Photography Classes

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Roland Eva on September 27, 2009 at 11:46am

Hi Carrie

I might be the worst person to speak to because I am completely self taught. I have learned lighting, photoshop and aperture from books and the hard knocks of life. What I would say about education in photography is that the only pieces of paper that matter is your portfolio. In my 4 years as a professional photographer no one has ever asked me about my qualifications. What they always ask to see and the only thing that matters is the quality of my work.

A degree should be useful for other people looking at your work and inspiring you to get better however this is all dependent on the quality of the teachers and it's difficult to know how good they are until you are enrolled on the course. Another way and a cheaper way is to shoot 1000 pictures on any topic of your choice. Pick the best 10 and then show them to all of your friends. Photographers will be able to advise you on the technical aspects of your work but anyone will be able to tell you if the picture moves you and this is what matters. Having a thorough understanding of light will help your creativity but even when you 'know' the techniques you still need the work to prove it so don't stop taking pictures.

Good luck

Roland

Permalink Reply by Carrie on September 28, 2009 at 8:18am

Thanks...it is my understanding that MOST people have been self taught..and that is exactly what I've been doing. I dont shoot just one subject matter..I guess Im just in it more for the hobby and hope to learn along the way. I've never been so much of a book learner in something so technical as this..Im more of a hands on learner so this could take me awhile! ;) It's just learning the WORDS and what they mean is what Im not good with!

Permalink Reply by Eric Scott Bloom aka MODARTIST on September 28, 2009 at 7:29pm

To get a degree means that you will have to share and work with people who love and desire the same things you do. Your teacher/instructor will have their experiences to share with you. Your fellow students will have their own dreams and visions which you can plumb for fuel to get you where you wish to go. But getting "there" isn't the most important thing. What you accomplish ON THE WAY that will be your legacy. It's a potentially no-lose. BEST OF LUCK. Go to it, and take whatever you can from it.~E

Permalink Reply by Carrie on September 30, 2009 at 8:03am

Thanks Eric! I just havent figured out whether it's the photography part I like more..or modifying the pics with Photoshop..I think Im better with Photoshop..although there's so much i dont know yet..but its fun to learn BOTH anyway!

Permalink Reply by Christine on October 13, 2009 at 2:41am

I did a 6 month course last year, just learning the basics - aperture, exposure and the trade off etc.

I thought this was worth while to get me started, and to get me out taking photos (something I still want to find more time to do).

But I don't think you can beat "doing it". Nothing beats experience.

Christine

Permalink Reply by Graham Douglas on October 18, 2009 at 9:43am

I've just started a two-year foundational degree course and I'm loving it. As someone has mentioned, you've got the feedback from the tutors and all your other classmates to bounce ideas off of. Add to that a good college should have contacts that could lead to getting work a bit more easily than just trudging round on spec. Plus, I get the chance to do things that I otherwise wouldn't be able to do, such as muck about with different medium format and large format cameras, have access to a large, well-equipped studio and darkroom and so on. As for portfolios, one of the major aspects of the course is exactly that: to build up a killer portfolio. Go for it, I haven't regretted it yet.

Permalink Reply by Carrie on October 23, 2009 at 9:37am

Cool..thanks! :)