We have received many testimonials from students who have successfully completed the Professional Photography Course.

Please enjoy some of our student testimonials listed below.





"If you are reading this because you are thinking about signing up and doing the course, then stop thinking about it just do it!

The course gives you a thorough grounding and overall knowledge into all aspects of photography. The course guides you through in easy stages and at your own pace with expert tuition and back-up from your online tutor.

You don't realise how much you are learning but I have gone from simple 'point and shoot' to producing photographs I am proud to display on my own website www.ianmeekphotography.co.uk which would not have been possible without the guidance and training from the Photography Institute and my tutor Matthew Evans.

I recently have been awarded with an award from the prestigious Royal Photographic Society.



The Royal Photographic International Awards are offered annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the art and science of photography.

To view the work that I received this award from please click on this link.

I have also recently, along with my son Alex, taken over the North East franchise for 'Going Digital'. This has been a tremendous step and has helped me take that important step to becoming a full time pro photographer!

Thanks again to everyone at PI!..."

...Ian Meek LRPS, Scarborough.

www.ianmeekphotography.co.uk





"If you are thinking of enrolling with The Photography Institute then I would thoroughly recommend it!

The course assisted me in so many ways and it was far from a 'standard' course which can leave you with a lot of reading materials and no actual experience or feedback. My tutor was fantastic and quite open in giving constructive feedback which I really appreciated.

I have always had a creative streak and photography was originally an outlet for this. I took the course to gain the 'technical' experience and knowledge that I needed to develop my skills further. I then realised that photography was much more than just a hobby for me, it was something that left me with a huge buzz after every shoot and seeing people so happy at the results always makes me smile.

I am now the very proud owner of www.charliphotography.co.uk.

I was absolutely blown away this year to be shortlisted in The Wedding Industry Awards 2013. These awards are based on what your clients think about you and the feedback that they have given so to be presented with this was truly amazing. 



I am under no illusion that part of the success of my business as a wedding, fashion and portrait photographer is down to The Photography Institute and all that it stands for. Yes, this course will help you just to understand your camera more, but, it also offers SO much more than that. With drive, ambition and a true passion for this craft, you can be successful and more importantly, you can stand out.

I have recommended this course to a few aspiring photographers that I know and they are now midway through the course and also think it is great.

It isn't a walk in the park but then nothing that is ever worth something is..."

...Charli Murray, London.





"I never thought I would have my own photography website a year ago, never mind be in the position to charge people for taking their photographs, but the unbelievable has happened and that is all down to PI!!!! I have worked in the same field for a long time and needing a new challenge, I decided to look into doing a course in photography just to increase my knowledge as I've always loved taking pictures, putting together albums etc, but was clueless about it all and didn't know where to start. 

I went for this course as I am a working Mum of two children and haven't time to attend evening or weekend classes so I needed something more flexible. I liked the fact I could do this course in my own time, and the fact that I could pay for it over a number of months, so it didn't seem so expensive anymore. Also I liked what people had to say about the course and I'm pleased to say that everything they said was correct! The content is relevant, interesting and easy to understand. For those times where you may get stuck, your tutor is there to help. My tutor Matt was fantastic and was able to answer every question I had (no matter how stupid!) and was really quick at getting my assignment results back to me (usually in the space of a few hours). Also he always gave honest and constructive feedback following each assignment, which was a big help and confidence booster.   

I started the course with a standard point and shoot camera and you could probably continue with that all the way if you wanted to, but I fell in love with photography hook line and sinker. So after Module 2, I decided to take the plunge, investing in a professional standard camera, and to be honest, since then I haven't looked back. With every module my confidence grew, my knowledge of image composition and how to take a good picture improved, I learnt how to use my camera properly (and not on Auto mode!!!), and even learnt how to go about setting up my business! All the information was there for me to take on board one step at a time. I'm not at all technically minded which is what put me off photography in the past, but with the help of this course and my tutor Matt, I realised it wasn't beyond me and now I've overcome my fears and love all the new gear I have since purchased. It has absolutely quadrupled my confidence and belief in myself and that maybe, just maybe, I can make a living from my photography.

I now have my own website which is:

www.alisonmckennyphotography.com

Although I am still working part time, I have already had photography bookings coming up which is very exciting. I can honestly say, this would never have happened if I hadn't done this course, so if you are anything like me, just go for it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain..."

...Alison Mckenny, Suffolk.





"12 months ago I had never turned a Digital SLR camera on! Now I have graduated, been exhibited as a commended Sony World Photographer, won a national Photography award, started a business and give up my day job plus I'm a mum with two young children. Its unbelievable how fast things can happen.

I signed up to this course because I needed to direct my creative energy somewhere, I liked pictures and have always been 'snap happy' but I wanted to learn how to take a good picture, understand the science rather than just getting lucky. I was keen to learn but was happy to just take good pictures of my children, never did I anticipate what the potential was.

I loved the fact that I could learn at home in my own time, knowing my children where safe in bed I could study in peace and didn't have to worry about babysitters. I wasn't very fast at completing my assignments because I wanted to understand and get it right. I loved how it was broken into 12 segments and I enjoyed reading the manual and looking at the examples.

My passion and confidence soured and I really liked looking at other peoples work on the Facebook page, it felt like a real community and it was great to share work and get feedback. My tutor Daniel has been excellent, really quick at marking my assignments and always gave me really good feedback that was understandable and helped me go forward.

This course has made me literally live the dream..."

...Catherine Brown, Lancashire.

www.cathybrownphotography.co.uk





"Thank you so very much for this course.

Having designed interiors for 30 years, I decided to switch from interior design to photography. I had a basic knowledge as photography had been a hobby of mine for many years, so the switch wasn’t hard to do.

I have certainly made the right decision to enrol on the Photography Institute course, which has guided me from amateur- to professional level. 12 Modules of detailed technical information presented in effective pdfs with great examples and graphs; a carefully designed course, which also includes helpful practical tips from George Seper! What a privilege!

