FAQ

08 July 2010 16:49

If I sign-up late will I receive the emails I’ve missed?
You can begin the course at anytime because of the way we’ve structured the modules, but it’s best to begin as early as possible to give yourself a running start. The old emails won’t be sent to you, they’ll instead be linked to the confirmation page when you complete the sign-up process, so don’t navigate away from the page too quickly. Save the URL as a favourite so you can get access to it in the future. As each email is sent out, they too will be added to this confirmation page so it will be a good resource for you.

I live outside the UK, can I still follow the course?
Absolutely, but it’s going to be a bit tougher for you guys. You’ll get all the emails at the same time as UK students but will suffer a little from receiving copies of PP later. How much later depends on whether you subscribe or pick it up at the newsstand (and where in the world you are). However, this is NOT a race and there are no penalties for being a little late with homework images.

One way to receive your copies of Practical Photography earlier (as much as two and a half weeks after the UK on sale date in some, but not all countries) is to set-up a subscription.

When will I receive the companion CR-ROM?
The tutorial disk is set to accompany the October issue of Practical Photography, on sale September 8. If you need a back issue, please call 0845 1214000. If you are and overseas reader, unfortunately you will not receive this CD but you can still follow the course using the magazine tutorials and monthly videos.

I have Photoshop, can I follow the course?
Yes, but you’ll need to use your head! Elements and Photoshop are similar in the way they work, but not identical. We’ll do our best to give you advice where we can, but there will be areas we will not be able to cover in detail. If you can’t find a feature or function, use Photoshop’s built-in help function, and do a search. Go to the Help menu at the top-right of the main menu and choose Photoshop Help. You can quickly find what you’re looking for, and pick up extra tips with this. We recommend Photoshop CS3 or newer.

I have an old version of Elements (prior to version 6). Will that be okay?
Yes, but it’s not ideal and some things may not work. Elements has been subject to many tweaks over the years and features have been added and moved around. Unfortunately, it’s impossible for us to cover all 8 versions in one course. While most of the techniques will be exactly the same, others wont so use the in-built Help system for extra guidance or upgrade to version 8. It undoubtedly provides the best workflow and feature set yet. It’s not expensive either.

I have Lightroom, can I follow the course?
No. You can follow parts, but Lightroom is essentially just a glorified file organiser and RAW converter.  It’s hugely powerful, but is best accompanied by Photoshop or Elements so you can process images that require more in-depth editing.

Where can I download the practise images?
Click here to visit the download page. You’ll find a selection of images used in the course. Remember, these are copyright Bauer Media or the original Photographer so please treat them with respect and do not reproduce them without permission.

Can I use the practice images in my homework?
No. The skill in using Photoshop comes in how you apply the techniques in different situations. You’ll learn a lot more if you use one of your own shots, or better still, take a shot specifically for the homework. The best results are possible this way.

Should I shoot new photos especially for the homework tasks?
In the past we’ve seen some homework photos that don’t meet the brief, and like a typical college course, these uploads represent a fail. It’s important to read the homework briefs and produce new work accordingly. This is the best way to learn and develop your skills, but sometimes reworking old photos is a good way to go but the image has to fit the brief. Remember, the more you put in to the course, the more you’ll get out of it. You’re only cheating yourself by taking shortcuts.

When should homework be uploaded by?
We'll keep the homework galleries open but remember you will get new homework each new magazine so if you lag behind you'll soon end up chasing your tail. Our advice is to try to upload a relevant homework picture before the new issue arrives. This will also ensure you are in the draw for the monthly Nikon training vouchers we are giving away.

How many homework images can I upload?
You are allowed to upload one image to each of the homework galleries. Please make sure that your file is the final and correct version, as you cannot remove your image once it has been uploaded. As a opportunity for you to develop, we will permit you to upload one further image but this must be a revised or improved version of your original upload. Please don’t abuse this privilege or we will be forced to remove it.

Will the Practical Photography team be commenting on students’ photos this year?
The number of students signed up to this popular course makes it physically impossible for the editorial team to offer advice to everyone. Remember this is a free distance learning course so you’re getting a pretty good deal with us. However, we will on occasion take a selection of images from the homework galleries and provide feedback to the photographers. Images will come from a cross section of abilities so everyone has a chance to have their work critiqued, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an advanced photographer. And occasionally we’ll be diving into galleries to leave a few comments here and there.

Is it compulsory to have a study buddy?
 It’s not absolutely necessary, it's simply an idea we had to help you get support from another student throughout the course. If you prefer you could form study groups as opposed to pairs or even work alone. It’s entirely up to you to decide. 
 
Where can I find the video tutorials?
Videos won’t immediately be posted on the website in the way we normally post them. To get access to them you’ll have to be signed-up to the course because links to each video will be emailed to you directly. There’s no other way to get immediate access to the video content so sign-up now if you haven’t already!

I signed-up but haven’t received any emails, what should I do?
Please note: You will not receive emails immediately after signing up, instead you will receive the next email that gets sent out (which will coincide with the next issue of Practical Photography going on sale). Each email sent will include a list of all the previous emails. To avoid waiting, please take note of the sign up confirmation screen, detailed below.

If this fails, check your spam folder in your email account because on many occasions this is where emails get lost. If the emails haven’t been put there sign-up for a second time. Make sure your email address is written correctly, details filled in and click on Sign Up.
When you reach the confirmation page at the end of the sign-up process, don’t navigate away from the page too quickly. Save the URL as a favourite so you can get access to it in the future. As each email is sent they’ll be linked to this confirmation page so even if you don’t receive emails you’ll be able to access them. If you are having absolutely no joy signing-up, contact ben.webb@bauermedia.co.uk who will be able to help you out.