Does anyone study photography? Is it hard work?

[mamachat]

I am interested in photography and i'm considering doing a course...

If you are studing this what level are you studing at and what does your course entail?

I am not sure what level I need to study at to be a photographer that takes wedding and baby pics etc, any advice welcome..

Also how do you find it juggling motherhood with your course??

I think you'd need t do some sort of foundation course to begin with and also build up a portfolio of your pictures.

Hi,

I did a C&G level 2 course, which is a lot of work but I did it as an evening course so it was doable - Its QUite easy to pass in my opinion, but sadly it is not enough to make you confident enough to become a photographer that takes time and alot of practice. By the Way you don't actually have to have to have any qualifications to be a professional photographer. WHere do you live? I know people that run excellent day courses which are far more useful.

Having done a photography degree, I would suggest firstly that a HND or similar practical course would be much more useful than a degree if you really want to study. However, I think that if you seriously want to develop your skills to a level where you can charge money for them, then:

Read lots of books and web forums (ephotozine is a good general one, then move to more specialised ones once you know what you're into) to develop your knowledge and interest.

Choose a good DSLR (not top-level, just a good one that you can practice with) second-hand on ebay (so you can sell it again later if you want to upgrade, without losing money).

Practice, try things out, get your friends to act as models for you, just play around, build up your experience.

Do a course in Photoshop.

Try to get work experience/work shadowing with any photographers who's work you like the look of.

All of these things will help you far more than a generic photography course, in my opinion.

I was a pro photographer in the UK for 6 years, I now only do it part time as I now live in the Netherlands and have my new baby son!

I did a degree in fashion and textile design, then a City and Guilds in photography followed by an HND in photography but to be honest it's the work experience, your portfolio and networking that counts if you want to do it as a career!

I also used to run and teach studio photography classes, was great fun!

Unless you've already got a lot of experience using SLR cameras and the theory of photography I'd recommend doing the C&G course to get you up to speed on the basics and to start you on track to getting a portfolio together.

If you want any help or guidance I'd be more than happy to help you out. My website's here if you want some inspiration, my email is on there too :)

Jaz