Whilst doing the course, I was appointed photographer for a project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Family Adams Project, which was granted £49,000; details are on my website www.helena-g-anderson.com; and being on the course was very helpful and reassuring.

My tutor Gary Wallis was great and thorough, always consistent and knowledgeable;  I will miss his comments and guidance!. Awesome support team who always responds quickly to whatever query you may have; and always friendly and kind; it was more like dealing with friends…Thank you guys!

I have also enjoyed the Photography Institute Facebook page where you will find useful information, and where you can share your thoughts and photos.

Next stop: the Advance Modules!!! I can’t wait!..."

...Helena g Anderson, Chippenham (ely).

www.helena-g-anderson.com





"I was already taking photographs in a semi-professional capacity but needed a little extra knowledge and confidence to take it all the way. The PI course has given me just that.

The course was challenging yet hugely rewarding. It made e think and re-examine habits and techniques that I had developed which could - and have been - improved.

The flexibility of this course is amazing and allowed me to work around an extremely busy workflow.

I was always amazed at the speed that my questions were answered by my tutor when I got stuck and also the speed of the marking process which drove you onto the next stage. Plenty of feedback is always given on each assignment and no generic replies are to be seen - ever!

It took me a while to get around to doing this course but I am so glad that I did. If you like me were a little unsure - don't be! Just do it and you will never regret it.

A huge thank you to everyone at PI who have developed a course with thought, that is flexible for busy lives and affordable at the same time.

I am having a great time and business is going from strength to strength..."

...John Knight, Kent.

www.johnknight.co.uk





"After I graduated from University with a Graphic Design degree two years ago I decided to go travelling for 6 months. I explored many different countries and cultures and I saw some beautiful and amazing things. It was then that I decided I wanted to do photography, there are so many places and people I wished I would have captured that it really inspired me to become a professional Photographer.

When I returned, I researched photography courses and came across The Photography Institute. At first I thought it was quite a lot of money but as it was something I really wanted to do I just went for it. I can now confidently say that it was worth every penny.

I enjoyed studying each different module when I had the spare time and because I didn't feel pressured into doing it within a certain time frame I thoroughly enjoyed each part more than I ever had learning at University. Each module was full of easy to understand information followed by an assignment. The assignments were interesting and challenging, this is the part I enjoyed the most. I was inspired to get out with my camera and take photos everywhere I went.

The feedback from my tutor was brilliant, he marked my assignments and responded to my questions very quickly, so I could complete each assignment confidently. It took me about 8 months to complete the course and I now feel that I have the confidence, skills and knowledge to go it alone.

Since completing the course I have started my own photography business specialising in Portraits, Events and Lifestyle photographs. I am hoping that as my business takes off it will become full time work.

Thank you PI, I really enjoyed the course and I would fully recommend it to anyone..."

...Francesca Thorpe, Manchester.





"I was a 'happy snapper' novice Photographer but was frustrated with the limitations of my compact 'point and shoot' camera. The main beef was always missing in that special moment because the shutter refresh speed was just too slow, so I invested in my first DSLR and started experimenting.

I loved the fast response I got from the DSLR and it instantly improved my photos but it didn't take long before I wanted to get more from my camera and my images.

The Photography Institute course was given to me as an early Christmas present and was received with great enthusiasm as I had previously read about the course and it's great reviews.

I wanted to learn how to be a better Photographer, and as I now had a DSLR, I was ready to roll! From that moment on I knew I didn't want to shoot in AUTO ever again. I wanted to take full control of my camera and my photos.

This is a well-structured course designed for the Photographer that wants to unleash the real potential of his/her camera, and work at their own pace.

From the outset and the constructive critique from Daniel my tutor, paired with the valuable information provided from the modules, I knew that the course was right for me. By the time i reached module three i was totally hooked, by the time I got to module 11, I had the confidence i needed to take on my first job, as a freelance Photographer.

I was a little daunted at first as these photos weren't just for me to experiment on but for a client and I had no second chances to get it right. My fears soon disappeared when I started the shoot as it was a complete success. The winning image is portrait number 4 on my website:

www.powerfulphotography.co.uk

'I am no longer a soldier in point and shoot brigade but a contender in the DSLR army' thanks to The Photography Institute...

...Don Jordan, Middlesex.





"The Photography Institute has really opened my eyes to world of Professional - Full Time Photography!

The knowledge that George Seper holds, shines through in the course material. The course is aimed around the practical hands on approach to real life situations and the technical knowledge that it teaches is second to none. George gets you to think of your approach to a situation, both mentally and physically, in a different light and attack tasks from a different angle.

Once you have learned the basics you are then taught how to use different tools like lighting and Photoshop. The latter end of the course teaches and directs you into the world of commercial photography and gives you invaluable insight that only a lifetime of knowledge can teach you. At the end of each exercise you are given practical exercises as confirmation of the knowledge you have learned.

The tutors on the course really know their stuff and their feedback at the end of each practice exam really backs this up. Their direction and advice is second to none and their response time to marking exams and to any questions you may have is quite admirable.

Overall the course has many advantages over some of the full time academic courses out there as George really has a world of knowledge built up from a lifetime of photography. A lot of the information that the course teaches are things that 'cannot be taught', yet through Georges unique mentoring, they are.

Since starting the course I am now a Semi Professional Photographer trading on a regular basis.

Thank you Photography Institute.."

...Paul Shaw, Huddersfield.

www.paulshawPhotographer.co.uk





"As a mum of a 3 year old and pregnant with my 2nd, I felt that a change of career was required to fit around my young family. I previously studied art and graphic design, and felt this was a great time to explore my creative side again, and find a career I would feel passionate about, and I can whole heartedly say that I have found this passion in photography.

As I have a young family, I looked at some college courses but was disappointed to find out that none of them would suit the hours I was able to manage, so was delighted to come across The Photography Institute's Diploma Course. The online aspect made it accessible and allowed me to work on the course at my own pace, also having access to a tutor/mentor through the student portal gave it a more professional and collage/university like feel.

