Online Photography Courses

[boxel0]

I want to take some kind of photography online course,
I have seen one,, which looks good:
The Photography Institute

But would like some ideas from others first

Im not planning on making a career from photography just enjoy it and want to learn as much as i can

Hope you can help

[Sass]

Try the tutorials on DPS,, they are awesome---I have been doing them now for about 3 weeks, and find them very helpful. Plus it is FREE. This is a fantastic website!!! USE IT.

[Jojie]

@boxe10.. yes I am interested in doing that course too. have you had a look at the course outline? Personally the first 10modules I feel you can find by searcing online .. i.e like this website..

I am interste in the last 2 module of that course...

Unfortunally since I've never done the course I don't know how it's like. But I am interested in what other people (hopefully doing or have done it ) says about it!

[JohnN]

I have to say I was considering posting a "nowbie needs help" sort of a post, but checking this I think I'll wait.

Without hijacking the thread (please don't let me!!) which tutirals would you suggest to get me started?

I've had a Canon 500D for around a year now, but being forgetful like you wouldn't belive I keep forgetting wehat I read so despite taking an occasional good photo I just don't seem to be able get to grips as to why things just don't work out right for me.

Cheers,

John

[boxel0]

im exactly the same john, one of my friends had done a different photography course
online photography courses, Professional photography courses
And he said that they give you small assignments, and you send them your finished photo and they basically say yes or no to it,
and without a yes; you cant move on in the course

[Dangelica]

Originally Posted by boxel0

And he said that they give you small assignments, and you send them your finished photo and they basically say yes or no to it,
and without a yes; you cant move on in the course

That isn't a course. It's paying for an opinion.

[boxel0]

Originally Posted by Dangelica

That isn't a course. It's paying for an opinion.

What i mean is, is that you do the course in modules, and after each module they give you an assignment to take a photo using the knowledge you learnt in the module

[Dangelica]

Originally Posted by boxel0

What i mean is, is that you do the course in modules, and after each module they give you an assignment to take a photo using the knowledge you learnt in the module

You stated if they say no you cant move on in the course. Forgive me if I seem cynical but I used to be a student lecturer in anatomy and genetics while at university. There need to be clear guidelines as to what is required, how assignments are graded, how marking of assignments are quantified as well as constructive criticism with examples to help the student improve in their own learning style. Students may grasp the concept presented to them but may not be able to apply it fully in a practical situation. (Everyone has things they can explain in great detail but can't carry out perfectly themselves). It sounded very much like it was an arbitrary yes or no pass/fail based on the opinion of a lecturer. If a grading system is not quantifiable and is opinion based then it negates personal creativity. Also to stop a students progression to the next part of a course based on one assignment is patently ridiculous. It implies that a student is not capable of learning more than one concept at a time. Understandably some concepts are prerequisite to others and a certain level of understanding is required. If however a student can show the theory behind an idea soundly without fully grasping it in practical application it should not hold up further progress. The practical can be improved with practice rather than reprimand and disqualification from progression.

I will say though I have had students that just shouldn't bother trying more than breathing and walking at the same time. They may need to be stopped from progressing until the gum chewing is perfected. But other than that courses you look at should have an amount of flexibility and accountability to an accepted professional standard in both teaching and the field being taught. Be careful in spending your hard earned cash on something that is not accredited unless you have no intention of using it as a future credential for entry into further education in the subject or its just a for the fun of it course.

[Dodge]

Originally Posted by boxel0

I want to take some kind of photography online course,
I have seen one,, which looks good:
The Photography Institute

But would like some ideas from others first

Im not planning on making a career from photography just enjoy it and want to learn as much as i can

Hope you can help

Hmmm, think about the sweet new lens that £500 will get you.

You sound a lot like me, you just want to enjoy the hobby and learn to get better. I found that just by using my camera lots and reading,reading,reading both on here and some books that my wife bought me, which I refer back to after almost every days shooting, to see if I made the most of what I had is a great way to learn. A guy called Bill Patterson has done a series of books, each one covering a different aspect of photography which I have found to be great to learn from.

Theres also great Tutorials on here along with all the advice or opinions you could ever need and it's free. Also if you wanted some more hands on advice or help, theres always a local camera club or even find a local FlickR group that has local meets and shoots. I'm sure most would be happy to have you along.

Add all these things together (including the new lens you got with the money you saved) and the value of what you already have at hand probably far exceeds an internet diploma anyway. Some of the specific camera field guides are very good too, I have one that also sets you assignments after each chapter, probably similarly to that online course. And the guys on here I'm sure are happy to critique your images and answer any questions you may have. DPS is really great for that, so long as you show that you are trying to learn and not just showing off your pics, and are prepared to take constructive criticism.

I just hate the thought of giving 500 quid away for something that, with a little extra effort and organization, you could do yourself anyway. I'd much sooner put that aside and then as you learn more, you have a ready made kitty to buy that wide angle or 50mm prime or macro lens that you have discovered you can make good use of in ways you may never have imagined.

[Henry Wilt]

Originally Posted by boxel0

I want to take some kind of photography online course,

Originally Posted by Dodge

Hmmm, think about the sweet new lens that £500 will get you.

I found that just by using my camera lots and reading,reading,reading both on here and some books .....

Theres also great Tutorials on here along with all the advice or opinions you could ever need and it's free.

And the guys on here I'm sure are happy to critique your images and answer any questions you may have.

I just hate the thought of giving 500 quid away for something that, with a little extra effort and organization, you could do yourself anyway.

Dodge has made some extremely good points here.
I checked out the site you provided the link to and it looks wonderful and could almost convince me that just by signing up I would become a wonderful photographer over night. But that just ain't going to happen. Whatever way we chose to learn a new subject, whether it be photography, a new language or whatever, it takes time, commitment and a real desire to achieve our goals. (unless of course you happen to be a natural genius in the subject)
So unless you needed a certificate from a registered program I think this site (and many more like it (although not as good of course)) will provide you with everything the course can plus you get to meet some new friends and as Dodge says "have a ready made kitty for ...".
Good luck with whatever you chose.