photography assistant for a local professional photographer instead.

What are people's thoughts on here?

Thanks,

Adam

It's not as expensive as an OCA Degree, which I considered but discounted because of cost.

As others have often said on here, prospective clients will be more interested in seeing examples of what you do than how many letters you've got after your name so a good portfolio is the most important thing, in my opinion.

The main benefit of doing a course is that it gives you a goal to aim at and more direction and purpose when it comes to deciding what to photograph and, on that basis, working towards to RPS awards is probably the cheapest option - it gives additional purpose to your photography without soaking up a lot of money that could go on lenses ! I'm starting to think about doing it for the new year.

Joining a camera club, if you can, also sets you targets and you meet like-minded people, from whom you always learn new things.

Martyn
(FCCA CTA CertEd....... but still a rubbish photographer!!!!)

Thanks for the advice Martyn - what is the RPS awards you mention?

RPS
John

In my experience of over 30 years not once has a client asked about my formal qualifications.
All they are ever concerned about is what is in my portfolio.
As I have mentioned on the forums before I have a friend on Skye who has a thriving photographic business
and has been awarded over 500 acceptances and awards/medals at International Salons and he is completely self taught. Speaks volumes doesn't it.
Last year we counted up and there were 42 "photographers" (I use the term loosely) marketing their work and trying to get commissions on Skye. Quite frankly most of them were dire and inspired abject misery in there work.
Many many times I have been approached by aforesaid "photographers" and asked "how do I do this? " " how do I get that effect ?" The answer has always been "......go away and find out. I am not here to help you compete against me. You're putting yourself forwards to the general public as a competent photographer, which clearly you are not."
The proof of the pudding is that the very few competent photographers are still in business after one of the worst tourist seasons for a long long time, the others....? Gone.
If you have the enthusiasm, the stamina and the talent you will make it. Take images. thousands of them, look at other peoples work who you admire and compare it to yours. read the books, watch video tutorials, immerse yourself wholeheartedly and you will go onto to be a good photographer.
My general rule of thumb to everything in life is "Effort in equals reward out"

Qualifications are only usually required for certain fields of photography, science & medicine to name a couple, and then usually at degree level.
As Martyn says a good portfolio is the best way to get employment in general photography, as for learning it depends on the level that your at already.

Thanks for the advice John - I certainly agree with your rule of thumb