I was given my first camera when I was about 9 by my parents as a birthday present. I loved taking photos, but was limited by the cost of film and developing. Despite loving chemistry, I never really enjoyed developing the film myself. So having a camera was really about capturing memories which I periodically revisit through these photos.
I bought my first digital camera in the late 1990s but I found it more and more limiting in taking the photos I wanted to capture, mainly because of the delay between pressing the trigger and the photo being taken. Finances allowed me to upgrade steadily over the years and I now have good quality kit that produces stunning results. I also discovered digital editing. For me, this was a game-changer as I was able to take a photo from the camera and transform it into the picture that I either remembered or wanted it to be!
Taking the Professional Diploma in Photography felt like the next step. It acted as a strong motivator to take my camera out and try new ideas and techniques, to research new areas of photography and to learn from others. I feel that over the 3 years it took me to complete the course I have grown substantially in the way I approach my hobby, though I now find myself always wanting to take a great picture rather than just capturing a memory! In particular, I have grown to really enjoy photographing people, indoors and out, formal, informal, candid and street. I am interested in developing a more creative approach so fully intend to continue my photography journey, and stay in touch with the IOP.
Retirement is looming and as a hobby, it provides me with a passion I can use to fill some of my time, and hopefully, I will be able to pass some of my enthusiasm and knowledge onto others. I help run a local photography club (West Norfolk) organising evening meets and trips out for the members. We also have some great landscapes, seascapes and skyscapes in the area so it provides countless opportunities for getting out with the camera. I am also keen to collaborate with other creatives, using my photography skills to help others in their own creative areas.
I would highly recommend the IOP. The courses are well structured and have easy to learn materials. But the real value is in doing the exercises, taking part in the tutorial sessions and the monthly competitions, interacting with your tutor and taking on board their suggestions, and finally in submitting photos for what is always very constructive feedback. This ongoing support throughout the course, plus the fact you can take as long as you want to complete it, made it a 5* opportunity for me. I’m so glad I took the diploma.
