Accredited courses..

kar1

kar1

Messages
239
Name
karl
Edit My Images
Yes
Afternoon all. I dont post much on here, but that's mainly because I find what I need, lol.

I'm an amateur when it comes to photography. I've been taking pics since my first digital camera about 9 years ago. I've had my nikon dslr now for nearly 2 of those.

I've been looking at going on a few course, but the ones I've seen local are day courses on more specific areas. These range in price from £75 - £100 for the day. Thing is for what I could be likely to pay, i'd rather do a course and come out with some qualifications at the end of it. at the end of the day, it's just a hobby, and probably nothing more, but would be nice to have a nationally recognized qualification.

Now I know there is no real substitute for real hands on tutoring, but I've been looking at the learn at home jobbies. So far average pricing around £500.

Has anyone done/doing any if these courses, if so which and would you recommend?

Many thanks, Karl
 
I would recommend going to college over learn-at-home.

I did an NCFE Level 1 which was fairly cheap. (£180 if memory serves)

I'm also halfway through an A level having done the AS last year and the A2 this year. All of this done on a 1 night a week basis. This was a bit more expensive at £380 for each year.

I find that it's great to be able to to ask questions/get answers there & then. Nothing beats having a physical human show you something.

Also, it allows you to get the likes of Lightroom/Photoshop at Student prices which is an insta-save on the course fee.

Lastly, the social aspect is brilliant. Make new friends with like minded interests!

Oh - and welcome to TP!

Ian.
 
i'm doing city and guilds level 2, after completing level 1 last year. I really enjoyed it and was a great introduction to using my camera. We looked at portrait or landscape pictures, presentation with either mounts or powerpoint and manipulation through photoshop. This year is a lot more involved but still enjoying it. Definitely agree about friendships, ideal especially when your significant other doesn't get photography!
 
I'd love to do an evening course at a college, but no where local that show's to be doing them. (mansfield/nottingham). I looked at the ncfe 1 course, is about 250
 
That's a shame. My local college also stopped doing them for financial reasons, so now it's a 40 minute (60 on a bad day) drive.

Still worth it though, but not everyone can spare the time, or the petrol money these days.

:(
 
I applied to a local college to do a GCSE in photography 1 night a week, but it was cancelled due to lack of numbers.
Then found another course at another college, only to find it had also been cancelled due to lack of numbers!

I am really disappointed as I need someone to show me how to work my camera effectively - I get very confused between the ratio/relationship between aperture (and the numbers/sizes!)ISO/ f. stops etc etc, and learn this type of thing face to face.

I will keep looking for a course, but it doesnt seem to be happening in my area (hampshire).
 
SJD2011 said:
I applied to a local college to do a GCSE in photography 1 night a week, but it was cancelled due to lack of numbers.
Then found another course at another college, only to find it had also been cancelled due to lack of numbers!

I am really disappointed as I need someone to show me how to work my camera effectively - I get very confused between the ratio/relationship between aperture (and the numbers/sizes!)ISO/ f. stops etc etc, and learn this type of thing face to face.

I will keep looking for a course, but it doesnt seem to be happening in my area (hampshire).
Click to expand...

What part of Hampshire are you in?
 
£100, £200, £500 !

Join a camera club
 
JSER said:
£100, £200, £500 !

Join a camera club
Click to expand...

Sorry?

Sorry I'm looking for info on doing a certified course (preferably at home, because I want to and work reasons, lol) I don't quite get what you mean...
 
kar1 said:
Sorry?

Sorry I'm looking for info on doing a certified course (preferably at home, because I want to and work reasons, lol) I don't quite get what you mean...
Click to expand...

Ok, as AP have said many people believe doing a "course" will improve their photography, if there are reasons for the course, that is reason enough, what I was implying is that a great number of people in a club, with other photographers, entering competitions, learning hands on, seeing other equipment and how other photographers use it, can be better than any stay at home alone course.
 
JSER said:
Ok, as AP have said many people believe doing a "course" will improve their photography, if there are reasons for the course, that is reason enough, what I was implying is that a great number of people in a club, with other photographers, entering competitions, learning hands on, seeing other equipment and how other photographers use it, can be better than any stay at home alone course.
Click to expand...

Yeah I totally agree with you that hand on is better than learn at home. Ind sooner go to college any day, it's just not practical for me working nearly 7 days a week and kids, lol. Everything I know (which isn't a lot) is either from sites like this or trial and error.
 
SJD2011 said:
I applied to a local college to do a GCSE in photography 1 night a week, but it was cancelled due to lack of numbers.
Then found another course at another college, only to find it had also been cancelled due to lack of numbers!

I am really disappointed as I need someone to show me how to work my camera effectively - I get very confused between the ratio/relationship between aperture (and the numbers/sizes!)ISO/ f. stops etc etc, and learn this type of thing face to face.

I will keep looking for a course, but it doesnt seem to be happening in my area (hampshire).
Click to expand...

You just missed my last course on photography fundamentals in Hampshire which happened on Sunday. :(
 
SJD2011 said:
I applied to a local college to do a GCSE in photography 1 night a week, but it was cancelled due to lack of numbers.
Then found another course at another college, only to find it had also been cancelled due to lack of numbers!

I am really disappointed as I need someone to show me how to work my camera effectively - I get very confused between the ratio/relationship between aperture (and the numbers/sizes!)ISO/ f. stops etc etc, and learn this type of thing face to face.

I will keep looking for a course, but it doesnt seem to be happening in my area (hampshire).
Click to expand...

I found Understanding Exposure, by Bryan Peterson really helped me to get to grips with using my camera in manual mode, but i also joined the local photraphic club.
 
kar1 said:
Yeah I totally agree with you that hand on is better than learn at home. Ind sooner go to college any day, it's just not practical for me working nearly 7 days a week and kids, lol. Everything I know (which isn't a lot) is either from sites like this or trial and error.
Click to expand...


I still think joining a camera club is the best idea.

http://sinwp.com/camera_clubs/Nottinghamshire.htm

I do NOT intend for this to sound rude but years ago there was no one to teach us, no college or clubs, I bought my own Praktica Super TL, and just went out at fourteen with rolls of Mono film, very soon developing it myself, I like so many have never had a lesson, I was never shown how to ride a bike or swim and do all three very well now.

YES it is more fun with people hence the club, but try one at least until you find a course.

Finally and I am sorry to upset those who WILL argue, but, you will NEVER learn until you use the camera on manual.

VERY basically, objects still like a house 1/30th to 1/125th second, slow moving 1/60th to 1/250th, fast moving like a car either coming toward you or panning 1/250th and above.

Easier still, 200asa (iso) standard daylight 1/125th at f8

These are starting points.

Large ap say f4 just a little in focus either side of the subject so fore and background out of focus, f22 a LOT in focus in fronat and behind the subject.
 
Last edited:
psychology said:
I found Understanding Exposure, by Bryan Peterson really helped me to get to grips with using my camera in manual mode, but i also joined the local photraphic club.
Click to expand...

I will go and research this now, as although I am shooting in manual mode, I know I am not using the camera correctly and setting it wrong! Thanks for the tip!
 
I know what your saying jser, I'm self taught at everything too. I'd say I use manual 90% of the time. I've got books and trawl the net. Just would like to know the ins and outs.

Well have a look at that link later when I get home cheers!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top