I was not sure what the course would be like, and was pleased to find out that the course was challenging, informative and the reading material had a real personal feel, as the writer related so much to his own experiences. I found the course hard work, but was happy for this, as it really pushed me on and has provided me with a vast amount of knowledge, and also reference material which will help me on my way to becoming a professional Photographer.
 
My tutor was very helpful throughout the course, and would always reply promptly. Also, the marking feedback again was excellent and honest, and I found the advice and comments encouraged me to push myself to do better each assessment that followed.

On completion of the course, I feel confident that I can make the next steps to start up my own photography business and start earning asap. I feel that the course has awakened so much creativity in me and I am bursting with new ideas that I can’t wait to explore.

The course offered me everything I was looking for and more. I now know the direction in which I want to take my career and proud to have achieved the Diploma to qualify me to do so..

I now plan to use the next few months getting set up for my new career. So please keep a look out for ElayneAllanPhotography.co.uk in the near future!

Anyone considering a new career venture into photography should definitely try this course!"

...Elayne Allan. Stonehaven, Scotland.





"Just wanting to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to The Photography Institute. The course has helped me to not only better myself as a Photographer but has also increased my passion and enthusiasm for photography. The course has taught me to view photography differently, to take a different approach to the way I view an image before capturing it. My tutor (Matt) gave excellent advice and support and in a speedy manor too. So again a BIG THANK YOU to him.

What I loved about this course is, it doesn’t just stop at teaching you the basics about camera settings, lighting, studio set ups, it goes that extra step to help further you after the course has finished. How to build a professional portfolio and how to find the work - and keep it!

I would encourage anymore who is looking for a photography course to enrol with The Photography Institute. Their expert advice and support has gone along way and was money definitely well spent!..."

...Daniel Vickers, Nottingham.

www.85photography.co.uk





"What can I say?

I have been on a voyage of discovery since the day I downloaded the PI prospectus.

As I read the prospectus content I realised that I had to enrol on this course.

All the way through this course, as I completed the modules I had questions that needed answering and they were answered quickly and efficiently. When I needed assistance from my tutor and the student support team, they were always there with accurate, prompt and concise answers.

The assignment marking was speedy, fair and to the point and the tutors comments were very helpful and always steering me in the right direction.

For anyone thinking about enrolling on this course I would say, 'don't think about it, just do it'.

Even if you do not want to pursue a career in photography, only you will know how much pleasure you get when you take a picture and from the time you look through the viewfinder to seeing the final image, you know everything that happens between these two points and why, this is what separates you from the rest.

There will be them who know and those who think they know. Which one do you want to be?

I would like take this opportunity to thank my tutor Matt Evans and The Photography Institute for equipping me with the knowledge and know how to take my career to the next level..."

...Simon Sealey, Surrey.

"I began this course with a serious view to becoming a Photographer. I have always loved the subject but didn't have enough knowledge to take it up professionally. I have just completed a degree in Graphic Design, where I had used much of my own photography throughout, but found I wanted to pursue photography much more.

I was impressed by the Photography Institute's website and the information given, it seemed just what I was looking for. The course is more than thorough, covering all the areas where I lacked essential technical information and the confidence necessary to achieve a beginning in this career.

My tutor, Matt was available constantly to submit any questions or queries, which was very reassuring. He was very professional, friendly and encouraging which was great. I enjoyed all the assignments very much, taking each as an opportunity to begin a more professional portfolio. Waiting for the grade, seeing how I was doing was a high each time, and aiming to improve each consecutive assignment kept my enthusiasm. Each module was explained clearly, kept my interest, and gave much detail about all subjects relating to photography.

I have gained more detailed info about this subject than I had received from 3 years at Uni doing my degree, and I am able to review this at any time in the future also with the very large file I have kept. I have applied for a photographic position since beginning the course and have been boosted by being able to say I was doing a diploma in photography, rather than feeling a complete amateur!

I would encourage anyone who is serious about this subject go for this course. You have nothing to lose. There is a vast range of information to benefit from; it is well worth the money. You can go at your own pace, depending on your circumstances; making life easier all round.

Many thanks to all involved in progressing my new career, I believe I can finally achieve a lifelong dream...."

...Sarah Holmes, Suffolk.





"An inspiring course! Fun, informative and relevant to today's world of would-be professional photographers. The clearly explained modules were a pleasure to work through and each assignment challenged me to produce my finest work. The course was such that I felt as though George Seper was in my living room, speaking directly to me! Added to this, having my photos critiqued by some of the best in the business gave me a sense of real understanding and importantly, progress.

The benefits are most obvious in the end product... my photography. Starting out without even having the knowledge of how to use my DSLR properly, I now feel able to produce some great images, putting in to practice all that I have learned. I know how to take a 'better shot', using the skills and knowledge I have built up over the 12 modules. So much so that I have felt confident enough to enter photography competitions (having some success in the process) and start on the path to becoming a full-time professional photographer.

My tutor's support was great. Gary would always reply promptly to any issues or questions that I had. His personal comments and positive feedback on assignments helped guide me and encouraged me to improve further. Such thoughtful responses meant a lot and had me trying to achieve the very best marks that I could for each assignment.

On a further positive note, I have already gained commissioned work for a number of weddings, events and portraits and I can see my business developing over the coming months and years. Feedback from clients has been fantastic and I put this down in no small part to The Photography Institute course.

Should you be interested in my work or any of the services that I offer, then please have a look at my website:

www.tobiaswolf.co.uk

...Toby Wolf, London.





"I have enjoyed photography for many years and before digital came along used to have manual film SLR cameras. Then digital arrived and I became lazy, using the camera in fully automatic mode and getting some nice pictures. But I always felt that I could do more.

