Online photography courses?

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kirstylegg

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Can anyone help me?

I'm looking to study a photography course online. I'm in the UK, and I'm looking for a course that will give me a real qualification, cover the widest possible range of topics and offer great support from start to finish.

The Photography Institute (www.thephotographyinstitute.co.uk) caught my eye as it covers a huge range of useful topics. The courses on the Open College of the Arts seemed a bit lacking. Can anyone who has taken any of these courses or some other ones give me some advice? I'd prefer one that starts when I enrol, rather than starting in April etc.

I have taught myself as much as i can out of books but I feel I would benefit from an actual diploma or qualification.

Thank you!
 
I started out thinking this was the way to go. Over time though, I've realised that spending a LOT of money on lots of gear made me a much better photographer*

In the end, I've found experimentation, getting critque here (and elsewhere) and actually getting out and taking photographs has improved me a lot. Reading a good book on the technical side of photography is good. There's probably 10000001 recommendations on here for good books to read. Be careful of online courses, unless it has an element of review for your work... I dont really see the benefit.

*lie
 
I did the first Open University course last year (It is T189) It took about 12 weeks and each week was a project. It did make me go out and take pics that I would not have even tried before! You don't need to do the weekly assignments, but to get the most out of the course I chose to. There is a multiple choice paper (electronic) and a final panel of images much like the LRPS panel so it is good experience if you are heading down that route. Personally I love learning from pros and I thoroughly enjoy seminars. I have done a studio one and plan on doing a wedding one. Whatever you choose, have fun with it!
 
thanks for replying!

I have had my own studio for 1 year, and I have a billion books on photography - the reason i want to do that particular course is to get me out there trying different methods and ideas for things I've never done before. I need some initiative, and this course assigns a personal tutor who will crit everything you do...

I just want someone who has started that particular course to let me know if its as all-singing as it appears? I know the best methods for photography are to get out and do it - which i have been doing for almost 2 years, submitted pics to websites for crit, etc. But I really feel that I could benefit from the incentive to go out and get it done, and having a real qualification, which I think matters around here.

There are no local groups or courses which offer the same things around here... thanks for the advice though!
 
Yes, I am finding the same problem. I would like a qualification that advanced my photography. Most that I have found seem to cover things that I have covered elsewhere. I have to admit to having my own library! There comes a point however, where you need to develop your own style and experiment a little and personally that is the bit where I need some guidance. Might go back and do some further research.
 
KirstyLegg,

based on your current level of experience, I would suggest that the OU Course (T189) would be too low a level for you, especially the first five weeks or so. It does get you out to shoot, but the critique is only provided by other people on the course which is its greatest limitation.
 
thanks Jas,

I already thought the OU course would be a bit too basic, what do you think of the www.thephotographyinstitue.co.uk course? It seems to me like it deals with more advanced topics and the personal tutor feedback is great.
Or is it the same course? O_o

I want to do more than rely on their own website testimonials! :)
 
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