The Image Academy Reviews 

A long time ago ( and I'm not to to tell you how many years) I went to art college, whilst there I had a 35 mm camera which I adored. I'd take myself off with rolls of film - black and white generally and think I was going to be the best photographer in the world!! Sadly things changed, I left college, and after a while got married and worked in education - not art although there were crayons, paint flinging and gloop - no camera though, next came children, so I used point and press as I didn't want it broken no lovely SLR - then last year I thought I want to do something for myself for a change so I purchased a beautiful digital SLR (21 + megapixels all singing and dancing - stunning) after a couple of months and some lovely comments from friends on my photography I saw on Facebook an advertisement for a company - The Image Academy - they were offering a fantastic opportunity to study for a photography diploma / photographic course , at first I thought - REALLY!!! There has to be a catch the price is too good, so I read all I could, I looked at some of the students photography, anything I could see - and I took the plunge I went for the 29.99 offer as I wanted something a little more challenging.

The great thing is you can work at your own pace, the modules are easy to understand, with an exam at the end of each one and of course your module assignment - if your unsure of anything you can contact Mark or Connie at anytime via phone or email I have even messaged via the Facebook message site when out - they are always happy to help and offer practical advice plus of course the forum online which students can access and can "talk" to one another getting advice and seeing each others work.

When recommending a course to friends this is the only one I tell them about - if your going to take the plunge - do it, you will learn so much, the course is great, value for money and one that you won't regret doing.

I have found that my style and level of photography has developed so much that recently I have been asked to take photographs for people, have got featured artist recognition slots on instagram, and retweeted / favourited via Twitter and have now even invested in a new camera - so go on give it a go you'll love it

The Image Academy is a very informative course and offers great value for money. The tutors are extremely helpful,and are always on hand to offer help and support,nothing seems like too much trouble! I also think the way the course is set out online is set up really well.
I feel that I have learnt an awful lot, and for that reason,and because the way the course is run I would highly recommend the Image Academy to anyone interested in doing the course.....In fact I did and a friend of mine is currently doing the same course,and she also is really enjoying it.

I am Currently taking a photographic course with The Image Acadamy, I decided to choose a course which include personal assignments and it's a fantastic course and thoroughly enjoying it. It is online so you can work at your own pace with no time limits which is great if you lead a hectic life. I have enjoyed taking photos for a long time but never did get out of AUTO Mode, I am currently working at Module 6 and already starting to use SEMI Auto Modes and even MANUAL thanks to the Image Acadamy I have more confidence when taking photos and even upgraded my Camera. The course is easy to follow and each module goes into detail about the subject with an exam at the end to make sure you have fully understood that particular module plus there are practical assignments too. I thought I enjoyed photography before but now I am Passionate about it and like nothing more than going out with my Camera and now producing better results. If you have any questions both Connie and Mark respond quickly via email or you can normally find answers to any questions on the forum which is brilliant. If you want to know more about photography and get out of AUTO then this is the course for you and would highly recommend The Image Acadamy

I have thoroughly enjoyed this course. I found the information very useful. I really enjoyed the practical assignment. Sad its over now =(

Thanks Image academy.

Having just got my first digital SLR camera although I was delighted with the automatic mode I really wanted to get to grips how to take good photos and how to understand and manage all the manual settings.
When I saw an ad on Facebook for the Image Academy I decided to take a further look, admittedly being rather sceptical at first. The course looked excellent and perfect for my needs.
The course material is well written and intuitive. Learning comes in different formats including video clips and examples. Modules can be downloaded too if you are offline. The exams at the end of each module test your knowledge and personal help is on hand from course tutors whenever needed and is prompt, friendly and helpful.
There are online forums for other course participants to share ideas and ask questions which the tutors also contribute to. You can go it alone or feel part of a wider group - the choice is yours.
I would have no hesitation in recommending the Image Academy to anyone developing an interest in digital photography at any stage - you will not be disappointed!

