Is there any advantage of doing a photography course?

Does it help get more clients when you tell them that you are an accredited photographer? or do they just look at your work and decide, and the degree/diploma/course does not matter?

I've been into photography from a long time and have recently (last 2-3 months) started getting paid for my work (event & portrait photography). All the clients so far have been very happy and I am mostly getting my business through facebook/online social media to a point that I am busy almost every weekend.

Would there be a point in doing a photography course from an accredited institution just for the sake of being certified and being able to tell your clients that you are certified?

Maybe if it was through the PPA, but usually clients hire you because they've seen your samples, like your work, & expect that you'll be able to get the same results for them.
Photography Professional License?

5W0L3 wrote in post #14817189
Does it help .....?

Would there be a point in doing a photography course ....?

It's extremely helpful, because there are usually a lot of beautiful women in those classes.

MikeFairbanks wrote in post #14817618
It's extremely helpful, because there are usually a lot of beautiful women in those classes.

I knew you were only in it for the chicks...

Photo courses are not designed to bring you more clients. They are to improve your understanding of photography. The new clients will come as your work improves. Sometimes you will make some new connections in the field but that's not always going to increase your number of clients. If you feel that they can't teach you anything new then don't waste your time. Afterall, you can always take an add out on Craigslist.

It never hurts to improve your education. People don't really care how you gained your skills. But the better you get, the better your sample work gets and the more work you will get.

vraspagraphix wrote in post #14820589
Photo courses are not designed to bring you more clients. They are to improve your understanding of photography. The new clients will come as your work improves. Sometimes you will make some new connections in the field but that's not always going to increase your number of clients. If you feel that they can't teach you anything new then don't waste your time. Afterall, you can always take an add out on Craigslist.

kfreels wrote in post #14820830
It never hurts to improve your education. People don't really care how you gained your skills. But the better you get, the better your sample work gets and the more work you will get.

Both of these echo how I feel, and I think it's important enough to chime in here again.

I have a very good friend who I photographically "grew up" with, and he showed me a lot of stuff about timing, composition, etc. The technical stuff I learned a lot on my own, which was easy for me because I have that kind of mind. However, going through a 2-year program at a local college put me in a better position (in some ways) than he is in now, and I feel like I have the potential to go farther than he will.

The main thing is that in a course/program, you're working every day at either learning a new concept, or furthering your understanding of a concept you thought you had down long ago. For me, the two biggest areas I feel that I improved - and continue to do so - through school was perspective choices (focal length and distance-to-subject), and lighting/flash.

There are a few shots I've gotten accolades for that wouldn't have been nearly as successful (in my opinion) without the understanding of perspective. One in particular, my friend was with me and lending a hand on the shoot. He didn't understand why I wanted to borrow his lens (for the added focal length and perspective that brought), and he kinda rolled his eyes when I had him as my VAL (Voice Activated Light-stand for you Strobist newbies), but the rim light he provided made the shot for me.

Don't do it because you think it will bring more business saying something like "I've got such-and-such degree/certificate/etc​." Do it because you will get more business through your improved photography.

vraspagraphix wrote in post #14820589
Photo courses are not designed to bring you more clients. They are to improve your understanding of photography. The new clients will come as your work improves. Sometimes you will make some new connections in the field but that's not always going to increase your number of clients. If you feel that they can't teach you anything new then don't waste your time. Afterall, you can always take an add out on Craigslist.

kfreels wrote in post #14820830
It never hurts to improve your education. People don't really care how you gained your skills. But the better you get, the better your sample work gets and the more work you will get.

bjyoder wrote in post #14821045
Both of these echo how I feel, and I think it's important enough to chime in here again.

I have a very good friend who I photographically "grew up" with, and he showed me a lot of stuff about timing, composition, etc. The technical stuff I learned a lot on my own, which was easy for me because I have that kind of mind. However, going through a 2-year program at a local college put me in a better position (in some ways) than he is in now, and I feel like I have the potential to go farther than he will.

The main thing is that in a course/program, you're working every day at either learning a new concept, or furthering your understanding of a concept you thought you had down long ago. For me, the two biggest areas I feel that I improved - and continue to do so - through school was perspective choices (focal length and distance-to-subject), and lighting/flash.

There are a few shots I've gotten accolades for that wouldn't have been nearly as successful (in my opinion) without the understanding of perspective. One in particular, my friend was with me and lending a hand on the shoot. He didn't understand why I wanted to borrow his lens (for the added focal length and perspective that brought), and he kinda rolled his eyes when I had him as my VAL (Voice Activated Light-stand for you Strobist newbies), but the rim light he provided made the shot for me.

Don't do it because you think it will bring more business saying something like "I've got such-and-such degree/certificate/etc​." Do it because you will get more business through your improved photography.

All of these are well said. Don't do it to say you have a degree, that doesn't mean you're good.

You may not think there's much you can learn, but there always will be. Along with gaining more understanding of photography you'll also gain knowledge of the business side.

It's like everything else: Your experience is what determines your pay. So with photography your portfolio is a result of your experience. The schooling should help you get better when you shoot, but like others have said people will look at your photos and not at you degree.

bjyoder wrote in post #14821045
Don't do it because you think it will bring more business saying something like "I've got such-and-such degree/certificate/etc​." Do it because you will get more business through your improved photography.

I would go along with that ^^^
But if you can buy an online degree with "life credits" and it doesn't cost much go ahead and hang that diploma on the wall

watt100 wrote in post #14824886
I would go along with that ^^^
But if you can buy an online degree with "life credits" and it doesn't cost much go ahead and hang that diploma on the wall

True in most industries. But being art, I've never met a person who would be willing to hire a person for their degree despite inferior work. Don't get me wrong. I have a degree myself and mine was always displayed. But the quality of your sample work and your personality or what they pay for.

I think the real need is for someone else to look at your pics and evaluate. I learned a lot by posting on forums. the helpful advice and critical eye were invaluable to me.

Any form of education is great. I don't feel having photography education is 100% necessary. I have heard of countless top class photographers whom are all self taught. It will give you an advantage depending if you are able to learn.