How many of you have taken some kind of photography class?

Di&Z · Nov 25, 2008

I'm reading things on here I've never heard before, like third's for example. I'm just wondering how many of you took some kind of class(es) and what were they, and how many learned what they know without taking a class?

Overread · Nov 25, 2008

One can learn a lot through the internet and through photography forums. Advice and comments/crits on photos posted can help you learn a lot and just reading through posts and asking questions can reveal a lot of information.
I am almost totally web-taught - with a few books for good measure.

However internet schooling has limits - its all post the event of actually shooting which means that it can take longer to pick up on different lighting situations and how to adapt for them. Here is where some in the field schooling can be a great benefit as you can have someone there with you to correct you before you press the shutter button.
After that a more comprehensive school system can force you to broaden your horizons and try out new types of shooting that, alone, you might avoid - this gives you more and different shooting experiences.

In the end both have their place - myself I hope to be able to attend some specific workshops and tutoring events which specialise in my areas of interest to get some in the field experiences.

However there is a second way to get in the field advice - joining a photography club or attending photography forum meets - though it should be noted that such events are informal in general so not specifically catering for tuition

Big Mike · Nov 25, 2008

Much of what I know about photography, had come from reading and experimentation, not to mention forums

.

I have taken some classes and while the material is often stuff that I already know, the real benefit is meeting and talking to other photographers.

Michaelintraining · Nov 25, 2008

I'm new to photography, and there is a night collage near me. Do you think it would be best to attend it or learn from books & the web?

Big Mike · Nov 25, 2008

It really depends on how you learn best. Some people learn better by reading...some need hands on...some need human interaction etc.

If you can sign up for one or two classes, I'd suggest that. Then you will have a good idea of how useful they are. If you like them, then take more.

Synnove · Nov 25, 2008

I've never had a class but have been looking into them since moving to South Carolina. There are a lot of things I still need to know and have been picking up a lot of basics on the internet. I am a little afraid of a classroom setting though and have been putting it off for a while. I was enrolled in some classes a few years ago but got really sick and had to drop them before I could ever attend.

usayit · Nov 25, 2008

Mostly readings and experimentation with filler from several college photography classes. I still consider my classroom experience to be valuable. If you can afford it, sometimes you can convince colleges to allow you to attend classes without fulfilling all the pre-requirements (fine arts classes) with no credit. It was fun and I was shocked at how little some of the fine art majors knew anything about photography and composition.

The classes was also my introduction to darkroom since I never had access to a darkroom in the past. Lab fees were surprisingly low for full darkroom access with all the fixins.

bigtwinky · Nov 25, 2008

I did some dabbling online and with books and such before taking a class.

I'm going through a busy patch in life and its something I really wanted to make time for. So having class and projects makes me make the time. Not sure if that makes sense...

usayit · Nov 25, 2008

bigtwinky said:
Not sure if that makes sense...

It really does.... homework is motivating.

Tolyk · Nov 25, 2008

I am mostly self-taught from practise and reading (magazines/books/forum). Now with my job, I've learned a lot more about the equipment, which does slightly help my photography.

MelodySoul · Nov 25, 2008

I'm in school for photography now.

TWoods450 · Nov 25, 2008

I took a photo1 class back in high school, not gonna say how long ago that was.
Hell I blacked out my bathroom when I was in high school so I could develop my own film at home giving me more time in the dark room at school, mom wasn't too happy about her BLACKED OUT bathroom.

I've been out of it for a long time now and trying to get back into it with digital photography so its a whole new ball game.

icassell · Nov 25, 2008

Never have, but would love to. I started 35mm photography in about '78 (including darkroom work). I did essentially no photography (except for point/shoot of my kids) from about 1990 until last year when I got back into it -- with my 30D -- and am enjoying it immensely, but could use some handholding. I would love to find the time in my extraordinarily busy schedule for a class or, better yet, an extended workshop.

SrBiscuit · Nov 25, 2008

took photo I and II in college.
LOVED it.:heart:
It was all film and i did it with a nice sears robuck camera from the 70s until i was robbed and they snatched it...bastards.

i definitely learned a LOT regarding aperature and iso and speeds and such...and spent a lot of time in the darkroom which kicked much ass...everything from cracking open the films cans to loading it on a reel and all that good stuff.
if i had the free time and $$ i would def go take another course just for fun.
i still refer to my notes sometimes, and love looking at all my old negs.

i really do have to get them all digitized.