Photography courses

K_A

Hi,

Just looking for some advice with regard to some distance learning courses out there. Looking for a little bit of a structured approach to studying photography so I'm happy to part way with some money this way instead of on some equipment (for the moment anyway). Problem is that I don't have any portfolio and a lot of the stronger/better courses obviously look for this - so I thought that some of these options below might be a decent starting point.


Certificate in Digital Photography at CMIT

500 euro, 6 months, but at the bottom it says a FETAC Level 6 Component Certificate in Digital Photography...which is slightly different than the title of the course?

FETAC Level 6 Certificate in Digital Photography at The Open College

500 euro, 3 months but once again, it says a Component Certificate.

Photography 1: Art of Photography at Open College of the Arts

600 pounds, 12 months...seems like a stronger course than the couple above but could anyone have a quick run over?



Thanks!

K_A

Anybody got any advice?

K_A

Still considering a few different courses guys, anyone got anything to say on the above?

sduff05

Hey
I have been looking into the CMIT Fetac level 6 course myself and feel that i am about to sign up for it.

The Open College level 6 looks like a quick cheaper . . maybe dumbed down version of the CMIT course. I think you have to have access to alot of the software yourself and that can be expensive to get hold of, in saying that you come out with the same Level 6 Cert at the end of it
.
The Photography 1 course seems to be based more on creativity I couldn't see anything about studio work or setting up a shoot or anything like that on the site and it is alot more expensive.

Personally I still think that i am going to go for the CMIT course.
I don't have a portfolio either but i have so many pictures i'm pretty confident that i would be able to throw a pretty decent one together in a few days.
Anyway i hope i helped a little i know i am probably just pointing out the blatantly obvious.
I added you as i friend anyway so that if either of us start a course before the other we can give them feedback on the course.
This is my Flickr if you want to have a look http://www.flickr.com/photos/31062996@N04/
I'm always looking for way to get my page out there

PCPhoto

First question
Do you need a course ? (I understand you want to learn and want to have some structure to your learning of photography) .... you may not need any of the above courses - a book or number of books may be able to help.

Second Question
Will any of the courses above help ? All depends on your knowledge already and your willingness to learn, and do what the course tells you - and to your understanding of what the course tells you.

Third Question
Is there an alternative ? there is always an alternative and in this case a cheaper method could be to find a photo buddy or group of photo buddies and learn from each other.... a camera club would be the best place to find likeminded people who share an interest and eagerness to learn - Granted some more established members may be frightening with their knowledge - but given some time you will be more knowledgeable than the newest members.....Dublin Camera Club is most recommended around here (they also offer a photography course)
OR
Get some books - "understanding exposure" is the most recommended around here.... I would also recommend reading a book or two on how to use photoshop (A dummy's guide ones are usually great and easy to understand)

if you have motivation then all you need is to be organised (have a look at course content for some of the courses you mentioned ...google each of the modules and organise/create your own structured learning - without the costs)

melekalikimaka

budget?