I read about this course and thought that it would help me get better, so I enrolled in February 2011 and I haven’t looked back since. I have re-learned everything that I had forgotten and so much more. I read my camera’s manual from cover to cover for the first time and found great functions that I hadn’t known I’d got. I started to learn how to use Photoshop and found that it’s nowhere near as complex as I thought it was going to be. I learned about the science behind photography, which helped me understand why things have sometimes got to be done in a particular way. As a result of all of this, I started to see significant improvement in my photographs and my self-confidence grew.

The Institute provides great support to its students through a dedicated tutor (Matthew Evans in my case) who is there to give advice and feedback on assignments. Additionally, the Student Support team is always available and willing to help either by email or through the Institute’s Facebook page. The Facebook page is a fantastic community of PI students, both past and present. They are so friendly and helpful with any questions fellow students might have or if they want feedback on images they’ve taken. It’s a great way of getting new ideas for creativity and of overcoming any fears of learning online. I now have new friends in various parts of the world.

Two years ago, I lost my job and, with that, some of my confidence and my focus on the way ahead. Taking this course has given me renewed optimism and a re-birth of the joy of making good photographs.

Thanks to The Photography Institute and particularly to Matt (my tutor)..."

...Andrew Robinson, Solihull.





"I can only say good things about this course. As a mum of three young children, staying at home having given up my career in recruitment to have a third child and moved to a new area, I have had to start all over again. This was my chance to change my career to something creative that I'd always loved as a hobby but I never thought I could BE a Photographer!

When my youngest was just six months old, I took the plunge and invested the money in enrolling in this course (the details of which I had had for years in the hope I might one day be able to do it!)

It has been very hard work, but thoroughly enjoyable and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone wanting to work as a Photographer. The online aspect makes it so accessible; the site is excellent and was trouble free from start to finish.

The tutors are excellent, highly respected and qualified Photographers in their field making them credible and valuable in their marking, advice and comments.

Through the support and encouragement of the tutors, student support and the course itself, I have now qualified with a diploma in photography and the work is coming to me! Unbelievable but really true, I have already started earning small amounts from my work, my images are on three websites already and I have offers of work doing children's portraiture, magazine work and promotional shots, all quite aside from my business plan of doing school photography which I am going to launch as a venture now I am qualified.

I have forged links with professional Photographers from wedding Photographers to famous art Photographers and have received support and guidance from them too, I would never have approached them without the support of the course and my learning - this course is not just about being a better Photographer but making a career for yourself and it really does work - I confess I didn't believe it when I started but I stand corrected!

One of my friends has just contacted me having seen my Facebook page saying he was thinking of studying the course so I have already had my first opportunity to say"do it!".

Anyone considering it - go for it - you won't regret it!..."

...Lisa Woolford, Wincanton.





"I started this course with the intention of furthering my little knowledge of the photography industry. I have just graduated and have not just furthered my knowledge of this industry but have fallen in love with the process of taking pictures as well. From the very first moment I signed up for the course, to the day I graduated, my tutor, Matt Evans, has been with me every step of the way and his guidance helped me to achieve my diploma in photography.

The course has given me the confidence and ability to succeed in this wonderful industry and by completing the assignments at the end of each module, has given me a portfolio which I am very proud of. With this portfolio I have already managed to secure work in the field of dance, and shot at friends weddings and hope there are many more jobs like these to follow.

If I were to sum up this course in one phrase it would be 'an essential and enjoyable part of my photographic development'. It's a must for anyone who is looking to further their knowledge, or considering a career in photography..."

...Martin Bell, Leeds.





"The ‘Professional Photography Course’ is a very enjoyable online based course covering the intermediate skills of photography up-to setting up your own business. It provides practical information from the author (George Seper) of the course, who has years’ of experience in this field. Completing this course has given me the knowledge and confidence to take my photography to the next level.

Being based online, it saves not only money but also valuable time and can be as flexible as you would like it to be to arrange your studies around your work shifts. There are many specialist short courses, but I’m sure that the cost and time of attending these would be far greater than the cost of the Photography Institute’s Diploma, which covers lots of specific subjects in detail. The modules, my own assignment work and tutor feedback have provided me with an invaluable reference folder. I was particularly impressed with the turnaround time from the tutor on both e-mail queries and marks and feedback on my assignments. This helps maintain the momentum and I found this very encouraging.

The course is not only based on theory but is also practical, enjoyable and challenging for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge of freelance photography and their own camera skills.

If anyone is looking to take up freelance photography as a career or just looking to improve their own current skills as a Photographer, I have no hesitation in recommending 'The Photography Institute'.

This course represents excellent value for money!..."

...Stephen Knowles, Bolton.

www.stephenknowlesphotography.co.uk





"Life is too short to sit back on your laurels! 

Having spent all my life dabbling with photography I thought it was about time to turn my passion into a skill. Having not studied for a very long time, I was nervous about taking the plunge and leaping back into the world of research, learning and assignments. But I needn't have worried at all! The Photography Institute Course provides you with all the tools, encouragement and support that you need.

The modules are well structured and produced in such an order that you will utilise the skills learnt from your previous assignment in the next.

Help is always at hand from your tutor and/or the on-line support team, for those odd times when you are suffering from a dose of brain-strain!

As a result of this course I now have an in-depth knowledge. I have set up a studio, am building my website and most importantly have the confidence to get out there and promote my work.  

I would urge anyone with a keen interest in photography to enrol in this course. Your current level of photographic skill is irrelevant, as long as you have the hunger to learn, you will not look back!..."

...Helen Field, Gloucestershire.





"After having to leave my Uni course for medical reasons, I was afraid that I would be stuck at home being able to do nothing and not continue my dream of becoming a Photographer and worried that after having had surgery I would waste a lot of my life sitting around.

After looking online at photography websites I came across this one and have yet to have a single doubt that I have wasted any money. This course enabled me to work from home and in my own time giving me the chance to work at my own pace without the worry of getting behind like I did at uni. I found the information given in each module made me think more about how to use my camera to the best of its abilities and helped me work to the best of my own ability.

