Have you taken or considered taking a photography class?

[dutchess85]

I was looking at the local college that I live near and they offer some photography classes. I was thinking about taking Basic Photography.


Have you ever taken any classes or plan to? Just wondering!

[Doug Pardee]

Each class is different. Unless you can find someone who took that specific class from that specific instructor, you probably won't find out what you're looking for.

I took a class many years back, and it was a waste of my time. The instructor had an extremely narrow view of what 'photography' was, and most of us in the class were frustrated because we didn't share his particular artistic vision. But that was that instructor, and another instructor might have been great.

If it's close and inexpensive, give it a try. You can always drop out if it's not what you're looking for or what you need.

[x_eternity_x]

Personally, I've found that anything you want to know is available for free on the internet, particularly as it relates to photography. The information sources are varied and abundant--all you need to do is figure out what you want to know. For critiques on your work there are numerous sites, including this one, where you can get professional feedback and advice. The same applies to new techniques of any kind. For inspiration, look to any of the myriad photosharing sites around, where frequently you will also find discussions related to achieving whatever look is demonstrated. This is how I learned everything I know about photography (well, I bought one book on lighting, which is really pretty amazing--but it's not like I couldn't have gotten that information online as well), and I must say that what I know about photography is at least on par with my friends who actually got their degrees in photography--I just did it in less time. The only downside is that you need to be self-motivated, but I'm guessing that isn't going to be a huge issue for you?

[mad editor]

I took a basic series of classes many years ago. Recently, I took a weekend workshop that wound up having only a few students. It was wonderful to get so much one-on-one time with a pro. We did model shoots on the beach as well as hands-on classroo0m activities. I'd do it again!

[hibou]

I'm self-taught. Thanks, Internet!

Self-taught here as well. I took one class and it was horrible. The instructor was incredibly old and way past his prime. When he described photography concepts, he didn't show a single example photo. The class started with 20 students, and ended with 4.

YMMV, but I doubt I'll ever take another class unless it's really cheap.

[matneym]

Originally Posted by mad editor

I took a basic series of classes many years ago. Recently, I took a weekend workshop that wound up having only a few students. It was wonderful to get so much one-on-one time with a pro. We did model shoots on the beach as well as hands-on classroo0m activities. I'd do it again!

I've got one of these coming up in April and can't wait.

[dutchess85]

I am trying to find out more information about the class before I sign up. I am totally up for learning things on my own and any recommendations on sites or books would be great. Right now since I don't have a job I have plenty of time for reading and learning.

The class I am looking into is about a month and a half long and is $65 plus you have to buy the book.

Nope, never have.

Thought about it once, then thought it was a silly ponderance.

[candidrachel]

I did years ago pre digital but it was pottering around in a dark room messing around with chemicals or loading and unloading film on reels (in pitch darkness). Didn't really learn much about "photography" eg perspective, composition, lighting etc etc. So it was a bit of a waste of time.

I've learnt so much more by my own volition and you can attend every course under the sun or read every book under the sun but if you are anything like me once you are out in the big wide world I'm like "Er what did the book say about x" or "What did they say on DPS?".

Learning by trial and error is the best way!