How to get the experience?

[Goatsmilkuk]

Now I'm starting to walk again or at least getting there, I want to get out and gain some real experience with a professional photographer.
Anyone have any pointers on how to go about it?
I have no formal qualifications in photography but a massive interest, I am happy to carry bags for a photographer to start with in order to gain some experience.

What is a good way to approach them without looking like all I want is to see what they do and set up myself, I have thought about approaching ones who are out of my area so I'm not going to be working in their area should I set up in the future, also is it best to go and knock their door, send a letter or e-mail explaining my photographic experience along with what I'm looking to gain?

Anyone here done or doing a similar thing?

[Pol]

Re: How to get the experience?

Now I'm starting to walk again or at least getting there, I want to get out and gain some real experience with a professional photographer.
Anyone have any pointers on how to go about it?
I have no formal qualifications in photography but a massive interest, I am happy to carry bags for a photographer to start with in order to gain some experience.

What is a good way to approach them without looking like all I want is to see what they do and set up myself, I have thought about approaching ones who are out of my area so I'm not going to be working in their area should I set up in the future, also is it best to go and knock their door, send a letter or e-mail explaining my photographic experience along with what I'm looking to gain?

Anyone here done or doing a similar thing?

I haven't done anything similar, nor do I wish to. However, our eldest son (now 33) was undecided what he wanted to do after A levels so he decided to have a gap year to do a Photography course at a College of FE/HE and ended up staying to complete their HNC course. The course was very comprehensive, covered all sorts of aspects about business as well as photography ... and he also got the chance to do work experience, exhibit in art centres as well as a few commissions that resulted from his work experience and exhibitions.

He eventually chose to go into broadcasting technology - but the Photography HNC was an extremely useful course which is where he got his initial experience in camera, documentary and film.

Have you looked at what's available in your own area? Some courses are part time so maybe you could still carry on working at your current job. How about having a chat with your Force's own photographic dept too? There are all sorts of branches of photography so maybe a college course could be the way to gain some wider experience?

Here a link showing the content of the college course where our son started off. He was only just 18 at the time but there are plenty options for adults too and you're still young enough to get going in a structured way on a properly structured course with qualifications at the end of it. There's a good chance there's likely something similar in your own area.

Hope that gives you some food for thought at least?

Pol

[Goatsmilkuk]

Re: How to get the experience?

Thanks for the link Pol, a course is something I am thinking about, but what I really want in the very near future is some out there in the thick of it experience, you never know I may end up doing both.

Stu

P.S

our eldest son (now 33)

I'm 34, so does that mean I can call you Mom , before you say no, don't forget it's mothers day very soon.

[Pol]

Re: How to get the experience?

P.S

I'm 34, so does that mean I can call you Mom , before you say no, don't forget it's mothers day very soon.

Sure you can. I lost count of how many 'unofficial' sons I had, not to mention the unofficial 'nephews' who referred to me as "Aunty Polly". I'm just grateful none of them refer to me as 'grannie' yet.

Pol (aka 'The Mummikins' to the eldest) ......... LOL