Not only did it help me in an educational sense, and teach me a lot about photography in a short space of time, but the course also kept my mind on something positive during a very hard time in my life. Having started this course a month after my surgery and having just finished the course, I can start living my life a little stronger. I am currently starting to put my own website together, have done numerous photography jobs and even have my own business cards! My life have changed so much in the last year, and this course has helped me through a little of it.

Thank you for all your help in making me dream one step closer..."

...Takara Dancy, Dorset.

http://t-designs.deviantart.com/

http://takaradancy.co.uk/

"If you want to improve your photography skills in general or you would love to earn a living as a professional Photographer then, without question, this is the course for you!

I found this course nothing short of excellent. I cannot think of a single area that was not covered in this course. It is presented in an interesting, informative, down to earth and professional manner.

When you start the course with assignment one, the only one you have access to and when you see that there are little or no photos to submit you will instantly think, have I picked the wrong course? Absolutely, 100%, not!

This course is so well structured, planned and laid out that you can't help but have your photography skills and knowledge improved. The fact that you cannot move onto the next assignment until the first one is complete is proof that it is a structured and well organised course.

It makes you complete the course in the order it was intended. Very convenient being able to complete it at home and in my own time frame. A thoroughly enjoyable, interesting and informative course. Excellent!..."

...Carl Keenan, Deal.





"I started this course with a lot of enthusiasm but very little knowledge in the world of Digital SLR photography.

I am not a professional Photographer, this a hobby or sideline to my day job, even though the course gives some direction towards those who want to take up photography as a career it was still very much aimed towards the vast majority in respect of learning about how to actually use a camera.

I have learnt far more than I could have imagined, not just about the camera and it's ability but also the other things that effect photography like use of colours and image editing and more importantly my ability and how to improve it.

My normal job means its very difficult for me to attend an evening college course, this on line version was superb with regard to its flexibility, it allowed me to read the module at my leisure, absorb it, practice it and then write my answers with a good full understanding. If i didn't quite understand then i had the ability to contact my online tutor who always responded within 24hrs of e-mailing.

I cannot recommend this course highly enough..."

... Jim Kaufman, Staffordshire.

www.jameskaufman.luxipics.com





"One day, I was doing some things on Facebook and an advertisement for The Photography Institute showed up in my window. I was curious so I clicked on it and I started to read all of the information about the Course they offered. I couldn't stop thinking about it for days. My friends encouraged me to enrol, as they really believe in my skills and to be honest, I always wanted to take a course as I think I'm pretty good at photography. Finally I made the decision and enrolled! I have never looked back!

It's great to study at your own pace, wherever you are. And being able to pay in 3 different ways (full, monthly or weekly) was a huge relief to me.

What I really liked is the fact that you can do everything at your own pace, without going to school as not everybody has plenty of time to dedicate to study. All you need is a bit of free time and self-motivation! All of the modules are perfectly explained with examples to help you visualise what you are reading and are very comprehensive. Regardless if you are just starting in photography or already have some experience, you will improve your skills for sure!

My tutor was very supportive and always gave me the right advice to help me improve. Having a tutor available online who can answer any questions very quickly was great. The Student Support Team is also very helpful and prompt in their responses to any queries.

I'm still working on the design of my website and what area of photography I will move into, but I have my pictures on flickr and many of them have already entered competitions. It's just the beginning!..."

...Josefa Torremocha, London.





"I have just finished the course, and would recommend it to anyone without any hesitation.  The course covers so much information, from the history of photography, how to use your camera properly, lenses, to photography studios, how to get work and find an agent!  I have learnt so much more than I thought could be offered through an online course.

This course suited my needs well, as I wanted to study photography, but had to work from home due to work commitments, and also health reasons.  I am so pleased that I found this course, as it has kept me motivated and positive through a difficult time in my life. It has also made me even more passionate about photography.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the tutors for their support throughout the course. I didn’t expect to receive so much tutor support from an online course, and was happily surprised by the amount and quality feedback given.  Matthew Evans was my tutor, and his responses were not only quick but extremely helpful.  The feedback given from assignments was constructive and enabled me to develop my skills and knowledge to dramatically improve my photographs.

This course has given me the confidence to create my own website, and hopefully this will develop further..."

...Hannah Gleeson, Kent.

www.hannahgleeson.co.uk





"I have just completed the course and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone keen to develop their photography skills or looking for an online photography course – no matter what their skill level.

I had little DSLR photographic knowledge when I began the course but thanks to the depth of information offered by the modules, tutor and assignments - I have really gained some invaluable skills.

I felt as if there was always someone I could ask if I needed assistance, and my tutor Matthew was extremely helpful and gave great comments and constructive reviews of all my coursework. All in all, I would say not only did I thoroughly enjoy the course but I was surprised by how much my skills and technical ability actually developed.

The fact that the course is online was an added bonus, as this gave me the time and opportunity to study from different locations and at my own pace. The course outline is very well considered and covers a wide variety of topics from getting to grips with the basics to the nitty gritty of recent technology, which was fascinating. Plus, the final few modules are invaluable as they really can guide you towards making actual career decisions.

The course has definitely helped give me some direction and I hope to use all I’ve learnt to develop my photography from a hobby into a business..."

...Laura Maxwell, Isle of Wight.





"I was looking for a Photography Course to experience something exiting and learn new things. I am interested mostly in Portrait and travel photography and because I am working full time I could not allow myself to do any of the courses in my city.

I started to look for an alternative – on-line courses - and I found couple of them. I thought that The Photography Institute had a very interesting course outline. I was thinking about starting the Course for about a month and I decided to do it.

I must say that during this course I have learnt a lot of things I did not find in any photography books I have read so far.

The course is full of excellent content and assignments that improved my knowledge about photography by far. The Assignments were challenging and very interesting. My tutor was very helpful and very fast with all the responses.

