new career (maybe)

jedimaster · 23-02-2009, 10:35

I'm looking at the possibility of a new career and hoping some of you guys could give me some advice.
As you are probably aware I have had an interest in photography for a number of years and am looking at the possibility of making a career out of it.
the problem is I dont have the qualifications. So if any of you can shed some light onto how to go about getting into the business eg. training courses or possibly a trainee position with a studio I would greatly appreciate it.

flashy · 23-02-2009, 10:38

pm kp and studio, i'm sure they will be able to help you

jedimaster · 23-02-2009, 10:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashy

pm kp and studio, i'm sure they will be able to help you

already had a chat with studio am trying to get all the info I can

flashy · 23-02-2009, 10:53

good on ya lad

K-P · 23-02-2009, 11:03

Photography... thats a wide subject.. you need to define what part of photography you want to get into... I would never put anyone off getting qualifications .. however the general opinion is that there not worth a lot .. especialy if self employed freelancing. Even newspapers arn't that interested as your portfolion will be your qualifications.

Dont take that the wrong way.. qualifications should never be sniffed at. but i wouldnt put years into it for the good they do you unless you know the field of photography you want would require qualifications.

jedimaster · 23-02-2009, 11:40

was thinking about wedding/events photography
and possibly the newspaper/magazine route covering events etc..
not sure i quite got the skills for fine art yet

jedimaster · 23-02-2009, 11:42

although i do quite enjoy street photography - trying to capture a glimpse of unposed real life

K-P · 23-02-2009, 11:46

weddings is one of the hardest as the normal route is to second an existing photographer.. but thats usualy done outside your area.. a wedding tog in your own area knows if he teaches you then you become his rival.

by far the busiest and best UK photography website (that also has a business section) is Talk Photography™ .. its busy and you ahve people from all parts of photography and all levels from new to mega years experience.. my best advice would be to join there and have a mooch about

K-P · 23-02-2009, 11:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by jedimaster

although i do quite enjoy street photography - trying to capture a glimpse of unposed real life

yeagh street photography is good. but making a living out of it.. hmm

jedimaster · 23-02-2009, 12:04

think i'll keep that one as a hobby then

Polly_45 · 23-02-2009, 21:57

I go on Talkphotography and i must say ive learnt quiet a lot from reading on there.although if you dare post be prepared for a shooting down as i find some of the older members can be quiet critical and show no compassion for us newer people trying to get into photography.
I enrolled on a photography course at blackburn and also joined a camera club,now the camera club i find very useful and some of the members bend over backwards to help you.
I took up photography purely because i wanted to do dog photography.
good luck im sure if you pursue it you will love it

jem · 23-02-2009, 23:11

try accrington and rossendale college they do a course on media and i think they help with photography too im not sure but you can give them a try

cashman · 23-02-2009, 23:22

know sod all about the subject, but good luck jedi, if ya have a bash. only thing i can really say fer any business, plenty of due diligence.

K-P · 24-02-2009, 00:12

Polly what camera club do you go to? I used to go to accy camera club but am unable to now... my lads needed me as taxi driver for all manner of things on friday

junetta · 24-02-2009, 00:59

I went down this road around fifteen years ago. It started as an interest and then as I didn't understand how a basic SLR worked I enrolled at college and learned how to develop and print. After gaining my GCSE I went on and got the A level. Next was City and Guilds and I almost got my LRPS but the college fees beat me and I had to give in. This was all evening courses as I worked full time and it took me around seven years to get as far as I did.

Being really interested in the chemical side of it all, digital cameras took over and the rest is history. I did do one wedding and it was so hard work! Thankfully, the photos were really good but it wasn't worth the effort I put into it, financially that is.

Wish you all the luck in the world and I hope I haven't put a damper on it xx