Formal Training

[sheepie]

OK folks...

I'm considering the following, but want to know if anyone has had any experience with these guys:

http://www.acj.edu.au/courses/freelance_photography.html

It's with the "Australian College of Journalism"

The way I see it there are several benefits from doing something like this:
- Formalised learning - the bits of learning are all laid out in categories
- Set topics for assignment, with professional feedback
- May introduce some interesting contacts (???)
- A bit of paper for the file (would be interested to know if anyone has come accross these bits of paper, and whether anyone in the real world pays attention to them!)
- "Press Pass" at the end of it (again - does anyone know if these are considered 'ligit' in the real world?)
- The fact that I'm paying for it would mean I'd be getting off my backside and making the most of it!

Downsides:
The main downside of something like this (as far as I can see) is I would be paying for a lot of information I could otherwise obtain from people in this community!

If some of my concerns above are justified (re the 'real world' impression of something like this) then maybe it's not worth the money. If however the 'real world' does give this sort of thing credibility then maybe it is worth it.

Do I make any sense? Any comments?


Ta

[nodabs]

it would certainly be good experience and the critique may make you a better photographer but i wouldn't rely on a course to open to many doors. the only this that will get you work is a really good portfolio. i also wonder abit about t5he "press pass" most events you get issued a seperate pass for each even which involves going to them with either a letter from your editor saying who you are on magazine/paper letterhead or in some cases they ask to see a copy of a publication with you name as well as a letter. the bit of paper is good for the resume but it won't get you ahead because you are basically judget on what you do not what you know

[MHD]

how much is it and how much time does it take?

[Paul]

This is something I've been looking at for a while now, It would be interesting to see how it compares to a T.A.F.E course and if the industry accepts either of these course as an entry into there profession.

[sheepie]

...i wouldn't rely on a course to open to many doors. the only this that will get you work is a really good portfolio. i also wonder abit about t5he "press pass"...

I agree - I am not looking for a 'magic pass' into a fulltime profession.

I am looking at it from the point of view that it will teach me the main points the profession is looking for.

Things like:
- How to put together a portfolio
- What sort of photo's to put in it
- How to approach potential clients
- What to do if I want to be published
- How to approach organisers when I do want to cover their event

For instance - take my lightning shot. I was more than thrilled to get this published in the paper - even more so to see it on the front page (albeit in a small local paper). How though, would I approach the next one? What would I need to do to submit a photo of quality (in my opinion at least) in a way that I would get it published, and maybe paid for it?

I think I've mentioned to several people before - I don't think I want to make a fulltime thing out of this hobby. What would be nice though, would be to every now and then make a little money to help the hobby fund itself

[JordanP]

Sheepie,

I have had a bit to do with these people indirectly and also recieved a brochure of the course you are considering in the mail this week.

First thing I would say is that the critique of your images through this institution would probably be quite soft. I have seen the work and responses from another person who had done one of their courses and they are VERY encouraging and flattering in their assessment of that person. Can't realy comment if this was an isolated case or the norm as I have only seen this one example.

Second, after looking through the info sent to me I notice that a large portion of their course is taken up with film development techniques and self printing methods. This may be of interest to you - not sure - but quite outdated if you shoot exclusivley digital SLR.

The Press pass was something of interest to me and after a little research, I would say that it may be helpful but you would have to be a bit of a talker as it is not an officially recognised pass. It seems that those with it who push it and give the college as a reference point for the pass seem to do OK.

Cheers,

[JordanP]

how much is it and how much time does it take?

150hrs

809 if you pay up front 890 if you go for the payment plan.

[MHD]

that seems reasonable if the content is good...

I liked your training method better Craig

To bad there are no photographers I really look up to in Canberra...

[Geoff]

I can recommend a good wedding photographer trainer (points to Craig)....I guess this course is good, but it'd be good if you could (don't know how)...to find someone what had done the course and get their feedback, although as I said this I think it'd be difficult to do. Anyway..good luck


Geoff.