Opinion on photography class?

Ajlista · Mar 13, 2011

NYC Photography courses, Photo classes at PhotoManhattan photography center
I was planning to save up my money till the summer to pay for a 9week photography II course
Do you think its worth 329$
I figured, me being 14 i dont have bills, taxes, or rent to pay, so it wouldnt be so much of a waste
It requires basics which im pretty much know, and its once a week
Also do you think this a decent place to get lessons from?
Or do you think classses are even worth it?
Thanks!

Big Mike · Mar 14, 2011

Are you looking at the Photography II course?

If so, I'd call the number and ask a few questions about the course. You said that you 'pretty much know' the basics...but that's not very descriptive and it's very possible that you might get in over your head by taking the more advanced course, as opposed to starting with Intro to Photography.

For example, are you very comfortable shooting in manual exposure mode? Do you understand metering? Do you know when & why your camera's meter is often wrong and how to compensate for that?

I certainly do think that classes are worth it...and these ones seem to be a decent price for the amount of time (I assume each class is 2-3 hours long?) I've often found that students learn much better/faster in a hands-on classroom setting than trying to do it themselves from a book on website etc. But if you jump to an advanced class, without really knowing all the prerequisite material, you might miss out on the lessons of that class, making it a waste of time & money. So I'd really suggest considering the Into course (not the auto mode one) first...then if you liked the experience, continue on with more courses.

benhasajeep · Mar 14, 2011

In most cases, I don't know about this one in particular. They discuss more than just shutter, aperature, and ISO in the introductory class. You can probably call and ask them for a syllibus on the Intro to photography and the photo II classes. And see what is covered. In my area $329 is a bit high. I can see NY city being more though.

Ajlista · Mar 14, 2011

Big Mike said:
Are you looking at the Photography II course?

If so, I'd call the number and ask a few questions about the course. You said that you 'pretty much know' the basics...but that's not very descriptive and it's very possible that you might get in over your head by taking the more advanced course, as opposed to starting with Intro to Photography.

For example, are you very comfortable shooting in manual exposure mode? Do you understand metering? Do you know when & why your camera's meter is often wrong and how to compensate for that?

I certainly do think that classes are worth it...and these ones seem to be a decent price for the amount of time (I assume each class is 2-3 hours long?) I've often found that students learn much better/faster in a hands-on classroom setting than trying to do it themselves from a book on website etc. But if you jump to an advanced class, without really knowing all the prerequisite material, you might miss out on the lessons of that class, making it a waste of time & money. So I'd really suggest considering the Into course (not the auto mode one) first...then if you liked the experience, continue on with more courses.

I know most of it know pretty well, but i will be taking these maybe 4 months from now, or 3
So by than i am confident i will know everything about the intro to photography
I am looking to join the Photography 2 Class, and i think im gunna do it
Im pretty confident in shooting in manual exposure mode
Thanks for the info, you pretty much assured for me that this isnt a waste

Also, believe it or not, the classes are 4 1/2 hours long!
I cant wait!

Thanks

Big Mike · Mar 15, 2011

Also, believe it or not, the classes are 4 1/2 hours long!

Wow, so you get 40 hours (9 weeks x 4.5 hours) for that price...that's pretty darn good.

benhasajeep · Mar 15, 2011

Big Mike said:
Also, believe it or not, the classes are 4 1/2 hours long!

Click to expand...

Wow, so you get 40 hours (9 weeks x 4.5 hours) for that price...that's pretty darn good.

I was guessing hour to hour and a half class each time. If its 40 hours of instruction I also agree its a very good price (if the instructor is any good).