Annabel Williams Bespoke Course - worth it ?

hi, i'm aware this post was listed quite a while ago but i'm wondering if you can all help me...

I'm currently an 18 year old university student studying graphic design, however I knew since before I started that my heart is not in it. Although I am only young, I have always had a love of photography since getting my first camera at the age of seven. I am seriously considering dropping out of university to do the Annabel Williams Bespoke course. However, I understand that as an 18 year old it is unlikely people will take me seriously, nevermind hire me from the word go, but I am still willing to try, as I am seriously unhappy with what I'm doing now; and cannot afford to re-enrol next year onto a BA Hons Photography - at the cost of £9000 PER YEAR, for three years, leaving me with almost triple the debt the Bespoke course would.

I've read the entire thread and the main consensus is that the course is worthwhile. Please don't presume that I am just another young person going through some 'fad' and don't really want to do it, because I do.

I want your honest opinions on how to get there, and if this course would benefit me for it, as I know it also includes business and marketing aspects, which obviously, are the main key to a successful business.


Thanks, Louise.
 
I agree, I've just finished reading through this thread and I'm baffled to why myself. Start a new thread and you may get some responses.
 
louisejoyb said:
hi, i'm aware this post was listed quite a while ago but i'm wondering if you can all help me...

I'm currently an 18 year old university student studying graphic design, however I knew since before I started that my heart is not in it. Although I am only young, I have always had a love of photography since getting my first camera at the age of seven. I am seriously considering dropping out of university to do the Annabel Williams Bespoke course. However, I understand that as an 18 year old it is unlikely people will take me seriously, nevermind hire me from the word go, but I am still willing to try, as I am seriously unhappy with what I'm doing now; and cannot afford to re-enrol next year onto a BA Hons Photography - at the cost of £9000 PER YEAR, for three years, leaving me with almost triple the debt the Bespoke course would.

I've read the entire thread and the main consensus is that the course is worthwhile. Please don't presume that I am just another young person going through some 'fad' and don't really want to do it, because I do.

I want your honest opinions on how to get there, and if this course would benefit me for it, as I know it also includes business and marketing aspects, which obviously, are the main key to a successful business.


Thanks, Louise.
Click to expand...


I have no idea why anyone would pay another photographer £9000 to learn anything from them. And as for University courses, useful if you want a career in medical or criminal photography, but they aren't the most exciting of subjects.

If you aren't going to finish your current degree I would suggest that instead of a photography course (this can be self taught imho) you look at some college based business classes. Being a good photographer doesn't mean you will be a good professional, you NEED business knowledge.

If you are insistent on spending £9k I would look at blowing £7k on some quality gear (backups, insurance etc as well) Then with the following £2k, get a business course of some type under your belt, and once you know you gear and the basics, look at taking a couple of cheaper day courses in the subjects you are interested in.
 
Hi Louise,
Did you sign up for the Bespoke Course (now run by Aspire) ?
I've just started the programme and I'm loving it it. As far as I'm concerned it's well worth it.
 
There's a funny thing. On the very day that Annabel relaunches her blog, Nikon User7 creates an account and zooms into this old thread to tell us how wonderful Aspire is. Funny ol' world.
 
I would say this

If you are going to pay what is the equivalent of a years tuition fees to a Uni, you want to make sure the person teaching you has masses of relevant experience in the chosen field

Business is NOT business. I spent years in another industry and got right to the top of the game. Very little translates into my current activities. Shooting people is totally different to shooting widgets in a factory. Its a different set of skills, it is a different business approach


Here are some pointers

- In the specialist fields e.g. industrial / commercial photography, having a reputation and "knowing" he right people is the way you get work
- Since the tutor you mention is known for lifestyle/people photography, she seems a bizarre person to do a course with

Spend the money on a deposit for a digital back
 
keith.l said:
There's a funny thing. On the very day that Annabel relaunches her blog, Nikon User7 creates an account and zooms into this old thread to tell us how wonderful Aspire is. Funny ol' world.
Click to expand...

:cautious:
:LOL:
 
louisejoyb said:
hi, i'm aware this post was listed quite a while ago but i'm wondering if you can all help me...

I'm currently an 18 year old university student studying graphic design, however I knew since before I started that my heart is not in it. Although I am only young, I have always had a love of photography since getting my first camera at the age of seven. I am seriously considering dropping out of university to do the Annabel Williams Bespoke course. However, I understand that as an 18 year old it is unlikely people will take me seriously, nevermind hire me from the word go, but I am still willing to try, as I am seriously unhappy with what I'm doing now; and cannot afford to re-enrol next year onto a BA Hons Photography - at the cost of £9000 PER YEAR, for three years, leaving me with almost triple the debt the Bespoke course would.

I've read the entire thread and the main consensus is that the course is worthwhile. Please don't presume that I am just another young person going through some 'fad' and don't really want to do it, because I do.

I want your honest opinions on how to get there, and if this course would benefit me for it, as I know it also includes business and marketing aspects, which obviously, are the main key to a successful business.


Thanks, Louise.
Click to expand...

There are other ways to get a photography degree that are much cheaper. Some of us are studying with the OCA, trying to get degrees through distance learning. http://www.oca-uk.com/
 
that OCA course looks pretty good. Although they say "12 months approx" for the durations of each module. How quickly can you theoretically get through each one. Could you comfortably manage 2 a year?
 
Yup, depends on how work you put into it. 10-12 hours a week should see it through in 5-6 months. That was my intention anyway, but family issues/ work got in the way last year. Hopefully this year I'll be cracking through quicker.

I have today my tutor is excellent. He must put a good few hours into each of my assignments with detailed feedback and advice.
 
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