Complete Newbie in all senso of the word, need help.

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Stark

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Okay sorry if i babble on but here goes..

I am 17 and am at a stage in my life where i need to pick a course in college, i haven't had the faintest idea of what i see myself doing but every time I go through the course book, one course always sticks out and that is Photography, AS Level In Photography to be precise, i just really like the sound of it and what it consists of.... now i have never been into Photography in my life and have more or less been the one hiding from the Photographer rather the one holding the camera...

but I do like Photo's, I don't think anything can quite capture a moment in life quite like a Photograph can... but having never held a camera will I be able to get into this, I mean one thing I know is that if I want to I will put my head down and learn every aspect of it hopefully end up loving it..

this is the course and what it consists of:

http://www.wlc.ac.uk/wlc/leafile.asp?p_kc=L20449


i have the grades although I don't have a portfolio of any work and gave up Art in High School because i wasn't any good at it, with a pencil I am not artistic that’s for sure.

what do you guys think of the course? would an AS Level be a good start? too hard, to easy? get me into a Masters in University?

I imagine it as learning every aspect about Photography, as I don't think it would be easy, needing to learn shadows, perspective etc. how much is Art an influence in Photography?


I just want some tips and advise from some people who love Photography.

Be as harsh as you like, do you think i am just fooling myself and should pursue something else... am i being to spontaneous wanting to do this course when I am someone who hasn't faintest idea of what it consists to become a real Photographer?

I know i sound like i don't have the passion maybe but i do! and am willing to learn. I just imagine if i was a Photographer out in Africa taking pictures of everything, just be amazing, when I think like that it make me really want to do it..but yeah I’ll stop there for now and look forward to your replies...

Thanks You so much for any advice and help. much appreciated.
 
hello stark, sorry to see you havent got any replies yet, but youll probably get some tomo. as its bedtime [ for me anyway!!] I am signing up for the adult version of the as photog. course at my local college. my advice would be to go and have a chat with the tutor/ tutors, get to know what the course entails and see if its for you. certainly you sound as if photog. is definately for you. the gcse course is relatively easy ,i believe. but you may have to start there if your knowledge is zero. you will need an slr camera for either course, but a 2nd hand film one would be fine for a start. you will be shooting black n white film for part of the time, anyway. try ebay for a camera. my advice would be to go to your local library and borrow a book or two.
good luck, and let us know what you decide.
jeannie.
 
I'm not a pro so can't advise you on the career aspect, but have just got into photography in a big way in the last 6 months.

Can't remember what sparked it off, but whatever it was I went from a point-and-shoot type person to a full on SLR enthusiast. For all photographers it starts somewhere, maybe you should borrow a camera for a few weeks if poss and see how you like it? See if it grabs you? Maybe even buy one, keep it in good nick with all manuals/boxes and if it's not for you flog it on Ebay, resale values on new cameras are quite good so you won't lose out by much.

I wouldn't think the college course is going to be your big break, but it would give you a firm grasp of the principles and a bit of headstart given your age!

Best of luck going for the course, but try before you buy!
 
Hi Stark, as an Art teacher:bonk: and keen photographer:woot:, I would say go for it. If you are unsure as to which direction to go, at least start a course ( any education is good) once at college you will meet other students who will give you ideas and help. If you find that photography isn't for you, there is nothing stopping you from changing direction at a later date. I would start by trying to get hold of a film SLR and some basic technique books from your library. The reason I suggest a film SLR is that most GCSE/A level courses still teach the basics of chemical developing as a start point. You might want to get in touch with the college to see exactly what you will need equipment-wise? If you are still unsure, I can arrange a meet in Cental London and lend you a Nikon for a days shoot to see what you think and talk you through the basics of a camera. Anyway good luck in whatever you decide.:)
 
Photography is like fishing, once you've dangled the big fat juicy worm your hooked for life. Welcome to the world through the keyhole.
 
Thanks guys, really appreciate all your comments.

At the moment the only camera in my household is a Sony DSC so first thing I'll most likely need to do is initially borrow and then purchase a dslr or as someone recommended a film slr for starters. Will get some books for basics too as you guys recommended.

Because i left it late to decide i have to go next Wednesday to Enrollment where i will be Interviewed and Enrolled same day (was initially going to do an Interactive Media course which i think had some aspect of Photography in it but because it had such a strong bias on drawing i decided it wasn't for me)

hopefully it won't be too hectic and i will have time to ask about the course and about equipment etc. and most importantly i really hope their will still be places in it.

Will tell you how it goes. Any further advise is welcomed :)
 
Stark you are not alone we are all at a strange age here, it just gets stranger and stranger, if your enthusiasm is strong i don't see the differance a portfolio would make, sombodys portfolio could be there down fall;) you would have to make life changing decisions at a very early age to have a portfolio, you only know which direction to take in life through choice, and this choice just came into view, it's only natural you explore it,

good luck in what you decide

regards Mark.
 
For learning a dslr is much better than a film camera as you can review immediately.

Learning to use film is a good idea because you have to plan your shots as each frame wasted is costing you money.
 
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