Frequently Asked Questions

How long are the courses?

Longer courses have one year's membership with support via e-mail. Mini courses have three to six month's membership. During this time you can ask as many questions as you like, send in photographs for a critique or just have a chat! Depending on the course selected, modules will be supplied to you over several months. It is entirely up to you how long it takes you to complete the assignments or develop your skills or business.

Are the costs quoted on the web sites for the whole course or per module?

Membership subscriptions are for the whole course. There may be a small fee for purchase by PayPal, but this is stated on the web page.

Can I take more than one course?

Some students like to take the beginners’ course to hone their skills before embarking on the business course. Others prefer to just take one course. If you intend to do one and then the other, do tell me as you will attract a discount if both courses are purchased at the same time.

Do I have to attend any sessions?

No, all courses are taken in your own home and course material can be delivered to any address. You take things at your own speed and there is no rush to submit assignments, but we suggest that you do not leave things until the last few months!

If you decide a one-to-one session would be beneficial, then this can be arranged in your own home or our Essex base.

Can I have one-to-one lessons?

If you live in the Essex area and are prepared to travel to our base, we can arrange tuition on a one-to-one basis on a number of topics. Prices and information on request. These sessions are not dependent on you being a member, but can entitle you to course material if you purchase this particular package; as your session will be taylor made, price will be on application, please use the 'contact me' page.

If I run out of time can I continue with my course?

Yes, you simply request to renew your membership. There is a very small additional fee, but this gives you another year of support and other privileges.

I prefer to use film - will the courses be for me?

Many of the camera functions are the same for film cameras as for DSLRs and you should gain from the courses in the same way as digital users. The basics of photography are after all the same for either type of photography. The business course is for any type of camera and the beginners’ course will suit good compacts as well as SLRs.

Do I get a certificate?

Once you have completed your course and submitted the required assignments and received your final grade you will be sent your Photo Start Up or Photo Start Out certificate. Attaining this level is not easy and you should be justly proud of yourself once you achieve this level. Courses are not accredited, as this tends to restrict the curriculum, especially for the start-up business. To give value for money, courses are not accredited as on the whole, to keep prices realistic, they would need to at least double to cover the extra costs imposed by the authorising bodies! If you think otherwise do let me know!

Do I need a computer to take the course?

Course material can be supplied on CD or paper format. Contact will need to be by e-mail or letter. If you are unable to have easy access to a computer, pictorial material can be supplied on paper if need be. To enjoy photography to the full, especially digital photography, a computer is essential, but we realise that not all students have these facilities.

If you have any further questions, feel free to ask them via the 'Contact' form.