Photographic Course

Quaker

Quaker

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For a while I have been thinking of attending a night class at our local college. Today I had the prospectus arrive and information regarding the night class they do.

There are two courses available Begginers and Intermediate, the beginners course is very basic, I do know a bit so I would probably go for the intermediate course. The course is broken down into two parts, a 20 week course and a further 10 week course. The total cost for both parts is £475.00

I am very keen to learn more but I dont want to waste money. Has anyone ever done any of these night classes and if so, are they worth doing?

There is no formal qualification at the end of it. A brief summary of the course is as follows:

During the first 20 weeks, technique will be examined for the role it plays in confirming or confusing the meaning of a picture. We will look more closely at photographic art from the past and from other cultures in an attempt to better understand how our own social circumstances affect the photography that we are producing.

The additional 10 weeks will consolidate personal projects and we will write artist’s statements to support a body of work in exhibition or publication.

Any advice, as always, very welcome.
 
bearing in mind i know nothing about photography courses ....

if there's no formal qualification , i'd save my money , buy a couple of books , use the wealth of knowledge available here ,post stuff up for crit and use what money you've saved on gear and/or petrol for days out shooting different stuff

of course this is only what i'd do
 
I've done City & Guilds Level 2 and Level 3 and got a lot out of both courses. The fact that there was a qualificaton at the end each was a bonus, not sure it'd have stopped me doing them if there hadn't been, as lets face it, there are plenty of good photographers out there who were self taught.

That said, when I did the level 2 a few years back it was more academically based, and there was more of a syllabus. The level 3 (7511) I've just completed was much less academic and was more about learning by doing.
If nothing else, it's good to go on a course and meet other like minded photographers. It's great for getting new ideas and different perspectives on photography. :)
 
Sounds like a load of pretentious pish to me.

Then again, any course I ran would probably say something like, "we will be spending our time leaning and understanding how the tools at our disposal can create the image we visualise in our minds eye".

Just as bad really. :lol:

It does sound quite discussion based and not all the practical. Could be interesting but doesn't sound like it's going to expand your working knowledge all that much for over half a year and nearly half a grand spent.
 
dazzajl said:
It does sound quite discussion based and not all the practical. Could be interesting but doesn't sound like it's going to expand your working knowledge all that much for over half a year and nearly half a grand spent.
Click to expand...

Thats the first thing I picked up on.
 
Hiya

I've just enrolled on this evening class course; I am a total beginner though. It's a 30 week course, does have a qualification at the end of it, and cost £299.

Digital Photography BTEC Award - Level 1

Benefits This course is a basic introduction to the techniques of digital photography. How to take better photographs using a digital camera. How to load the images onto a computer using basic imaging software. The course is intended for either recreational or work orientated students.

Entry Requirements An interest in photography. Basic understanding of computer operating systems. Students will be working on Apple Macintosh computers, however, experience with Windows 95, 98 and 2000 is acceptable.

Course Content A series of exercises with hands-on projects covering the basics of photographic theory and digital camera operation. Each project starts with a demonstration

Here is the spec for the level 2 course, perhaps if they did something similar at another college near you, it might be more appropriate to you?

Digital Photography BTEC Award - Level 2

Benefits This course builds on the basic knowledge of digital photography, enabling students to improve their images through the use of more in-depth understanding of both photographic theory and practice and the use of suitable imaging software.

Entry Requirements A reasonable knowledge of digital photography and the use of computers for basic image manipulation.

Course Content The course builds on the techniques and skills acquired on the beginners digital photography course. Each project starts with a demonstration.

Assessment All coursework is continually assessed. Students will compile a portfolio of evidence which will be externally assessed by a NEMOCN moderator.

Progression Students can continue with their multimedia education on other courses. Also have choice of furthering onto Higher Education/employment.

Hope that helps. :)
 
Stella said:
Hiya

I've just enrolled on this evening class course; I am a total beginner though. It's a 30 week course, does have a qualification at the end of it, and cost £299.

Digital Photography BTEC Award - Level 1

Benefits This course is a basic introduction to the techniques of digital photography. How to take better photographs using a digital camera. How to load the images onto a computer using basic imaging software. The course is intended for either recreational or work orientated students.

Entry Requirements An interest in photography. Basic understanding of computer operating systems. Students will be working on Apple Macintosh computers, however, experience with Windows 95, 98 and 2000 is acceptable.

