PhotographyCourses.biz Photography Videos Review

PhotographyCourses.biz is run by experienced photographer Mike Browne and TV producer/director Jayne Whitelock and offers a range of ways for you to improve your photography. You could take up a 1:1 photography course with Mike, a downloadable photography course (beginners, wedding and lenses) or sign up to the Photography videos section, launched in November 2010, priced at £9.75 per month or £97.50 for a full year. For that price you have access to all their training videos, which they claim are easy, entertaining and best of all, fun! As well as at least five new photography videos a month, there is also advice on buying the right camera, reviews and best buys. If there is a particular element of photography which you are puzzled about, you can let Mike and Jane know and they'll be able to consider making a video to help you. Payment is made by a recurring charge on a debit or credit card and you can cancel your subscription at any time.

When logged in there is an introduction video to the site, which can be viewed whether you are a subscriber or not. Underneath there is an area for the current month's photography videos. On my first log in there were videos available on white-balance, introduction to lighting, backlighting and aperture priority. The site told me that the other videos, Nikon D7000 review, polarising filters and professional inkjet printing videos are coming soon and as promised, an email arrived in my inbox a few days later to tell me the videos were now available. There is even a list of the videos to tell you what's to come in the following month.

Videos vary in length but are never more than just a few minutes long. They are all filmed in excellent quality and have very clear sound quality. Mike is very clear to understand and certainly knows how to present. It is very rare that anything is spoke about at a level where a beginner may not understand, at the same time slightly more experienced photographers won't feel patronised.

Also on the site are a few video camera reviews, but they are very limited in number at the moment. They are presented by Adam Scorey from Digital SLR User Magazine. Adam isn't as good at presenting as Mike but is fairly clear to understand, although he does get more technical at times.

Another set of videos are features, for example, when we had lashings of snow, Mike had been out and made a video about photographing snow. These videos are slightly longer in length and are packed with information and advice for a particular setting.

PhotographyCourses.biz videos: Verdict
Overall, if you are looking for a different way to learning the basics of photography rather than browsing the web or buying books then the videos from PhotographyCourses.biz are certainly worth a look. The main plus is that you can sign up now and watch 38 tutorial videos, 4 reviews and 4 features (as of 01/02/2011). There is certainly plenty to warrant the initial outlay of £9.95 and for the first month you'll get your money's worth. This means the pressure is on Mike and Jayne to ensure that the quality and quantity of the videos is maintained to keep those monthly subscription fees coming in.

Great advice which is extremely well delivered.

PhotographyCourses.biz videos: Pros
Excellent video and sound quality
Superb advice clearly delivered
Videos are short and to the point

PhotographyCourses.biz videos: Cons
Expensive for a long-term subscription

PRODUCTION
QUALITY OF ADVICE
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VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL

For more information please visit the PhotographyCourses.biz website.