20 Oct 08 Travel photography (module 3)

I finally had the time to finish this module and thought it was a difficult on. The module assignment brief is: You are a photographer and as been ask to take 5 images of a tourist attraction for the local tourist board.

I had a try at it before and although I liked the pictures my tutor didn’t as the light wasn’t optimal and parts where in the shadow or full sum, so I did them over (he didn’t assigned them yet so it was OK)

As last time I have taken Alnwick Gardens as the tourist attraction but now tried to show the diversity it can bring, from its massive fountain to its calming lanes.

First the fountain and the main building in the background. This shows, I think, the complexity of the fountain.

Here we see a playground for the children with play JCB’s with the fountain in the background and this shows the size of it, plus that families can have fun here even if it is in the Autumn.

This is one of the many galleries which, when you walk through them gives surprising views.

The architecture and lay-out of the gardens gives good opportunities to the photographer and everybody finds different angles.

With surprising view of the many water-features.

and last but not least a visit should end in the famous tree house with its restaurant.

Now waiting for the tutor to access.

Happy shooting

Tags: alnwick, alnwick garden, autumn, britain, british, children, day out, england, family, fountain, garden, grand-parents, green, JCB, leaves, northumberland, parents, people, professional photography course, professional photography diploma, the photo student, water

13 Oct 08 The new photoshop CS4

Hello,

Just a quick update. I have tried to get the new Photoshop CS4 from adobe under a student license and they are recognize the professional photography course. This means that you can get your adobe software from very low prices. I have pre-ordered the adobe create suite 4 premium, which have a full license price of £1.467.58, for £276,12 which is 19% of the shop price!!!

Ask for an proof of student from the professional photography course and order at : https://store2.adobe.com/cfusion/store/html/index.cfm?store=OLS-EDU-UK&event=displayCatalog&catalogOID=1781053

And the course has already paid for itself.

Happy shooting

Tags: adobe, cs4, photoshop, professional photography course, professional photography diploma, the photo student

22 Sep 08 We have opened the course forum

The course discussion forum is open for everybody to join! The address is: http://www.thephotostudent.com/ppdforum/

Happy shooting

Tags: forum, professional photography, professional photography course, professional photography diploma

19 Sep 08 Module 1 – Photography as a living

Module give a good overview of what it takes to earn a living as a professional photographer, what the top ten of most popular areas of photography is. In there was something that surprised me, on number 10 of the most popular areas is pet photography.

The module goes further on equipment what you need, or more don’t need. they warn NOT to make a big investment now but wait until you start making money with what you got and go from there, or as they say “Think like a business man/woman and stop spending, start earning”. Very sound advice.

Normally I don’t write part of course down in my blogs as it is possible to take it out on context and not right as they publishers want to sell the course not give it away. In this case I make a small exception because this is something that is appropriate throughout your whole life and this is the secret to success and gives you an idea how the course want you to succeed.

How to avoid failure and achive success

There are many ‘secrets’ of success and various books reveal them, so visit a library and read some of those books. For now, though, here are 12 of the best tips from super-successful authors and public speakers:

1. Take 100% responsibility for your life; don’t blame or rely on others.
2. Decide what you want in life and thoroughly prepare for it.
3. Learn everything you can about the new path you’ve chosen.
4. Master your equipment and techniques; read the instructions!
5. Believe in yourself; you’re better than you think.
6. Solicit feedback – but not from nay-sayers – and learn from it.
7. Set step-by-step goals that are reachable and measurable.
8. Don’t be afraid of obstacles; go around, over or through them.
9. Don’t be discouraged by rejection – but correct any mistakes.
10. Embrace change; it’s the only thing that’s guaranteed.
11. Plan for the future, but do more than just plan; take action!
12. Exceed their expectations – deliver more than you promised.

This part of the module goes on further but this is a message you need to take at heart whatever you do.

Till next time,

Theo

Tags: Failure, how to start a business, Module 1, professional photography course, professional photography diploma, success, the photo student

19 Sep 08 The course materials have arrived

Yesterday the material for the course arrived and am I surprised!

What is in the box:

1. a very comprehensive study book, about 2 inches thick.
2. Personal letter with the information you need like the address and email from your tutor
3. An introduction letter for potential clients, explaining that you are a student in photography and that you need the experience asking them to help you in this way.
4. Access to the discussion forum of the institute
5. Biographical details of your tutor.
6. A CD with GIMP photo editing software, photo examples later used in the course and some examples of model releases.
7. Some leaflets on how to start your own business.
8. A quick start study guide
9. A manual, with pricing examples and much more useful information.
10. The possibility to get a press pass, you need to send in two passport photos, which I will do later in the day.
11. and last but not least the book Photos That Sell from Lee Frost, a very good book.

It all looks very professional and aiming to get you on your way in free-lance photography.

Now reading the first chapter.

Happy shooting

Tags: Course, course materials, Frost, GIMP, Lee Frost, professional photography course, professional photography diploma

17 Sep 08 Waiting for the course materials

The Institute of Professional Photography has kindly donated their professional photography course for us to review and Theo van Stratum has enrolled. This blog will describe the his progress through the course over the next two years and if he is able to make money through freelancing.

We will give advice during the course for everybody who wants to enter the course themselves and open an forum for open discussions about the BFP, Freelancing and the course from the institute for freelance photography.

Till next time

Theo

Tags: freelance photography, photography, professional photography course, professional photography diploma, the photo student