Weekly Poll: Self-Taught or Organized Photography Education?

[Nicole]

Another week, and yep, another poll. This week, the question is whether you are self-taught (or in my case Google-taught ) or if you have had some sort of organized photography education.

Self-taught is pretty self-explanatory. It means that you haven't really taken any photography classes. Let's go with, if you haven't taken more than a day long photography course, it's self-taught.

Organized photography education on the other hand means that you've taken some sort of class that required some sort of actual class. Whether it's a community college course, an online course, or an actual formal education, let us know. In fact, this question has actually arisen a lot lately, so if you would like to share any feedback about the sort of classes you've taken or recommend them to others, feel free.

Now, in order to try to get a little discussion going on the topic, why have you made the choice that you have about photography education? Tell us a little bit about your decision, we'd love to hear your opinions about the photography education process.

[thingy]

I answered 'Self taught'. Although that includes books and of course the vast amount of knowledge out there on the internet (Go DPS!). Also, that's not to say I wouldn't mind a bit of formal education, be it in the form of a regular college course or a short seminar. Now it's just a matter of not having the time to take one of these courses. Why didn't I stick with photography when I discovered it as a young lad!!!!

[jtailspin]

I'm just now starting at the tender young age of 55. My sole instruction comes from DPS. I have a long way to go, but I sure have fun.

[G.Scot]

I answered self taught. I went as far as to revisit the theory of Newton (corpuscular theory) about waves and particles, light diffraction and light scattering etc. (no kidding!)

Photography is FUN!

[waffles]

Self taught for me. Money is one consideration, I'd rather spend it on gear than class. My school has a photography class, but it's film and from what I hear can be a bitch. I could always audit it or pass/fail it, but I haven't gotten around to asking about that.

Also, I have this (probably unfair) fear that if I take a "real" class I'll end up taking the exact kind of photograph as the professor.

[jdepould]

Largely self-taught, although I have taken a few classes (they were well after I started).

[Sime]

Self taught, still learning [everyday] I work out what a button does every now and then!.. [yay for depth of field preview button!] ...you do something often enough, you're going to get better at it, right?

[Saralonde]

Hmm.. looks like self-taught is pulling ahead so far. Sometimes I wonder if I had taken an organized course if I would be a little farther along at this point, but I'm still plugging along under my own speed. There is so much info on the internet that covers virtually every aspect of photography, even places like DPS that will give you feedback. But I admit that sometimes I look at the courses offered by Betterphoto and NYIP and wonder if it might be worth it.

[Sime]

Myself and BCA are looking to sign up to a lighting course in London [england]... Anyone wanna sign up too?.. pm me...

[melanie2457]

Although I'm primarily self-taught, I chose Education because I regularly take photography classes at my local community college. This class mostly focuses on composition and opening your eyes up to new things, and it's really just a way for me to share my photos and get feedback. Although, we do learn things too. Like, about different filters, famous photographers, printing, processing, etc. I just do it cause it's fun! And, the instructors are really smart and helpful if you have questions on anything!