Photography Institute Online Course

[eddiedep]

hi just sign up to this sit ,i am doing the photography institute course and it is very good

[GeoffWessex]

eddiedep...... I don't think anybody's disputing that it's a good course - as long as they follow the curriculum as shown in the Course Outline you'll definitely learn a lot of good stuff. The only question is.... it's a lot of money to pay for a course that does not give an industry-recognised qualification if, at some point, you may be asked to show your qualifications to get a job. Waving what would be, practically, a useless piece of paper won't 'cut the mustard', as they say.

[Sekonic]

ephotozine are currently doing this course http://www.ephotozine.com/article/eP...e-course-13819

and reviewing it with mixed results. There seems to a lot in the course that isn't really relavent (history of photography for instance).

The thing to remeber is that a qualification isn't really going to get you a photo job, but the expereince of a photo course will be relavent. If you did a college course or studied photgraphy to degree level, any course you do should be seen as complimenting your main study. A bit like doing volunteer work for instance wiould be of interest to an employer more than a certificate of qualification. An employer inthe photography world is more likely to be impressed with a good portfolio than an qualification saying you can do it. They want proof.

I do run my own photography course, but I'm not here to promote it, just check out ephotozines review of the Photogrpahers Institute first, but at the same time don't dismiss it because it doesn't offer a qualification.

www.onlinephotographycourse.co.uk

[jon2kay]

Really helpful thread guys. I am in the same boat as most. I want to do some form of course to improve my photography and would like some form of qualification.
Very tempted by the photography institute but I am suspicious to its value having not being able to find anyone who has completed the course or even participating (excluding eddiedep above).
Any suggestions for good courses on here would be hugely helpful, im a very keen amatuer who has pretty much taught myself most things via magazines, books and practise but want to be able to take things to another level and feel some proper training would benefit me hugely. I work full time to pay the bills so would need to be a part time course of sorts which is one of the reasons I was attracted to the PI's prospectus.

Thanks all!

http://www.jdkphotography.co.uk

[callumbell21]

Hi there, I started this post looking for information. Well I took the plunge and signed up and all I can say so far is, i'm glad I did.

I have learned more from the modules and speaking with the tutors than I have from any other source. The community of students is absolutely massive, and of course come from all around the world.

The course is very in-depth and interesting. I would recommend this to anyone. Only thing I woulf find helpful is knowing more people in the UK, or locally to me, that is going through it to bounce ideas and knowledge of each other.

All in all, would recommend to anyone with an interest looking to expand their knowledge, or to gain the knowledge and experience to launch their own new career in photogrpahy.

[dan123]

nice to hear youve done it, im dabbling with the idea, just wating for a pot of gold at the end if a rainbow,
glad your enjoying it, couple of questions, how much of it is writen work if any??? or is it all practical assingments, id prefer that, and is the quality of info an help worht the money,

thanks,

dan,

[callumbell21]

Hi Dan,

To me it is well worth the money as the amount of thing I have learned (even at thsi early stage is phenomenal). The first module is purely written, module 2 onwards involves some written mixed with practical elements, and as you progress the more practical it becomes.

The tutors are on hand pretty much 24/7 and extremely helpful. They explain thing at a level that is easy to understand yet very in depth

It took me a few months to take the plunge but for me, I wouldn't go back.

[dan123]

thanks for that callum, ive been thinking for ages, but stuff always gets in the way, but from hearing this i might try it, it does interest me, and at least its not all written, thanks again, ill definately be considering it a bit more now,

dan,

[gebe12]

I’m looking at studying the course mentioned above or the one here – www.inst.org/photography-courses/become.htm

Anyone got any experience of it?

[jet_kit]

Originally Posted by GeoffWessex

Maybe it's worth putting them on the spot and asking them what accreditation or professional recognition can the course earn? Clearly they won't be able to give an answer. Something recognised by the City and Guilds would be useful. 500 pounds for nothing at all...... not good.

If they were City & Guilds accredited they would be shouting it from the rooftops.

It all looks very slick and they appear to be represented all over the world. But, I know the area of their UK address pretty well and I can't say I've ever noticed them, which leads me to thing they have a grubby little office on the 6th floor with a computer and a phone.

IMHO I would look at local Adult Education opportunities. They're normally very cheap and provide a great grounding in the subject. I accept that they'll only show you the basics of camera control and post production, but often that's all you need. Once you've mastered the basics you can expand in your own directions and at your own pace. You could do a lot worse than the free tutorials on the cover of DCM.