Release Date: 23 January 2004


Want to be a better business person? Obtain a DipPP qualification.

The MPA has reduced the cost of its Diploma in Photographic Practice (DipPP) course to enable more photographers to study for the qualification.

DipPP is nationally accredited by Fotoforce Associates and is in line with Photographic Industry National Training Organisation standards.

The initial aim of the course - which is designed to fit in around your own business - is to provide a 'business health check', and thereafter the candidate works at his or her own pace on a number of carefully designed units.

MPA chairman Trevor Lewis is in charge of education and training and spent six months writing the programme: "The units are broken down into a number of elements; all camera and business skills are assessed," he says.

"The assessor works one to one with the photographer and on top of the seven mandatory units there is a choice of one other so that the photographer can tailor the course to suit themselves."

About 80 percent of the course is centred around business issues, with the remaining 20 percent camera-based and is designed to provide candidates with access to information and resources which will help them move their businesses forward in an increasingly difficult business world.

"We are constantly updating and revising the programme to keep up with current legislation," notes Trevor, "so there is never a 'bad' time to begin the course. It's because of the improvements in communication over the last couple of years with e-mail, that we've managed to streamline the procedures and therefore reduce the cost."

Candidates receive and initial 'health check' of their business when an assessor visits their studio for a day. Further visits follow, making the programme very 'hands-on'.

"There are many things that photographers could be doing to bring their businesses up to scratch. This course is designed to point them in the right direction - no matter what level of income they are currently achieving. In fact, it is an ideal programme for those starting out as it will put their customer care policies on track right from the outset.

"The whole idea is to make them better business people by improving the systems that they currently use and ensuring they will cope with today's business pressures," he adds.

The course usually takes about 9 to 12 months to complete and, upon successful completion, the photographer may use the letters 'DipPP' after their name.

The entire course, including the 'business health check' has been reduced from £550 to just £400 and photographers may additionally qualify for grants to help towards the costs.

For further information on the course or joining the MPA, call 0845 130 9700 or e-mail enq@thempa.com.

ENDS


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Issued on behalf of:
Master Photographers Association
Jubilee House, 1 Chancery Lane, Darlington DL1 5QP
Tel: 0845 130 9700 Fax: 01325 357813
E-mail: enq@thempa.com
http://www.thempa.com
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Written and distributed by WPS Media. Tel. 01904 427777
Contacts: Darron Hartas, Peter Brandon, Katerina Paphitis