is there a photogrpahy course ombudsman for courses that won't refund?

J

julievangelly

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Hi, help appreciated from anyone. Can anyone tell me if there is a regulatory body for photography courses which I can write to, to try and get at least some of my money back??

I signed up for an online course which specified at the time that you needed no experience in Photography at all.

Paid my £600 fee and got the course notes, they are way beyond a beginner level and I struggled right from the start, but decided to persevere. I completed the first two assignments with help, but did try to cancel after the first one and was unsuccessful, so I soldierd on. They pointed out that
there was a cancellation period of 7 days - not enough time to decide if it was right for you or not in my opinion.

I have got the third assignment through and don't have a clue what it is talking about, I have even given it to my friend who has his own business in photography and earns his living from it and he can't even do it!!

Please advise as I would hate to waste £600!!

Thanks JG
 
You could always ask for within the forum and keep doing the course, there is that option.

There is a wealth of knowledge here that you could tap into, that way you would be learning on both fronts.

Just a thought..

Nigel
 
Shutterman said:
You could always ask for within the forum and keep doing the course, there is that option.

There is a wealth of knowledge here that you could tap into, that way you would be learning on both fronts.

Just a thought..

Nigel
Click to expand...

i agree whats the assignment?
 
Contact your local Citizens advice, they may be able to advise, as already said Trading standards are your best bet.
 
I would email the tutor for clarification, ask for an outline of the assignment or ask if there is a peer support forum where other learners can share ideas/experiences.

On the positive side you have completed two assignments, have you had any feed back yet?
 
Sorry to hear about your problem. That's one of the perils of online shopping I suppose, but as someone pointed out Trading Standards will help if the operators are based in UK. Now, if a seasoned pro can't understand the material, the material is either too dense, or it's flim-flam, to make money.

When I wanted to learn, I enrolled in a local Photographic Group. I joined this forum and one or two other online sites. Between them all there's a load of knowledge available. Plus getting out there shooting of course. Preferably with experienced 'togs. If I wanted to go for my Licentiate of the RPS, for instance, I know what's required and I just get on out there and try to secure the right material, guided by people who know what they are about.

I wish you well in your fight for your refund.

Regards, John :)
 
Hi,

thanks for all your replies, they were very helpful. I think I am probably going to try and get my money back and failing that then I will give it another go and ask for help from people here!

In answer to your questions, I did well on my first two assignments but the first one I had help with and the second was quite a bit of guess work!

Thanks again for the advice.

I have posted the first part of the question below;

If you have not already done so, do a greyscale test for your favourite camera and lens at ISO 100…What is the dynamic range in stops? Is the grey card exposure (frame 1) in the middle of the range or does your camera favour the shadows or highlights? Is there a colour bias as the exposure changes? Construct a zone ruler for your camera for your own knowledge. It is not necessary to submit this as it is a visual aid for your benefit.

Write a brief explanation of what you have learned. Did you encounter any difficulties? If you have technical difficulties than I suggest you email me the numbers. Please remember that modern SLR cameras usually have 1/3 stop aperture and shutter speed controls. If this is the case with your camera it will take three clicks of the wheel to move the setting by one stop. Also remember that all RGB numbers for the first ZONE V reading should be the same. If not than you must fix the white balance by using either the Custom White Balance function if available on your camera or by moving location. If all else fails and a neutral white balance is not achievable I suggest doing the test in full sun with the camera aperture set at f/16 or f/22 instead of f/8.
 
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