VLC Digital Photography Business course graduate
Barbara Kao

VLC: Why did you decide to take an online photography course?

Barbara: I decided to take an online photography course because I wanted to have the flexibility to choose when to do what assignment, and could it from home.


VLC: Why did you choose the VLC?

Barbara: I chose the VLC because I thought the cost benefit was good. Also, in comparison to other online courses it was doable within a reasonable time and the course did not rely on sending assignments and instructions back and forth via surface mail (which would have taken forever to Europe), and I think that method is outdated.


VLC: What two aspects of the instruction did you like the best, or find most comprehensive?

Barbara: I liked the fact that everything was on the VLC website. I could have a look at all the lessons from the beginning on, and choose what to do when rather than having to wait to get one assignment after the other. The lesson I enjoyed the most and learned the most from was the one on portraits - I learned how much I actually enjoy taking portraits, which I would have never thought!


VLC: What impressed you most about your instructor?

Barbara: My instructor impressed me by answering my questions within a very reasonable time and I always had the feeling he was concerned how I was getting along, and he was there for any problems that I had. You did not have the feeling you were just a number for him, you had the feeling he was there for you alone almost. He also motivated me when I was in doubt, and I had the feeling he did more than what was required.


VLC: How long did it take you to complete it, and how much time on average did you put into it each week?

Barbara: I completed the course in a little over three months. On average, I put in about 4 to 5 hours/week.


VLC: Have you sold any of your work since you began or finished our course?

Barbara: My exhibition opened about five weeks ago with some flower macros on canvas and it will still be going for another two weeks [December 21]. I have sold four pictures so far, and more people have told me they are interested in buying one.


VLC: What kind of camera do you have?

Barbara: When I was doing the course, I had a Nikon D70. Recently, I have switched to a Canon 300D with some great lenses. For more information about my equipment and the kind of photos I do, you can visit http://photoart.kao.at.