This is by far the best photography training website I have found on the internet! What else can I say … well, maybe just Thank you!..."

...Katarzyna Drabek, Cambridge.





"After spending some time researching photography courses online I decided to enrol with The Photography Institute (PI). I was immediately impressed with the website and attracted to the idea of being able to complete the course at home in my own time.

I have just completed the course and would like to say a big thank you to PI especially my tutor Matt Evans. I have thoroughly enjoyed the course and learnt so much along the way.

The course suited my needs perfectly as I was keen to improve my photography skills and knowledge but was unable to attend an evening class due to work commitments.

This course gave me the flexibility to complete the course in my own time. My tutor was excellent always getting back to me quickly with great, in depth feedback on my assignments. He was also very encouraging which really helped build my confidence along the way.

The 12 modules were really interesting and varied, covering all aspects of Photography from the history of the camera to how to go about getting work as a freelance Photographer.

This course really has given me the knowledge and confidence to take my photography to the next level, starting by creating my online portfolio.

I would highly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in photography either as a hobby or looking to start a new career.

Thanks again for everything, it has been a really enjoyable experience..."

...Sam Burton, London.

www.samburtonphotography.com

"The Photography Institute's Online Professional Photography Course has been an immense challenge and inspiration to me. I have seen my photography skills improve dramatically over the duration of the course along with my confidence and knowledge too.

I thoroughly enjoyed the personal tone of each of the modules and the comprehensive assignments - although challenging, they were always applicable. The criticism and feedback from the tutors was fair and honest and I learned just as much from them as I did the modules throughout.

It's a well rounded and informative course that is very enjoyable. The Professional Photography Course has turned a passion of mine into a skill for my new career...."

...Natale Towell, London.

"This course was excellent in so many ways. I absolutely loved it! As it is online with no deadlines, you can do the course at your own pace to fit around your commitments.

All you need is self-motivation and a willingness to learn. The course takes you through a journey from learning the basics of photography, through to turning professional.

It covers all aspects of the camera, lenses, techniques, editing, composition, lighting through to setting up a studio and creating your own portfolio. Each module covers a specific topic in a clear way delivering relevant information in an easy-to-learn way.

The assignments were very good, interesting and varied. I loved the assignments most, putting into practice what I had learnt and being creative.

My tutor was excellent; giving constructive and motivating criticism and advice. Communication was good and the speed of response excellent from my tutor and from student support.

This course has given me the grounding and confidence to turn professional. I have just had my first professional publication and I am very excited about the future! I strongly recommend this course to anyone who has a passion for photography, is self-motivated and wants to improve their photographic skills..."

...Tania Richards, Bristol.

"I've found the course very useful and I feel it has helped enormously. It has helped me understand that there is a lot more to photography than just taking photographs.

I feel much more confident to experiment with my cameras rather than rely on the automatic setting and I'm increasing in ability with Photoshop too.

I hope the experience I have gained will shine through both in my work related photography and my personal efforts. Thanks!..."

...Mark Newman, Yorkshire.

"This has been one of the most useful and helpful courses I have taken. The modules are laid out well and are easy to follow and understand, it has allowed me to really feel I have developed my photographic skills significantly over the course of my studies.

The assignments have been challenging in such a way that it has helped my understanding and encouraged me to push my knowledge and abilities.

The way the course is run has allowed me to enjoy my studies and complete the work at a time that suited me and so I have finished my work within the time frame I set myself.

Thanks to the knowledge I have gained and the excellent guidance from my tutor I feel confident in my photographic abilities. I am just at the start of building my new career and whilst there will always be lots more to learn, I have gained a very strong foundation and feel confident I will succeed.

It's been an amazing course that I'd recommend to anyone..."

...Chris Smith, Shrewsbury.

"I have been fascinated by photography ever since I was four, and given my first point and shoot Kodak. Over the years I have remained a keen Photographer, making the transitional to digital, and now back to film as well.

I really enjoyed The Photography Institute course, particularly because you can take it at your own speed. The online system of submitting assignments was easy to use, and I got my marks back really promptly.

The support from my tutor was fantastic. My friends have often asked me to take photographs for them, now the course has given me the confidence to go out and charge them for my services!..."

...Dr Sarah Burnett-Moore, London.

"The Photography Institute was a god send to me. After admiring photography for many years it was great to find a course you could do online at your own pace and with no pressure.

Being in full time work, it would have been hard for me to do a course in photography at college, so when I found this course I grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

The personal tutors are a great help right from the start, recommending books and giving you advice and being there throughout the course to help you.

The modules are very in depth and beneficial covering a whole range of different areas in photography. The assignments are marked honestly and the praise and constructive criticism received helps you fine tune your work. The final assignments really help you find the field of photography you would like to pursue.

Before this course my knowledge of photography was very basic. Now I'm taking shots that are improving all the time and it's all backed up by a vast amount of knowledge I have learnt from this course.

I have friends who spent two years at college doing photography courses and they are amazed at what I learnt in the space of these twelve modules. This course is great for anyone wanting to learn about photography whether it be just as a hobby, freelance or professional it helps lay a solid foundation to the fantastic rewarding world of photography.

I would recommend The Photography Institute to anyone. It was certainly one of the greatest things I've ever done..."

...James Trusler, Northampton.

"This course offers an excellent insight into the world of professional photography, with the freedom to learn at your own pace in your own home.

The modules are well structured and clearly laid out with a good balance of technical and creative information so that they remain interesting and informative without getting bogged down in technical jargon.

This was the first internet course I have completed and I was a little unsure if I would be able to remain motivated for the duration. However, this proved to be no problem, the modules were interesting and involving and I was positively looking forward to completing each assignment.

I have been interested in photography for many years but had never fully understood all of the technical features of my camera and more importantly how to use them to achieve the kind of images I wanted.

