Research

One cornerstone of any course is research, and this course requires research both into work of other photographers and techniques and equipment necessary to achieve the high standard of work required to pass the course. Below are some of the resources that I have used during this course.

 

 

The Internet

 

Today the internet provides a huge resource of information for students of all subjects from archaeology to zoology, but care has to be taken in identifying what sources of information are accurate and reliable. For example Wikipedia is a website hosting all kinds of information, but the source of the information are not always one hundred per cent correct. I therefore choose to look at several websites and compare the information and assess what information is correct. Often the photographers will themselves have a website, with information about themselves. Although occasionally they will not have this information readily available and this will mean emailing them and asking them some questions myself. Unfortunately, some do not respond, or will answer the questions 'yes' or 'no'.

 

 

 

 

Our Group

 

I am very fortunate to be studying with such a good group of people, starting out as other students, now as friends, who work together and share their knowledge and experiences. We have been on some photography trips, sometimes just those from the courses (this one and previous photography courses) other times with members of the Burton Photographic Society, of which I am a member. We have had some good trips, but with recent commitments I have been limited in joining the group for some recent trips.

 

 

 

In fact, some photographs taken on one of our groups trips, to Chalk Abbey, where we photographed their deer, are on exhibition at Burton Queens Hospital.

 

Steve (Mr Steve), the tutor provides support, help with the college’s photographic studio and gives us access to a number of books from their library.

 

 

Burton Photographic Society

 

A group of like minded people who share information, and hold special nights where guest speakers come in and talk about their work and experiences. Last year Peter Clarke gave a series of Photoshop tutorials. Again, due to recent commitments I have been limited in attending the club nights.

 

 

The College

 

As well as running the course and providing the studio and other facilities, the college invite guest speakers to present their work and thoughts. So far I have been to one night where Joe Cornish was presenting a very interesting and inspirational speech on his landscape photography. There is another presentation this week which I am hoping to attend.

 

 

 

 

Books

 

Since starting my first photography course, my collection of photographic books has quadrupled !, explaining why my bookcase is now struggling under the weight. I have added six books to my library since Christmas 2010 !

 

Although books can become out-dated, in particular in the case of law studies, most information such as techniques and how things work are still pretty relevant, but at least you know that if you buy a book, written by Tom Ang as an example, you know the information is accurate.

 

Initially, I chose books that covered several areas, but I sometimes concentrate on particular areas such as portraits, landscapes and post production.

 

 

 

Magazines

 

I get some magazines on a regular basis which feature tutorials and reviews of new equipment. They often carry features from professional photographers who give their insights to their area of photography and these can be very interesting and informative.