Anyone done an ICS City & Guilds Basic Photography course?

[GeorginaA]

I've been feeling a bit low recently, so I've been doing some thinking tonight and have come to the conclusion I need to do something for me.

I'd like to do some sort of course, but not too fussed about the qualification at the end (I first started thinking about doing an A level - but really I'd need to do that at an actual local college, and I'm too tied with a young baby at the moment to contemplate that). I've been dabbling more and more in photography recently so learning to use my camera "properly" would be fantastic.

I was wondering if anyone else had done a distance learning course with ICS - are they reputable? What's the course material/support like? Also, to do photography I would want to use a digital camera, but it doesn't specify on the site what digital cameras are considered "suitable". I have a Cannon G5 which is fairly flexible, but not a true SLR - anyone know if this would qualify as suitable.

More importantly, am I being naive thinking I'm going to have the self-discipline to complete a home study course when I have a 4 month old and a 3 year old around?!

Hi, can't help really with info on the qualification. Just wanted to say that if you are really interested in photography and would like to learn more about your camera - have a look in camera mags like Digital camera buyer and user. They have adverts for courses specifically for people wanting to learn more about their digital cameras.
I looked into doing a photography course at our local college but was put off by the amount of written work and theory. I am a lazy sod and just wanted to take pretty pictures!

I am thinking of joining our local photography society as well.

Hi, can't help really with info on the qualification. Just wanted to say that if you are really interested in photography and would like to learn more about your camera - have a look in camera mags like Digital camera buyer and user. They have adverts for courses specifically for people wanting to learn more about their digital cameras.
I looked into doing a photography course at our local college but was put off by the amount of written work and theory. I am a lazy sod and just wanted to take pretty pictures!

I am thinking of joining our local photography society as well.

ooops, didn't mean to do that!

im about to do the C&G black and white basic photography course at college. start 1 October, so I can tell you what kind of camera they recommend then. sorry Im not help with the other questions though, although I have considered doing one of their courses, but I cant really afford it at the moment

Ooo... tammybear - we'll have to compare notes! I had a look at the B&W course, but it said it needed dark room access, which I wouldn't have at home

Lowryn - good point, I'll have to check how much written work is required. I know a portfolio has to be sent off to the C&G people at the end. Don't know about written work. Have sent off for a course brochure.

MIL has also offered to pay for half the course!! A bit flabbergasted.

How spooky - I'm doing this course too in a couple of weeks time over 1 evening per week, and oddly enough I was also considering doing a black and white course. Can I come and compare notes too with you and Tammybear??

In my course notes they don't specify what type of digital camera you need. Looking at my registration notes this is what they say ...

"any type of camera can be used but if a 'point and shoot' cameras are used fr the photograghy, then evidence of understanding the individual aspecs of camera control must be shown in the workbook"

The workbook in question "consists of exercises designed to support the practical folio and a product"

excuse the terrible typos - am tired and typing in the dark

By all means, metrobaby! How exciting that there's someone else doing the same course here!

That's reassuring about the camera. I can change quite a few settings on the Cannon - so beyond a basic point & shoot. I love the camera so would be great to learn more about it and work with that one.

I think my decision has been made

how odd. im so glad other people are doing the same as me

I've decided it's fate... I've mentioned to my mother in law, and she's paying half.

She pointed out that dh's uncle is not only a professional photographer but used to be a college tutor in the subject so if I need anything explaining I could get advice from him.

Dh thinks it's a cool idea and has an old SLR manual camera if I need it.

And now 2 other people on mumsnet are doing something similar!!

beam