Study or not to study - this is a question ?

[Wombat]

I would love some opinion on the topic of photography study.
Recently i have enrolled in part time study of Advanced Diploma in Photography.
So far i am a little disappointed. I have been told on, how to look with the camera (awareness thing..), how to take photos with priority of shutter or field of depth selection.
Bummer...i know all of this.
But at the and of 4 years.....? i will be able to take some crapy commercial shots, or be a shooter of some family celebrations (portraits, births, weddings and so on).
My question to all.
Have any of you completed similar study and is it help in your photography, and is it help you with some pocket money earning ?

[candleman]

if i had the time and money (got a family to support so cant do any full time study )

I would do a Bacheor in Fine Arts majoring in Photography.. and try get into a support role with a studio.
the basics are a bit of a waste of time to pay for. I do see value in having an experienced hand guide you through the tricks of the trade, especially in terms of dealing with people, business skills, and more serious studio/on location lighting

but, i cant.
so i'm teaching myself.. and doing OK in the process IMHO.

study is not essential IMHO,
the internet is a vast arena of learning, and with enough determination i think you could do it as efficiently as in a course (if not more so) if you are really interested and know which are the right questions to ask, are hard on yourself and are constantly trying to improve.

a natural eye and a bit of experimentation/comparison will beat the pants off of someone that has sat through a droaning lecture who has no natural ability.

it just depends on where you see your photography going wether its of real value to you or not.

[Wombat]

Thanks. Appreciate.
This is what i exactly feel. When i take my shots and present them, all i get is " not in this semester", when i ask " pls help me decide on photo selection (like which one is a good and which is a crapish), all i get is " have no time at the moment".
Possibly will hang on till end of the semester (i pay for it) ant then will go my way absorbing knowledge from forum and experimenting at home on a kitchen table.
PS.

Love your portrait shots. What does it take ?

[gottasnap]

I took a couple of classes about 2 yrs ago. One on studio lighting. Spent most of my time standing around waiting for my turn to use the lights. Then had to take pics of a ball to show shadow angles! I think we all can see shadows and know which way the light has to shine to make that shadow! The other class was photo assignments. Of course between working and sitting in classes 3 nites a week, it was all I could do to find time on weekends to go out and shoot the assignments and get back to the lab to process! That semester made me lose the joy in taking pics. I didn't pick up the camera for about a year after that. I like taking my time and finding things I enjoy shooting and just practice with the camera. I have learned more in the past year than I ever would have sitting in classes.
But of course a degree would look good. But so will a great portfolio!

[sk66]

Study is essential......formal courses are not. One thing a formal course can never teach you is the dedication and determination required to become a full time pro...They also cannot teach you talent. They can teach you skill, but only practice and inate ability will turn skill into talent.

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by sk66

Study is essential......formal courses are not. One thing a formal course can never teach you is the dedication and determination required to become a full time pro...They also cannot teach you talent. They can teach you skill, but only practice and inate ability will turn skill into talent.

There's a ton of books on photography that'll teach more than paying to sit in a classroom listening to someone explain f-stops and shutter speeds.

Nah, not worth it to me. Will it get you more money per job? Not likely.

My field is something that credentials are important... very important. If you don't have them, you are screwed.

[JerBear]

Not sure how it is in your country, but here in the states, schools are really screwed up.
With all of the teacher unions, tenure and all, the education is very lacking. Could go on but to the point at hand.
We have some private schools that cater to photography and are very good. One of them is http://www.brooks.edu/ , there are others as well and most are designed for you to select the areas you want to work on.

You might want to contact your area's professional association for what they recommend. I am sure there are others in your area with the same gripe. There are probably some seminars as well that you could attend that might fit your needs.

As to what kind of photography you want to learn, you did not say, but, I have taken a lot of "crapy commercial shots... and weddings" and found it to be rewarding. Not just in monetary means, but also enjoyable.

Each person has to find their own path...

Good luck and good shooting

JM

[yolanda_b]

I like taking courses in my interests when I can. The DPS newsletters are doing well for me. I like to have measured lessons and timed assignments. It motivates me and prods me and helps me overcome distraction and procrastination. I don't know if it would make a difference to whether you earn money with something. I feel if it's worth doing, it's worth doing free and let money happen when it's ready. But I do think that the majority of photographers, like any career, should be prepared to earn with mundane things. Most musicians do studio, symphony or bar band, not recording stars. Most graphic designers and artists paint signs, posters, wallpaper and flooring, not gallery images commanding auction dollars. There is only room for a small number at the top and if you are chasing that dream with something you cannot do contentedly with the masses at the bottom, then you are making a mistake. Seek a field in which you are competent enough to pay your needs, or happy just going to work, and let fame be the lottery win you might achieve.

[candleman]

Originally Posted by sk66

Study is essential......formal courses are not. One thing a formal course can never teach you is the dedication and determination required to become a full time pro...They also cannot teach you talent. They can teach you skill, but only practice and inate ability will turn skill into talent.

thats the correct wording.. well said.