Are You wanting to get into Photography?
My initial suggestion for anyone wishing to enter the world of photography, is to start off on the right footing, and not jump straight into what you read and hear from the media, or even what your friends will tell you. Remember opinions are biased and often very one sided. It is your passion, so “feel it” out from the gut. Most successful photographers started out this way by following their bliss and grasping onto a camera that felt good in their hands, while familiarising themselves with all the settings. Accompanied with a camera body, the most important part followed, the lens. I am not knocking what the media says, nor what the adverts state in terms of pros and cons and functionality, but it is you that needs to make the right choice from the start in order to move forward in a positive direction that suits your intentions. The way I progressed was similar to what I am suggesting to you, and, guess what… it worked out well. I am just trying to help you, and save you time, money and frustration. There are many people I have met on this journey who showed potential and enthusiasm to become great photographers, but unfortunately, this was short lived, as they failed to believe and trust their instincts, rather focusing their attention to the opinions of friends and others in their circle, that were merely being polite in their responses in order to remain neutral and refrain from “shaking the cart”. This is very sad, as the journey of becoming an entitled photographer never matured, and the experience was never had.
Attend an Introductory Course in Photography
You have the motivation and the will, as well as taken the time to explore photography as a hobby or a potential career, so find a short course or workshop that will lay out the basics for you to consider. This will include areas of genre, the disciplines involved that need to be followed as a photographer, such as understanding lighting, and finally what cameras and lenses you will require when you reach that next step. One soon realizes the importance of light and composition, as well as the vast range of camera gear out there to choose from. It is important to be clear and make a decision that will set you in good stead. A short course, or personalized workshop, will open doors and answer questions that need answers. These will be questions you have never thought of, detrimental to making the correct choices from the start.
How to Choose the Right Photography Course and Institution
Firstly, it is important to realise and to understand that you will not be employed, nor be a great photographer, based on your certifications and place of study. Photography is visual, so understand, the main focus is about being able to deliver according to a brief. For the hobbyist, it is about taking photographs that you love with ease and confidence. Not for a minute should you believe that a photographer that holds a collective of scientific photographic experience and academic degrees, will shine better in this industry than a self-taught passionate photographer with a good eye and the will to learn. as mentioned, it is all about having a good eye and an understanding of composition and light and putting this into practise. Having an a outgoing and extravert personality is not a bad trait either, as being a good communicator and comfortable around people is always key to extracting the desired story from of a photograph.
My suggestion is to research and talk to people,especially, students and ex students, with hands on facts and opinions on the courses they have attended. The media is great at creating a “false existence”, but Google the reviews and discover the truth for yourself.
Smaller is better… don’t be fooled
Sometimes choosing a smaller and more personal institution is better and more sincere in their methods of teaching than the larger more commercial schools. Often, with larger institutions and schools of photography, you will just be a mere number once you have paid your fees. Try to find a school where the lecturer is passionate about photography. Preferably a course which is tailored according to your interests and desires. You will be surprised to discover, that it is often these smaller, less “flashy photography schools” to be more sincere in their attitude and in the way they teach their students, as the lecturers themselves are photographers who believe and love to share their skills abundantly with fellow photographers in the making.