[milou]

As a whole, that's ok but I have difficulty with the "real world" comment. I would imagine that a formal qualification, say a 3 year degree course in photography, would encompass a lot of "real world" experience. It's use as a phrase does imply that those with any formal qualifications haven't earned their "spurs". If a position is expecting applicants to hold formal qualifications, concentrate on drawing attention to examples of your work to show your skill.

This link might be useful: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Applications_and_interviews/Applications/The_covering_letter/p!efXakl

May have to copy and paste that link!

Edit: And best of luck with the applications! (Knew there was something else I meant to say).