Associate Photographer Training Program – UPDATE!
Just a quick update regarding the Associate Photographer Training program I posted back in June.
I’ve been so busy so haven’t had the chance to get back to everyone until today, so apologies for that. I have now come to a decision and thought I’d announce this publicly.
So what’s the news and who have I taken on?
Well, although she didn’t officially apply, she’s already involved in the business and understands our ethos and client needs, so she’s the perfect candidate.
I’ve decided to train up my wife as my associate photographer.
Up until now, she’s been involved behind the scenes with the editing, album design and all things that need a feminine touch. At weddings, she does shoot, but she was always afraid to be left alone at an an event.
Recently she told me she’s now ready and confident enough to shoot on her own now. Finally! So the decision was simple really.
The other factor that influenced my decision was my one-to-one courses.
Since the public launch of my One-to-One Photography Courses on 10th October, I’ve been humbled by the phenomenal response received.
As a result, I realised that it will be totally unfair on all the people who have invested in learning from me and are paying for one-to-one courses.
It would be extremely difficult for me to share my time between the associate and paid trainee. Furthermore, I’m not sure I can justify offering to help one person for free while others have to pay. It just doesn’t seem right.
Also, as part of my 5 day course, I take the trainee to a live wedding with us. But because we limit the number of weddings we shoot per year, priority will have to be given to those who pay for courses. So it would mean the associate loses out on field training, which, again, is unfair.
So with all that in mind, I have decided to stop doing the free associate photographer training altogether, and cancel all current applications.
As much as I want to help others improve their knowledge and break into the industry, I also need to be responsible and make sure the right people are getting my full attention and the knowledge they deserve.
Will I ever offer free training and apprenticeships again? The honest answer is, I don’t know. Maybe.
At the moment there is no intention to reinstate the associate training program or take on any apprentices. But keep an eye out. You never know what the future holds.
I’m still more than happy to answer the odd photography related question you may have, so don’t hesitate to drop me an email.
To all those who applied, I just want to thank you for showing an interest and taking the time to apply for the position. Especially those of you that took the time to come and meet me for an informal chat.
I hope you gain the knowledge and skills you sought to take your photography to the level you want.
If you are still keen to learn from me, then please read the email I sent you for some details of the one-to-one courses I offer.
For everyone else reading this, if you want to improve your photography and business knowledge, Click here to sign up to my Training Newsletter for more course information and prices.
Subscribe to the blog feed or the General Newsletter to stay informed of all future updates and opportunities.
And make sure to ‘Like’ us on Facebook and join in with all sorts fun & shenanigans. Just click on this link to go there now: www.facebook.com/jhoque
