Continuing Education Classes?

[ChristopherCoy]

Would you recommend 'Continuing Education' classes at a local County College?

I'm trying to find something semi-formal to build upon what very minimal amounts of knowledge I have, without having to enroll in a 4 year degree, or an art institution. As much as I would LOVE to do either of these things, a mortgage and full time job prevents any of that.

These "Continuing Education" classes at the local college seem appropriate, but I dont want to waste my money on "This is a camera" kinda stuff....

[Doug Pardee]

It's going to depend very much on the particular instructor, and on what you're looking to learn.

I suggest that you contact the instructor(s) to see which course(s), if any, are going to be of benefit.

For me, it wasn't a waste of money so much as a waste of time. The course that I took had an instructor who believed that photography was only for producing "art", and that art was defined as "photos of wrecked, rotting, and decaying stuff." That wasn't what I was looking for, and I didn't finish the course.

[ChristopherCoy]

hmm... You bring up a good point Doug. I have an 'artful eye' already so I dont need a class directed towards that aspect, so much as I do a class aimed at the technical side of it. My biggest downfall is that I lack the knowledge of how to adjust/coordinate the aperture and shutter speeds to produce a nice looking photo. I've not had much trouble with the composing of a photograph, but getting those technical things just right gets me every time. I would assume its because I am a very visual/kinesthetic learner and can't process the outcome mentally when you give me the numbers.

[teedlepeep]

I went to a Digital Photo class a couple of years ago. I needed the credit and figured I hadn't been in a photo class in a long time lol Anyway, my class was taught my class was taught by a woman who had been a working photographer for 20 + years. It was a great class. I had a really good time with it, got credit towards my degree and learned a few things.

I think it partly depends on what you are looking to get out of it and what the skill level, age range, etc that the course is being geared for.