Studying photography/full time job

MarkN

As per the title - anyone done a fairly full on course while working full time (doesn't even have to be photography, any course really)?

I'm thinking of doing the IOP 6 month course. It's 3 days per week including my precious Saturday afternoons 1.30-5.30pm. I work approx 55-60 hours per week also.

My thoughts are it's only 6 months, suck it up and learn more than I'll ever teach myself. My other thoughts are when will I be home for 6 months.

Anyone managed both and got through the time management ok? I've no kids but I will have a very new wife for the 6 months that it takes place (hopefully she'll still be there after).

sebphoto

Actually what you really want to achieve Mark?

MarkN

My main objective is to be able to take great photos consistently, not good or on the odd occasion, great. I'd like to understand LR better, I'd like to learn more, a lot more basically.

I'm aware that you can't always be taught things. Some people just can't drive, swim etc and photography can have the same limitations in that some people just can't spot a picture or compose one to make it have that extra wow factor and others can.

I may or may not ever use what I'd learn doing a course to make money but knowing more can't hurt. I've managed to teach myself the basics and I'm lucky enough that I've been able to buy decent gear/lenses which no doubt make me take better pictures that I probably should be able to but I'd like to take training to a more professional level and I'm just curious before I decide to invest precious time in something as full on as 3 days per week.

sebphoto

Hi Mark, Let me clarify your response:
- you're self learner and you do have good gear,
- you want to learn more about post-processing.

I'm wondering what course would be suitable for you?
In my opinion you will learn a lot at home if you spend one hour per day for 20 days.
Set your goal and don't get distracted by other things.
There are a lot of tutorials and videos available online.
Why not to try?

I think what is more important is to practice.

What kind of photography you prefer?

You want to become a professional photographer?

MarkN

hi Seb - not too sure yet what I want to do yet in terms of a particular style of photography. I like a lot of the usuals at the moment. I'm lucky to have a decent job that I don't hate so I'm not in the 'I want to leave my job' category.

Signed up to the IOP course this week, starting in Jan. Hopefully my pics will get a lot better.

sebphoto

Mark share your pics with us. Maybe you underestimate your skills?

MarkN

I've a good few in the random pics thread. Not fishing for anything here, I can take a half decent shot when I want to, I just want to take it to the next level.

Sparklehorse

IOP have some beginner good courses. I understand the time pressure thing. I am halfway through a photo degree and have a full-time job and it takes a lot of commitment. You can learn a lot yourself of course. You also have to be aware of things that you do not know you need to know, if that makes sense! Whether you do a formal course or self-study, you will be learning and self-studying all your life anyway. Also, I think people get too caught up with 'gear'. A Ferrari never made anyone a better driver.

thebaz

i think you will be fine - Dave at the IoP is a great teacher , did a course ther around 2006 , and he made it all sound interesting , and I have learning diffuclties, find it really hard to concentrate , but totally tuned in to Dave , he made it sound interesting - if you can afford, I'd say go for it, say you will enjoy it.