I am a keen amateur photographer, entirely self-taught in digital work over a number of years. I had become familiar with most shooting and post-production techniques, but I really wanted advice and guidance to get the best from my work by better planning, framing, technique selection and assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of my images.
I decided to try out the Image Academy's on-line course before committing to the time and expense of on-site training - and I'm very glad that I did. The course starts with the basics, which is obviously essential for those new to the technicalities of digital photography, but it does not labour the points with more advanced students : although I knew most of the answers, I certainly learned a few new points as well, and found that I could progress as quickly as I wanted.
The course material was interesting and extremely well presented; it was a pleasure to work through the modules (which can be downloaded for off-line reference) and take the test after each one.
I found that the course work got me thinking about my photography in a more structured way, recognising previous photographic situations and how else I might have made a shot. There is no time limitation on progress, so busy periods or holidays need have no effect on the course.
On completion of the modules, I had to select images - which have to be taken after the start date of the course - relevant to each for formal assessment and feedback, after which a final personalised assignment is set to suit each individual student. This proved to be a considerable challenge to me, but it turned out that both I and the assessor(s) were pleased with the results!
I found throughout that the level of personal service from Mark and Connie far exceeded my expectations from an on-line course, and I would unhesitatingly recommend The Image Academy to anyone looking to improve their photography.

Back in the "olden days" of "normal" cameras, I was a keen hobby photographer and developed and editing my own film and prints.
I decided to turn to digital photography and bought a bridge camera to see how I got on with it.
A lot of the techniques are the same but done in a different way and I was struggling adapting to these new ways.
I came across The Image Academy course and decided to take the plunge.
I'm glad I did. The individual modules are very easy to follow and the assignments make you think about how you use the camera.
I would recommend this to anyone interested in learning more about digital photography.

I'd been prevaricating over a photography course for a while, feeling that I'd probably got as far as I could with self-teaching. My images were getting samey, I was revisiting the same places over and over, taking much the same photos time after time and, frankly, starting to get a bit bored with it all.

Fortunately, an offer for the Image Academy appeared on my Facebook timeline. The course had a massive discount, with seemingly comprehensive coverage of most aspects of photography. Was it too good to be true? Possibly, but at that price, it was worth taking a punt. I chose the 18 module option, figuring that I could upgrade later on, if I felt that it was worthwhile progressing to the higher levels.

As it turned out, from the moment that I was able to log into the course, it was evident that this is a very comprehensive and well-thought-out course. It is divided into easy-to-follow modules, some of which have video tutorials, with a multi-choice exam at the end of just about all of them, just to make sure that you're actually taking it all in! There is nothing in the exams that has not been covered in the module content and you can rerun the module before you have a go at them, if you are not feeling confident about tackling them.

The 18th module is a submission of photos from 12 assignments given at the end of most modules, with the option of a 13th, if you like playing around with filters. Within a few days, you will get constructive comments and advice back from Connie, following which you will (not for the 17LE module course) be given a personalised assignment. You can add further assignments to give you additional units to progress up through Bronze to Platinum Diploma level, should you so desire.

You can plod along at your own pace, as there is no time limit for completion. This is great if the weather's playing havoc with your planned shoots for assignments! The course content remains yours for ever and you can download it too and use it to refresh your memory. If you have any queries, an email to Connie and Mark will always elicit a swift response. I'm not entirely convinced that Connie ever sleeps!

In addition, there are some really good video tutorials from Mark on using Lightroom. I was always a Photoshop Elements aficionado before and had never actually used Lightroom at all; now I'm a complete convert and have switched to LR and PS CC (which you can get at a discount via the course). Although I'm still a relative newbie with it, Mark's video tutorials have definitely given me much better skills at processing my photos. They have a Lightroom-based course which will shortly be released and I will definitely be signing up for that.

I've recently finished my 18 modules and I have found that it's given me a new zest for "getting out there" once again and taking photos, but with more attention to composition and use of the camera settings. If you're an Auto-settings point-and-shoot person, this course will definitely cure you of that! I'll shortly be signing up for the additional assignments to take me up to the next level (assuming that I pass the forthcoming personal assignment, of course!).

