online courses or classes at local school?

[cameragirl]

I would like to do some more than hobbying, would like to earn a bit of income with photography. I am just an enthusiastic, passionate photographer! I see there are a few online courses; Better Photo, PPSOP, for portraits, weddings or product photography (either one of those areas that I am interested in).
Anyone knows if online courses are as good as going to weekly classes?

[Drkranger]

People learn differently. You may learn more by interacting directly with instructors and other students so a live, local class might suit you. If you can learn by reading something and then trying it yourself, then an online class would work too.

I'm in the 5th week of a BetterPhoto class and I've done all my learning by reading books and online and trying things on my own. That's how I learn.

As for if online is as good, I think the only thing you lose online is the direct interaction. It may take a day or so to get a question answered. For me, that gives me an opportunity to uncover the answer on my own by trying the technique.

[Ronie]

Good point Drkranger, it does matter how you learn. If you're not the type to learn independently then online classes would not be the best. However, that being said another factor that you would want to consider would be time. If you are a busy person (like myself) and fitting things into your schedule is hard then maybe an online course would be your forte. I do my course online and its nice because I can go at my own pace, and make sure I have mastered the techniques before going online. I'm not sure every course is offered this way, but it was one of the biggest sellers to me when I considered getting classes for photography. Just my 2 cents, hope it was helpful.

[cameragirl]

Originally Posted by Drkranger

People learn differently. You may learn more by interacting directly with instructors and other students so a live, local class might suit you. If you can learn by reading something and then trying it yourself, then an online class would work too.

I'm in the 5th week of a BetterPhoto class and I've done all my learning by reading books and online and trying things on my own. That's how I learn.

As for if online is as good, I think the only thing you lose online is the direct interaction. It may take a day or so to get a question answered. For me, that gives me an opportunity to uncover the answer on my own by trying the technique.

Which course?

[Drkranger]

Eight Steps to More Dramatic Photography with Jim Zuckerman

[safsaf71]

any ideas of a good on-line course? not beginners, thanks