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Hi Dukatum,
Glad you found the info useful and that your experience of the IOP course was the same as mine. I was on a two day course in Dover a couple of years ago which was run by a couple of pro's. They were developing their courses to get them from NVQ's to degrees so I felt comfortable using them due to their association with the Learning Skills Council. I showed them the module print outs from the IOP and they laughed, shame I didn't post on a forum for advice myself. Hey ho.
I did exactly the same as you in buying books, DVD's and magazines. Also, I ended up buying a lot of gear I really didn't need especially as I spent far too much time not getting out with the camera to actually practice. I think this is a very easy trap to fall into as it's easy to get blinded by technology. The only magazines I read these days are NPhoto (on subscription) and Digital Camera (for travelling time) the only DVD I have bought recently (on pre-order) is the Don McCullin documentry as I admire his work tremendously.
I fully agree with your comments about the title of 'Pro', so easy to claim but not so easy to back up. The reason I went with the Jeremy Walker course was simply the fact that it was backed by Lee, I could not see them associating themselves with just anyone. After I booked I found a back issue of NPhoto with him as the Pro for the landscape apprentice. This again gave me a good feeling that I was spending wisely. The large discount offered to course attendees on Lee kit also proved useful.
Going to photographic exhibitions, which are normally free, are a good source of education. I go with my wife (pay back for getting dragged around shoe shops) and listen to her opinion of a picture from a non photographers perspective. It can often fill in the blanks when I simply don't get it. When it comes to analysing my own results she opens up with both barrels and takes no prisoners. I don't always agree but the alternative perspective it useful. I know you can do this on forums, but its handy to have the facility near to home.
As per the replys to your post, the forum is a great place to get first hand experiences and this will hopefully enable you to spend your hard earned wisely.
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