I know I sound like a bit of a plant with my relentless enthusiasm for the course, but I can assure you that I am a real live person and am not on a huge discount to write nice things about Connie and Mark and their course. It really is one of those occasions where something that seems to be too good to be true really isn't. Sign up, you won't regret it. :)

After completing another photography course from another provider, it has to be said that The Image Academy leaves the others well and truly behind. The course is structured and delivered in such a way it is impossible not to learn. Everything from the units themselves down to the personalised individual assignments from Mark are brilliant, very clear and concise. Mark and Connie clearly know what they are doing and you will not find a better course than this online. The feedback offered on your personal assignments is invaluable. To have a professional photographer critically review your work and help you produce better work is a unique and a very worthwhile aspect of this course. When they say "You're in safe hands", they are right. The course is aimed at everybody's own individual level and you learn at your own pace. You will not find a better online course out there, what are you waiting for......

It was a really great course indeed,I increase my photography knowledge a lot from the time I start it.The price wouldn't be less than the one I've paid for this course.One of the best things is that you doing it with your own pace.The way the modules are made makes them easy to learn.With less word you have loads of information.What about Connie and Mark? I didn't have any problems with the course and the modules,but one I had a question they both were really helpful and replied so quickly and helpfully.I just would say a BIG thank you to to both of them and wish them more and more students.Kind Regards Ivan !

Took an offer for their 17 module course and was pleasantly surprised at just how good the course was. The resources are excellent and any queries are answered with the whole experience being positive and supportive. I'm now doing a further course with them and can thoroughly recommend the Image Academy no matter what level you're starting from.

Since receiving my course with The Image Academy as a gift for Christmas, I have noticed a massive difference in my Photography and I haven't even touched the surface yet. I have learnt so much in a short space of time, the tutorials are excellent and the support they give is first class, would recommend this course to everyone that want's to learn the art of Photography.

Having taken advantage of the reduced course offer i was sceptical on what the course would offer however having now paid, been registered i can safely state i am over the moon. The course is well set out, informative and not too jargony. It is extremely easy to follow and tests you after each module to give you confirmation you are retaining the information. There are links to fantastic video tutorials and demos (The HDR one is amazing).
I paid £29 after a massive reduction from over £200 which to be honest having now entered the course i wouldve been happy paying...
Get on board if like me you were a novice to intermediate photographer looking to get structure around my workflow and understand the priciples better of ISO, Aperture, shutter speeds etc Howver this course gives you so much more and the practical assignments challenge you to put waht youve learned into practice... they are not going to let you submit mediocre image and the focus is on quality rather than quantity which i love... put you all into it and they will give you constructive criticism and advice to make you a better photographer and post production artist.

YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED dont know how long the offer lasts so get on it now

Just finished the theory side of the course and have the practical assignments to undertake. Really good course with lots of useful information.

I've been into photography for 3 years and learnt a lot through books, blogs and youtube tutorials and taking lots and lots of photos. I thought it would be good to do something a bit more structured to fill in gaps in my knowledge. That's why I signed up for this course with the Image Academy.

The online theory tutorials were interesting despite covering a lot of what I already knew. I was expecting to cover old ground but wasn't expecting it would be as interesting. What I really enjoyed was the practical aspects, going out to shoot with a specific technique. I realised that most of my previous photography was very opportunistic, I'd go out and take a lot of shots, keep the ones that came out good and maybe post process a few to make them better. What I learnt was, that if you go out and think about it and plan what you're doing you're more likely to come up with great photographs. (I had read that, but nobody believes that of course until you learn it first hand.)

After covering the 17 module course I submitted my photographs and received some great feedback which was very constructive and helpful. Then followed 2 additional assessments, the first on black and white, and the second on creative use of aspect ratio. Both were challenging, very enjoyable and extremely satisfying to complete. Again I received great feedback.

I am enjoying photography even more now, though I now take far fewer photos but have more keepers and the entire process is extremely satisfying.

I'm currently thinking of taking more assessments and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Image Academy to beginners or established photographers alike.

From my first login to my course I very quickly realised that this was a very professionally put together photography course from people who really know photography.

