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Latereg
30th of August 2007 (Thu), 15:45
At present working full time, considering a change of direction. Which photo qualifications would you recommend or would gaining experience be the best option.

looking forward to the discussion
KIPAX
30th of August 2007 (Thu), 15:55
Rather depends on what area of photography you want to go into. A wedding photographer and a newspaper photographer probably different requirements.....
Gary_Evans
30th of August 2007 (Thu), 16:06
Get the experience to start with, and then go for the qualifications that actually mean something.

You can join the SWPP by paying £whatever and so long as you can focus you will get a qualification. If you can expose and compose you will possibly get a better qualification :lol:
Or, if you are a full time working pro you can join the MPA and show a consistantly high standard of work and get their basic qualification.

As Kipax says, the answer probably lies in where you goals are.
delhi
30th of August 2007 (Thu), 16:15
better not quit ur full-time just yet. Most people kinda ease into photography work. It sounds and look glamorous until you have to feed yourself & family....
Latereg
30th of August 2007 (Thu), 16:29
I'm more interested in newspaper / sport
not weddings or studio work.

I have options to reduce my current work hours in finance office or may be part time/ job share so would have basic income before maybe before shifting work balance sometime in the future.
freaking102
1st of September 2007 (Sat), 11:57
At present working full time, considering a change of direction. Which photo qualifications would you recommend or would gaining experience be the best option.

looking forward to the discussion

think you don't understand the terms. 99% of qualifications is experience, 1% is certification. formal education is experience is simply one type of experience.
JWright
1st of September 2007 (Sat), 22:01
If the tell the average person you have a Master's Degree in Photography from Brooks, thy're going to look at you like "so what" but when they see the superb, professional portfolio you've built over the years, then you're hired.

In photography, the experience and ability to deliver what the client wants is worth more than all the formal education you could ever get, unless, of course, you want to teach photography at the high school or college level...