My technical knowledge has now vastly improved and I feel much more confident with the camera in my hands. My understanding of light and how to see it has also changed and I now have the tools to look at a situation and have a pretty good idea of what lens, ISO, shutter speed and aperture I'm going to need to get the shot I'm after.

My tutor, George Seper, was a great help and support, offering encouragement and constructive criticism on each assignment. Having the same tutor for the entire duration also helped to make it more personal.

The Photography Institutes's diploma course has really done what it said on the tin, it has helped me go from a keen enthusiast to a working freelance Photographer...."

...Luke Tennant, Vinje - Norway.

"I came to The Photography Institute with lots of enthusiasm but very little in terms of knowledge and experience. I wanted to learn how to take better pictures and I wanted to know how to take it one step further.

The Diploma is a good foundation in the field and has helped me understand what I am getting involved in. I found that the autonomy of studying online means you can be out taking pictures when you want and do the necessary study when it best suits you.

My tutor was always available and ready with support. Feedback and results were sharp. I thought I might miss the class/teacher experience but I didn't. I have a different relationship with my camera now. I feel very positive and I am about to take the next step and specialise in Photojournalism...."

...Susie Southall, London.

"Before starting this course I didn't know my aperture from my exposure let alone how one effects the other.

Looking back over the nine months, it has taken me to do this course, I have certainly come a long way. This course has provided me with the knowledge to help me produce better quality images and has also helped me focus on what my goals and aspirations are for the future.

I would say to anyone else out there having doubts over whether a course based solely online is the right option for you - only you can decide that.

You can read as many testimonials as you like, but if you are not self-motivated maybe this isn't the course for you. For me, I am so glad I enrolled. There was no pressure to complete your assignments, and with a full time job and other commitments I really appreciated the flexibility. If you enjoy photography and want to learn more,

The Professional Photography Course is a brilliant place to start...."

...Lyndsay Elvidge, Lincoln.

"The course was an ideal way to move from a limited knowledge to proficiency steadily, and the fact that the course was online meant it was possible to work faster or slower around family and work commitments.

I've learnt so much from doing this course, and gained a lot more confidence as well, that I didn't have before, in addition to this I now have a much more varied portfolio, and the course and my tutor helped me to understand that I do want to pursue a career in photography, and I now know my passion is people and the photographs I enjoy taking the most are portraits.

For those who are unsure about taking this course, I can say I found it very helpful indeed... just give it a go!..."

...Steve Howey, Wakefield.

"I really enjoyed the course. It has definitely improved my photography and helped me to focus on the area I now specialise in - travel.

I was initially unsure about online learning but it turned out to be the right choice - the course material is very good and the amount of feedback and advice I received was even better.

Assignments were always marked really quickly and my tutor, Matthew Evans, also offered a lot of invaluable advice whenever I needed it. I doubt I'd have learnt as much or developed as quickly if I'd gone down the evening classes route.

I'd definitely recommend the course to anyone who wants to improve their photography and also benefit from one-to-one advice from a pro- Photographer..."

...Tony Burns, Amsterdam

www.shootingtheworld.com

"I would like to take the opportunity to thank 'The Photography Institute's writer, George Seper, as well as the tutors and staff for giving me such an extensive insight into the world of Photography.

Upon reflection of this course, I realise that I have learned so much about photography from the history of photography and cameras; to the technical aspects and capabilities of cameras and lenses; to the lighting, the colour spectrums, colour workspaces; to the pros and cons of the various software packages on the markets as well as numerous techniques in order to make me a better Photographer.

This course is a must for anyone wishing to expand their knowledge as a hobbyist as well as for those wishing to embark on a career path as a professional Photographer.

The course consists of 12 modules each of which is highly detailed and well explained pertaining to the relevant module. The course is well written and presented and although the modules may appear long, they are interesting and will keep you reading and participating.

I can assure you that you will absorb a wide range of knowledge from the world's leading professionals. Live the passion!..."

...Jason Marker, Romford.

"Having just completed the course, I would like to thank my tutor for all his correspondence and lengthy helpful returns on all my assignments.

I felt he went over and beyond his call of duty to be so helpful and encouraging. I feel as if my photography has come on tenfold since working my way through the 12 very constructive modules and assignments.

As I have a full time job, what I liked a lot about this course is the flexibility of being able to complete it in your own time at your own pace. Excellent and thank you so much..."

...Sue Spooner, Norwich.

"As a keen amateur Photographer I have always wanted to learn more about my hobby.

However, operating a small business I have very little free time. It would be impractical to enrol in a fulltime course. So my options were to look online for a distant learning course.

The Photography Institute offered the perfect solution to my situation, and what a good decision I made!

The Course offers you the freedom to learn at your own speed, which suited my life style. There was no pressure to complete modules on time, but when you did, the review was completed and the feedback given quickly.

The technical information was written and presented in such a way that it was easy to follow and left very little to question. The foundation was solid and helpful. Each module is built up of useful tips and advice on different aspects of the art of photograph, which I had never thought of in the past. It has opened my eyes to many new and exciting fields. I was never able to fully understand the relationship between, ISO, Aperture, and Speed. But the explanation that was give was great, and as a result of this course the Programme Mode on my camera is no longer used. I can now say I fully understand the meaning and how the relationship can work together to give a perfect exposure each time.

When there were questions I found my tutor was great.

The support was much better than I would have expected from an online course. Matthew (that was my tutor) gave me one to one support and advice when needed. The comments he made about my work were constructive and helpful, and always led to some improvement. My interest is in landscape work; Matthew supplied me with a list of books on the subject, helping me to identify and develop my own style.

What started out as a need to understand my hobby, has developed far beyond my expectations, and has given me such confidence that I now feel able to offer my skills as a freelance Photographer.

Of the tremendous number of courses available on the subject of photography, I am so pleased I chose this one and I am now proud to say I have a Diploma from The Photography Institute and feel as if I have earned it.

A truly great course and worth every penny, and I would hope the Institute will soon be able to offer further development courses, if so, you can put my name down for sure."