I am a self taught photographer and always preferred to find my own way - watched a few YouTube videos to get guidelnce, but always really felt that I was neither getting the best from my camera nor for that matter my photography.

This course provided me with an excellent structure- the directed approach of each module was really good and also easy to follow. I particularly like the format of theory, exam ( let's you know what has sunk in ) and then a practical assignment. This had me out with direction, putting into practice what I had already learned. I think I am addicted to these now and since finishing the main part of the course have already signed up for more bespoke assignments ( if you are reading this Mark or Connie, I promise I've not forgotten about it :) )

This leads me on to the tutor support I have had. I must confess to knowing of the name Mark Cargill before taking the course. I came across a technical article of his through Olympus magazine. I had not made the connection until after signing up for the course and it's reassuring to know its a true professional team looking after you.

Any time I needed support all I had to do was phone the studio number and hey presto I had Mark or Connie (Cargill ) on hand to help me. Nothing was ever any trouble and their enthusiasm for photography infectious.

I have loved this course, learned a huge amount and can most of all see a distinct improvement in my photographs. I honestly have a new found passion for photography and my camera no longer has me scratching my head.

Thank you for giving me more than you would realise and looking forward to hearing your comments on my next assignment.

I retired a few years back and looked around for a hobby which my health and age would allow me to do, and photography seemed to fit the bill. So I bought (which to me was a half decent camera) a Sony Alpha A550 and merrily set about taking photos with it.

It came as a surprise to find out that my images were no better with the posh camera than they were before hand. In fact no better than the usual "snaps" you see on Facebook or other social media sites. The obvious answer.......I needed instruction on how to take photos.

Over the last couple of years or so I've taken a number of "on-line" photography courses and have been quite dismayed at the quality of teaching some of these courses provide. That was untill I tried the Image Academy. I chose their 17 Module course because it was the cheapest and if it turned out like any of the others, I'd have wasted less money. I needn't have feared.

The 16 modules (17 covers sending off your images to be assessed) are bite sized, this means you can easily digest the topic. Each topic covers a separate issue and each builds on from the one before. Each module has an "exam" at the end of it to ensure you have fully understood the module content. My only criticism is that the exams seem to easy (I scored 100% on most of them).

One of the modules covers "Making Money from Photography". Part of this module relates to building your own "web-site". Making money has never entered my head before now (who would pay money to buy a snap?). My attitude has changed somewhat as I can now see a definite improvement in my images which can only get better with time. I haven't got the confidence to try and sell my images yet, but I am considering building a web-site to showcase them.

I would definitely recommend The Image Academy to any budding photographer. I am giving this course a 4 star rating. I would have given it 5 stars if the exams had been harder.

Fantastic and easy to follow course. Just wish I'd found this sooner.

Never having had any formal photography training, I was unsure how I would get on with the course. I found Mark very helpful, answering my queries quickly and in a way that I could understand. As I was self taught I found some areas easier - particularly in the topics that I had enjoyed and previously practised, and some areas were much harder as I had not done any work in those topics. I was particularly impressed with the post processing modules as I had never used Lightroom before. I did almost all my post in photoshop cc, and even though I had Lightroom, I had never used it. The videos for those modules were very informative and easy to follow, and now I do much of my work including batch processing in Lightroom. I would recommend the course to anyone just starting out in photography or thouse like myself who are self taught, as there are lots of little 'insider knowledge' tips that you are unlikely to find out by yourself.

Have just started photography as a hobby I had been looking for a course to learn more about my hobby. I have just completed the 17 module course, this course exceeded all my expectations it is a well constructed course leading you through the areas of photography module by module. Each module is interesting and informative with tips and practical advice for you to follow when trying to capture an image to submit for that module's assignment. At the end of each module there is also an online test to pass before you can progress to the next module. There are modules that teach you how to use Lightroom photographic software which are very good. The feedback on the images I submitted at the end of the course was I thought very honest and helpful. I reviewed the images again with this feedback looking at how I could improve my photographic in the areas highlighted. I have passed this course and have now signed up for a couple of personal assignments to carry my learning process further. I would recommend this course to any one looking to start or for others who would like revisited there knowledge and skills in photography.