Beginning a level 1 course... advice needed

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LBJB

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Hi there,

I am completely new to photography and if I am completely honest, I have never owned my own camera!! (have used my lovely husbands though)

In a moment of madness, whilst considering my love on photography, I decided to sign myself up for a City & Guilds photography level 1 course. Having unsuccessfully tried to contact my tutor a number of times, he/she has yet to tell me what equipment I will need to buy before beginning to course! the closer it gets the more worried I am about budgeting for things I may need.

Anyone else done this course and what did you need?

Help!
from a very panicky newbie!
 
I have never done a course like this but I know a few people that have. I'd imagine the basics you'd need to have on day one is a camera that you are able to use in a fully manual mode (shutter, aperture, ISO and WB control), preferably an SLR with at least 1 decent lens on it.

I'd suggest getting a basic DSLR and a 50mm f1.8 lens.
 
I did an NCFE Level 1 evening course a couple of years ago. Not sure if it equates, but I'd suggest at the bare minimum you'd need a digital camera of some sort. preferably one that allows you to have some degree of manual control.

I'd doubt a DSLR (with interchangeable lenses) would be necessary, but to learn the relationship between shutter speed, aperture and ISO, you'd need a camera that allowed you to change those things.

We did have a film section on the course, and a C&G course may require film camera use, but I know our college didn't make a film camera a requirement and lent out film cameras to students. Obviously, the rolls of film you'd have to buy.

If it's a full time course, things might be different, but certainly the 1st lecture is likely to be a "this is what the course will teach you, and this is what you will have to do" thing. They won't be expecting you to pitch up with everything on day 1.

Ian.
 
Hi, and welcome.
I wouldn't stress yourself about equipment just yet. You'll obviously need a camera (your husbands?) and a notebook and pencil. Looking at the scheme of work here the classroom activity will end with the setting of a mini project for review the following week.
Your tutor will probably outline in more detail what you may need at the first session.
 
wow!
you are all so nice! thankyou for your responses.
and thankyou for the scheme of work! amazingly helpful.

The course is just an evening course, for a full year. I needed something to take the stress away that I get from my career as a teacher, and having just moved to a new part of the country I wanted to try and meet new people (you didnt need to know any of this but thought i would share anyway!! )

I am hoping once I get on board with the basics, that I continue to improve my ability, and I would like to have a camera that will allow me to do this.

I won't go out and buy anything just yet and instead will research my options I think.

Does anyone have any recommendations for which make and model will most suit me as an absolute and shamefully inexperienced novice!!!
 
LBJB said:
Does anyone have any recommendations for which make and model will most suit me as an absolute and shamefully inexperienced novice!!!
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What camera does your husband have? If he has a decent Canon or Nikon then it may be worth sticking with the same brand so you can share lenses.

Also, where in the country are you based? You could get involved in some of the meets that take place between TP members and you'll soon make friends with fellow photographers.
 
Perhaps I mislead you saying my husband has a camera.. by that I mean a point and shoot, digital slimline 'take it on holiday by the pool' sort of camera.
Not sure if that would even cover what I needed in the first 10 minutes!!

I am hoping that the initial lesson will tell me what I am going to need for the rest of the course.

I am in Stockport, work in Manchester... You have meets?? that sounds great!

Thanks again for response!
 
LBJB said:
I am in Stockport, work in Manchester... You have meets?? that sounds great!
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Yes we have meets and quite a lot of them all over the country.

Keep an eye out in HERE for things going on in and around Manchester or feel free to arrange something yourself.

There is also a thread HERE for announcing North West meets so if you subscribe to the thread you'll get an e-mail everytime something new is added.
 
as its a Level 1 course i doubt that your going to need much "professional" equitpment
probably just a simple DSLR and a pad+pen.
depending on the course (im on a L3 BTEC) you may study film photography aswell
in that case you may have to buy a camera and film, although some courses provide the cameras and expect you to provide the film and printing paper.

Matt
 
Have a search of the forums for advice on your 'what camera' dilemma as there's plenty of threads discussing it. General advice is go to a shop and try them for yourself and see what you like and what you don't, budget ones are all very capable and very similar, after that look at the upgrade paths and decide what you want.

Hope you enjoy the course and your photography.
 
Hi LBJB, did you manage to buy a camera? What camera did you buy?
i am also looking to attend a course and buy a camera and trying to get some advised before I go ahead with finding my new toy.

Phil
 
I just finished C&G L1 in May and other than a DSLR and lens you shouldn't need anything else. We did do some work on perspective and depth of field so maybe not a prime lens as you will need to take shots as varying focal lengths. You may need a tripod for long shutter speed shots but can probably borrow one in class. Have fun! :)
 
as others have said im sure all will be explained in the first lesson, im also a teacher and have signed myself up for a GCSE photography course at the secondry i work at. Looking forward to being sat facing the whiteboard!!

Going to lean back on my chair and chew gum too! yuk!!
 
Hi everyone! Thanks for checking in on me Lovephoto!

I eventually went for a Canon 500d. I ordered it from the internet so got it for a fantastic price, more than I could afford on the Highstreet!
I only bought it yesterday, and will receive it tomorrow morning and I am beyond excited! it come with the basic lens, 18-55 mm, will this be okay? I could have sat there for hours deliberating over what camera does what, but in the end I just had to take the plunge!!

I'm getting really nervous about my course now... but I am sure it will be fine... I hope!

Thanks for the heads up claire c, I have borrowed a tripod and have also got a great friend who has offered me a film slr if the need arises! thank goodness as I couldnt afford another one!!
 
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