...Roger H. Moore, South Molton.

"I liked this course because it allowed me to follow my interests in photography at my own pace. This way of learning has been easy, all I have needed is a digital camera, a computer and the internet. I didn't even need to print off my modules or to buy heaps of books.

The course covers every aspect of photography, it provides a mixture of practical and written assignments all the way through the course which makes it fun, enjoyable and educational all at the same time.

Towards the end of the course you are encouraged to develop the area of photography which you would like to go into. I was given great advice on developing my portfolio and where to go from there.

It has provided me with the knowledge to pursue photography on a professional level. My tutor gave me useful advice and support promptly throughout the course.

Each assignment was marked by tutor and provided me with productive feedback, which was very helpful and allowed me to explore element of photography that I hadn't previously thought about. I have got a lot out of completing this course. I would like to thank my tutor for all his support throughout the course..."

...Naomi Williams, London.





"I've always been interested in photography as a career but thought that to"give it a proper go" would require years of full time study and with a family to support this was not something that was open to me.

This course provided the flexibility for me to study at my own pace and covered an incredible wealth of information. The modules and assignments were comprehensive, challenging and enjoyable.

My tutor was very helpful with any queries I had during the course and reflected the professional ethos of the course.

I now have the confidence to pursue this as a career, having already set up a website and carried out my first portrait session for some (satisfied) clients.

The dream of becoming my own boss doing something I love is now that bit closer..."

...David Armstrong, Co Antrim.

www.djaphotography.co.uk





"Living in the Russian provinces and not having a good photography course in my town, I decided to consider online courses. I knew nothing about online education and after some researching I chose The Photography Institute from the array of available photography courses and I'm happy that I made the right choice.

I got more than I expected from the course: it was very modern, applied and practical. My tutor, who was Matthew Evans, was very fast in responding to my queries and incredibly informative... even with my most silly questions. Thank you, Matt!

The course content was balanced in that I received important theoretical knowledge but also a lot of very practical and valuable information about the business side of photography, which professionals don't usually like to share.

I was worried about the technical part of the course, I was pleasantly surprised as the information was well written and helped me understand the content effectively. In saying that, the practical assignments were by far my favourite tasks.

I'd also like to mention how useful, intuitive and easy-to-use the website was. I didn't waste a second on understanding how it works.

As a result of completing the course, I now have a detailed career plan, clear realisation of what type of work I want to do and a confidence that I can shoot what I want because of my new found knowledge and photography skills..."

...Olga Kurilina, Russian Federation.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kurilina/





"I’d like to start by saying a big thanks to The Photography Institute – it has been a fun 12 modules!

Having received a recommendation from a friend who was half way through the course, I was unsure as to how the course would benefit me. I’d been photographing for years and thought I understood my camera pretty well and how to achieve pleasing results. But wanting to take my photography to the next level I thought I’d give it a go – especially as the course was so flexible in terms of studying in my own time with all course material and assignments easily accessible online. I have a very hectic lifestyle involving a lot of travel and a young family and finding time to study is difficult – but I didn’t have to worry about being in a specific place at a specific time, I could fit the study in around my life.

And I wasn’t disappointed! For the first time in a while I actually spent more time thinking about planning for results - what I was doing and why - rather than waiting for the results to happen. Good photographs can be achieved by all, but there are definitely ways to ensure you produce good photographs more regularly, and this course helps you achieve just that.

The course provided a roadmap to take me on the journey I’d already started but it really accelerated my progress and it’s great to see bookings come in as a result. What was particularly of benefit was that I had so many small pieces of knowledge, lots of plans, lots of aspirations, but they were not all linked. The course helped me bring these different things together in a structured, easy to understand way.

I guess the biggest recommendation I can give the course is that I was so pleased I actually enrolled my wife as well, for a birthday surprise – and she is loving the course too!

Thank you PI! ..."

...Rik Irons-Mclean, Christchurch

www.rikironsmclean.co.uk





"This course really was everything that I was looking for from a photography course. I had been taking pictures for several years but nearly always ended up being a little bit disappointed with my results.

Now through doing this course that has dramatically changed, I have learnt all about my camera and how to get the most out of it and taking it off the dreaded automatic mode!!

I now have control over my shots and the results are mind blowing.

The course is extremely detailed- it covers every aspect of photography that I can think of and some that I would never of thought off! The tutor I had was brilliant, every question I asked (and there were a few!) was answered quickly and precisely. The feedback I got from my assignments was superb and again very detailed and encouraging.

The list of "best things" about this course for me is long and varied- I found that all of the assignments being mainly practically based made the course challenging but enjoyable to do.

If you want to improve your photography seriously consider doing this course!

Thank you to the photography institute - thank you very much!"

...Matt Cooksey, Cambs.





"I completed the course last year and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, since then i have launched my website, have had some competition success and have now been invited to be a guest speaker at a camera club in Bristol.

The course is well worthwhile and I would urge anyone who is considering enrolling to just go for it!

It’s a well structured course and your learning a real life skill of considerable value.

The knowledge i gained about my camera was invaluable and will stay with me long after the course has finished.

Thanks very much PI..."

...Janet Murphy, Somerset.

www.janetmurphyphotography.com





"This course has really enabled me to develop my photography skills. Starting out as a keen hobby, this course has provided me with the skills to take better photographs and as a result, my confidence in my skills has grown.

I am now regularly asked to take photos of weddings, babies and bumps and love every minute of it. There is nothing as rewarding as seeing someone so happy with the images you have taken for them and knowing the hard work you have put in provides them with images they will treasure.

I honestly never thought I would be confident or knowledgeable enough to abandon my camera's trusty auto or semi auto settings, but now they are totally redundant and every photo I take is thought about and uses all the skills I have learned.

If you are in two minds about taking this course, don’t be. It was the best decision I ever made..."

...Stephanie Chapman, London.

www.stephaniechapmanphotography.co.uk