Photography courses

[rgrebby]

Hi, im wondering what are the best Photo courses out there.

I was wondering about doing a BA in photography, if I went through and did an Open University type course, could I go as quick as I wanted and get it done within a year?

I kinda want to get a reconised qualification at the end.

 

[Ocean Rum]

If you are looking at long distance course, look at www.oca-uk.com

They do a range of photography courses which you can combine towards accreditation for a creative arts BA degree. It would take you between 2-3 years though depending on how much time u have. The course materials are good and u get a tutor who u send assignments to. Course is better for compositions and looking at photography from an artistic viewpoint rather than the technicals.

Another good long distance site is www.betterphoto.com
or betterphotos.com. Its not a degree but lots of short courses and they look really good,all web based.

 

[DavidWatson]

Sorry for jumping your thread rgebby, but i'm very interested in taking some kind of course too, but dont really know what i'm looking for...i need abit of everything, from composition, lighting, through to post production.

it would be interesting to know what kind of courses other forum readers have completed and whether they were any good... i even keep thinking about some of these day workshop things that appear in the classifieds of photo mags... has anyone tried any of those?

last year i vaguely recall a group of people doing an open university course... how did that turn out? is i something that is recommended?
thanks for any views.

 

[barsbyart]

Hi rgebby and David W!

Without knowing what you want to get out of doing any course or how much time you have to invest and whether full- or part-time education would suit you best it is hard to advise you.

However... I started a HNC course in tog as I was working during the day. One eve per week + every fourth Saturday. 3 year course. There was talk about being able to upgrade upon completion to a BA or MA. You might like to check out this option.

BUT... first answer this Q. Why a BA? Are you planning to go into academic employment or an area where a degree is required?

If you want to become a pro tog (say in Wedding/Portrait/Social/etc) would a practical course offered by the likes of SWPP be better? I believe they also cover the business side of things.

Or, if you just want to improve your togging stay with this forum and post for critiques.

If you want to improve and/or gain some kudos join the RPS, join a group and go for an accreditation.

Decide WHAT you want to achieve and then you can decide how to achieve it.

 

[DavidWatson]

Thanks barsbyart.
to answer a few of your questions...
i have no intention of becoming pro... i'm joining the party way too late for that. i've just become more and more interested in photography since getting my dslr (canon 400d)about 14 months ago.
the more i see, the more i read, the more i want to know, and when i come on a site like this and compare the quality of photos to mine, in terms of composition, sharpness, colour, etc. i see things i need to improve and want to learn how, and think the best way to move my pictures forward is to undertake some kind of course or workshop.
i take your point about posting here and getting feedback, and have taken to entering the POTY as a means of taking pictures outside my comfort zone of family and landscapes but feel that to make significnat improvements something more structured is required.

i cant do full time courses, but would consider part-time or distance learning, weekedn workshops if anyone can recommend any, or simple days with pro's... e.g., i did consider doing one with some guy in the forest of dean but his section on post processing looked a bit 'weak'... i am a bit (albeit a tiny bit) beyond the cropping stage.
anyway, there you have it... a rambling way of saying anything to help me improve, preferably on the smaller budget side (if such a thing exists in the world of photography!).
thanks...