Do qualifications matter

[jojo24]

I love photography as a hobby so decided to quit my job and go back to school next year to study photography.

I am have been accepted into Christchurch Polytech to do a 1 year Diploma of professional photographic imaging. I want to make sure its the right thing to do before I pay for it.

Does anyone have any feedback on which courses are the best to do - preferably in New Zealand, or if you find that qualifications aren't really what get you hired in most situations.

Thanks!!!

[beatles2]

If any thing it will make you a better photographer. Or you can take it a lot slower and let experience be your teacher.

[Jim Poor]

A business education will serve you better.

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

A business education will serve you better.

+1

I know lots of good photographers who have no idea how to market themselves.

[kencaleno]

Originally Posted by jojo24

I love photography as a hobby so decided to quit my job and go back to school next year to study photography.

I am have been accepted into Christchurch Polytech to do a 1 year Diploma of professional photographic imaging. I want to make sure its the right thing to do before I pay for it.

Does anyone have any feedback on which courses are the best to do - preferably in New Zealand, or if you find that qualifications aren't really what get you hired in most situations.

Thanks!!!

Qualifications aren't absolutely necessary, but really open doors if you want to teach photography,or to work as a photographer's assistant,until you find your feet, professionally. The best photography course in New Zealand, is the $ 20,000 - 3-year full-time Diploma in Photographic Imaging course, taught by Paul Gummer and Ian Rotherham with Shelley Amerigo-Higgins and Kay Davis, held at U.C.O.L. in Palmerston North. Ken

[nathanbarlow]

Paul Gummer has been awarded top photographer in NZ for 2008 or 2009 BTW

[kencaleno]

Originally Posted by nathanbarlow

Paul Gummer has been awarded top photographer in NZ for 2008 or 2009 BTW

Well, best landscape photographer anyway-Paul uses a Toyo 5" x 4" monorail camera. (large format film)

U.C.O.L. has been awarded Best photography College in New Zealand for the past 5 years. Ken

[candleman]

i'd kill to do a photography /fineart /commercial imaging /business course
but i cant until my investment in the NZ Lotteries Commission pulls through a win


if you have the opportunity.. go for it.

no its not esential.. but you're far more likley to succeed if you have an opportunity to learn in such an environment. IE... from people who have been there and done it.

[darker1985]

I'm going to take a part time night course to help me out, I can then work in the day and study this brilliant subject at night. I have taught myself a lot of it by reading and talking with people, I must admit I need to get out more and build my confidence but I hope the course will help with that.