[jaylo]

Hi,

I have 2 questions:

1. For clients: As a client would you prefer your photographer to have an accredited diploma etc. or fantastic photos? ( I realise both would be better)

2. For professional photographers: Have you done an accredited course?

I am looking to be a professional photographer in the near future, mainly wedding and portraits. I am looking at doing a non accredited career photography course for 6 months or 2 years but I am unsure whether I should be doing a Diploma instead which will take 5 years part time.

Thanks in advance,

Jay

This post has been edited by jaylo: 13/11/2012, 11:47 AM

[sir_mix-a-lot]

Fantastic photos. Some people naturally have an eye for good photos and I don't see why they should have to pay a whole lot of money to get accredited when their photos are already great. The photographer's professionalism and rapport with the customer are also important, but IME these are completely independent of accreditation. I guess what I'm trying to say is accreditation means nothing to me, I'd rather see an excellent folio of past work or have personal recommendations.

I'm not a professional photographer. So maybe discount my answer to your first question

[Mousky]

I never even considered diplomas when choosing a photographer. I always looked at their work or go by word of mouth.

The only thing would be if you would like to learn how to use things like light meters, but I'm sure it doesn't take a diploma to do that.

I have a friend who is going pro too, she has a Facebook page. Which she posts photos on. Good luck

[steppy]

I don't know that I'd require it, but I think it does help the photography to be better. Of course, so does excellent equipment. If you have talent, technical skills and excellent equipment, you're going to end up attracting more buyers. It is definitely not a cheap business to set up.

This post has been edited by steppy: 13/11/2012, 10:13 AM

[Madnesscraves]

Fantastic photos. It's just about having the skill for it really

[*Ev]

You should check your local CIT Or Tafe... not sure what it is called in your state. They will run courses. I think it will not hurt not take a course or two, there is so much to learn. I did one as part of graphic design studies, and it was really very informative. Otherwise.... your photos will speak for you.

This post has been edited by *Ev: 13/11/2012, 11:46 AM

[jaylo]

Thanks to everyone who replied, I really appreciate it. Sounds like the non accredited course would be good for me, to fill in the gaps in my knowledge.

I own a Canon 5D Mark ii and soon to be 5 professional grade lenses (thanks to my beautiful sister for getting compensation for our horrible childhood).

I have a facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/JaylenesPhotography if you would like to have a look.

Thanks again
Jaylene

[raven74]

Fantastic photos.
I recommend you do a course or two and get the book "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson.
It is a really competitive field and you need to know your stuff. Without meaning to be rude at all, you have a little bit of work to do before you reach working photographer quality. It's not to say you can't get there, and hell, I am just starting out too, but there's a few areas that need attention.
Good luck

[jaylo]

Thanks Raven74, I have read Understanding Exposure and watched his Youtube videos. Can you please let me know which areas you are referring to?

I don't want to call myself a professional until I am certain I am at that stage lol
Good luck to you also

This post has been edited by jaylo: 13/11/2012, 12:00 PM

[raven74]

PM'd - ohhh I forgot to ask - what lenses do you have - only because I ama lense whore and a sticky beak