01. Why did you choose LSD and your Photography course?
Photography had been one of my "great loves" for many years. I'd been photographing amateurishly since 2010. I thought it was time to get serious about it.
I researched some schools and courses. I already had friends who had taken other courses at LSD, so I already had good references here. I liked the content presented on the website and the timetables suited my availability. I decided to go ahead!

"The first lesson on the street was very important, because that's when we take our first steps."

02. What was your experience like? Share a moment that stood out for you.
It was a very positive experience from the very first lesson. Teachers António, Jorge and Sara were always willing to help with whatever was needed, both in and out of school hours.
One moment that stood out for me was the first lesson in the photographic studio. It was fun to see how "everything works" in reality! The first lesson on the street was also very important, as it's when we take our first steps (even though we're still very "green").

"We bring together the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to work for our success."

03. How has the LSD course contributed to your current career path? What are you currently doing?
I'm still in the job I was in before I started the photography course. I'm an accountant at a marketing agency, even though I have a law degree.
I've photographed a few restaurants, since my focus is gastronomic photography, and I've created my Instagram profile to share and publicize my photographic work.
I haven't yet taken the step of "charging" for my work, but I hope to do so soon. I'm improving my portfolio and developing more self-confidence. One of the next steps will be to build a website to reinforce the promotion and credibility of what I do.

"The teachers were willing to help, both in and out of school hours."

04. How would you recommend LSD's teaching method and courses to someone still unsure about their career path?
I liked the teaching method at LSD. For a 120-hour course, the time dedicated to each module was ideal. Initially, it's quite theoretical - that's how it should be - the History of Photography is covered in great depth; then the more practical modules begin, until the moment everyone is looking forward to, getting out into the street and into the studio to shoot!
Although each student has their own preferences for delving deeper into a particular subject, at the end of the Photography course we have gathered the theoretical and practical knowledge we need to work towards our success.
I would have liked to have had a few more classes in photo processing (Lightning Classic), as I believe it would have enriched the course even more. Finally, I also recommend the course for the availability of the teachers even after the course has finished.
Find out more about Carlota Chau's work here.