Course Content A series of exercises with hands-on projects covering the basics of photographic theory and digital camera operation. Each project starts with a demonstration

Here is the spec for the level 2 course, perhaps if they did something similar at another college near you, it might be more appropriate to you?

Digital Photography BTEC Award - Level 2

Benefits This course builds on the basic knowledge of digital photography, enabling students to improve their images through the use of more in-depth understanding of both photographic theory and practice and the use of suitable imaging software.

Entry Requirements A reasonable knowledge of digital photography and the use of computers for basic image manipulation.

Course Content The course builds on the techniques and skills acquired on the beginners digital photography course. Each project starts with a demonstration.

Assessment All coursework is continually assessed. Students will compile a portfolio of evidence which will be externally assessed by a NEMOCN moderator.

Progression Students can continue with their multimedia education on other courses. Also have choice of furthering onto Higher Education/employment.

Hope that helps. :)
Click to expand...


That sounds good !

which college is it at ?
 
It's South Notts College, but they run it in their building in Bingham where I live, so really handy for me. :D

Whereabouts in Notts are you?
 
Yeah, not very well, but know F1 Auto's and the Tesco :thumbs:

EDIT, and JTF - I think that's Hucknall?
 
I recently completed a Royal Photographic Society course in Documentary Photography. It was very "hands-on" and just the sort of thing I like - I posted a review of the course over on my blog recently, and there's links to the images I took. It doesn't lead to any sort of qualification, but the training I received certainly helped make me a better photographer, and it only cost £155 for the weekend.
 
I think I may pass on this, the course doesn't seem hands on enough for me and like others have said, I can invest the money elsewhere (got an upcoming holiday in Malaysia to pay for!)

I am happy with my progress so far although it is a bit slow, but who wants to run before they can walk?

Thanks everyone for your advice, much appreciated.
 
mrgas said:
i'd save my money , buy a couple of books , use the wealth of knowledge available here ,post stuff up for crit and use what money you've saved on gear and/or petrol for days out shooting different stuff
Click to expand...

agree, having a piece of paper to say you can take a photo is toss imo

buy a camera and learn to use it on your own
 
I think it really depends on how you learn.

I learnt a lot from books, and advice on this forum (thanks TP!). But reading and trying isn't everybody's way of learning - needing someone to help and mentor is better for some people.

You need to ask yourself how do you learn the best?

I have recently completed a City & Guilds Level 2 course. I enjoyed it. I must say I feel I learnt a lot of stuff from books and lurking around here. But the course inspired me to do things I wouldn't have done otherwise. In particular my tutor encouraged me to try B&W film, portraiture, studio lighting, using light meters and more B&W (digital and film) in general.

Before the course I had pretty much pigeon holed myself into landscape and sports only...

Additionally I enjoyed the interplay with the other course members. We could talk about ideas, issues, problems etc and see and talk about what other people were up to and get inspiration (which admittedly you can also get from this forum).

I also feel the course filled in some gaps in my photography background that I wouldn't have touched if I hadn't done the course.

I have no regrets spending £400 on my 30 week course and am going back next year to prepare for my LRPS. Again I could do this off my own back but I would prefer to have feedback from my colleague students and tutors.

It's probably right that the qualification means squat in the long run. But the experience you gain getting it may or may not help become a more rounded and skilled photographer - depending on the way you best gather learning...

HTH

Mark F
 
Having posted my final assignment and coursework a few weeks ago, I'm now waiting for my results of the BTEC Level 2 in Photography.

This covers both film and digital photography and while you may think why bother with film, the vast majority of us on the course were suprised by how interesting and enjoyable the film elements were.

Although only one Monday evening class per week, the course requires a lot of effort. During class you do practical exercises and film developing while your free time is occupied with gathering examples of the techniques taught and compiling your two assignments.

In addition we had to compile a sketchbook which contained examples of our work, analysis of photographers work, techniques, processes, etc.

Personally I loved this course and am so tempted to do another year but concerned won't have time as work away a lot. I also buy lots of books on photography and am an avid reader but found the course gave me the structure in my approach and the motivation to do the work 1) as requirements of exercises and 2) the social interaction at the class.

It's not for everyone but I'd say if a completing a course is already in your head, they type of person who'd enjoy.

Good luck with it!
 
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