Hi everyone,
I've been thinking about taking some photography classes. There is one in particular that is offered in the city I am moving to in a couple of weeks; it looks like an awesome course, but it is a rather large chunk of change and it will involve many hours of classroom time. (I realize that a few months of a course doesn't really qualify as "formal" training, but I guess it's the idea of classroom vs by yourself) So in trying to decide whether or not it is worth the time/money investment, I've been thinking about two of my friends who both make their living through photography.
One friend went to a well-known digital arts school. Almost every shot he takes is perfect; the lighting, focus, posing-- everything is spot on. But in my opinion, his pics look a little generic. The lighting is almost always from the same side, subjects are in 1 of 4 poses, etc, etc...
My other friend borrowed money from her dad to buy a good camera and just went and started shooting. Her technique isn't as perfect as my formally trained friend (she probably only uses about 1 out of every 5 shots she actually takes), but when she gets a good shot she NAILS it.
So I am curious about opinions or advice about this-- do you think it is worth it to take formal classes to learn the technical stuff? Or do you sacrifice your own style by learning from someone else-- is it better to just learn as you go? (BTW-- I'm not in a place yet where I've really developed "my" style; I'm still in the phase where I shoot anything and everything to try to learn as much as I can).
I've taken formal classes, and to be completely honest, they didn't help me at all. The thing that helped me was just taking my camera out every day and developing my own style. I've learned way more over the last 9 months than I did in my 4 formal photography classes in college.
Having said that, I think it depends on how you learn. Do you like book learning and classroom time? Or do you learn better by doing? I learn much better by practicing what I'm trying to learn, so being self-taught has worked better for me. I also randomly browse the internet for photography ideas to better understand lighting, composition, and all that stuff. If you think a class will help you, go for it!
I am self taught and have been in the industry for a few years now. I have considered doing a degree but changed my mind. There are so many good short courses and workshops out there. A great idea is to get out and about with like-minded people in your area.
If you have friends or fellow 365 members nearby why don't you organise a get together and you can all learn more off each other.
Some magazines like 'Practical Photography' run 6 monthly basic courses that add loads of info. My hubby and I did this and it taught us so much more.
The thing you can't learn on a course is creativity. The best way to learn creativity is by trying something new. I have learned so much more by being part of 365. So many creative people use this site and are usually more than happy to share techniques with you.
Good luck making your decision.... and most importantly: Have fun with it!!!!
I took some classes (2001-2002), but they were darkroom-based classes, so in some respects, they didn't really prepare me for how I take photos now, but in most ways, it was really helpful. One thing that was awesome about these classes though is that you had to bring in photos that you shot, from film you developed and printed that week, hang them on the wall, and everyone in the class had a turn being critiqued. Sometimes it was brutal, but it was honest and face-to-face. Suggestions were made on how you could do better. It made you scared, it made you think, and it made you push yourself. It also was a lot of work (but if you don't have to use a darkroom, wait for photos to dry, press them later..well that's a LOT less time). If you could find a class that was taught like that, I'd say do it. I have improved since I've been on 365, but I also had a new digital camera to learn, so in the beginning, my photos were really crappy. 365 makes you push yourself too, but not in the same way as having to present to people that are actually in the room with you. Ask around before signing up with any professor though. Sometimes they suck. :-)
I am self-taught (and 365-taught!!), but am taking classes now for a BA in Photography...I mostly want the degree to learn some professional techniques, and because I never did get a degree. :)
My senior year in high school I took a photography class for an entire semester. Darkroom printing, developing, composition, the works was included. I'd been taking pictures for near 10 years previous to that, but it was a good class to get me to think a little bit more, especially about contrast and composition, something that I believe my photos lacked.
I am completely self-taught and have improved consistently since starting 365 and meeting other photographers. Getting together for outings with other photographers has been an awesome experience and I have thoroughly enjoyed them!
Like @5unflow3r I learned how to develop film and print pictures in a semi-formal way. I learned how to use all my cameras by taking pictures and playing with the settings. Occasionally I'd refer to the manual but mostly it's been by using them.
As far as composition goes, I like to read and see pictures and then go out and try to capture what I've learned. I've found taking classes are good if I can retain the information long enough to utilize it. I understand everything but once I leave the classroom I have to refer to my notes. A book is something I can carry around and study.
David duChemin is a recent favorite of mine. He speaks of the emotional connections to the pictures we take as well as the technical parts of how to compose them.
There is a vast vault of information online that can be tapped into. People today are sharing and teaching everything. It's not hard to find good information. Once you find it, start using it. Everyday, challenge yourself to learn new things. This is what you get in a classroom and what matters the most is what you present to the world (us) as your final product. There is no one way method that we should follow. As you noted above, we can be taught to do something and then that is where we stay. That reminds me of how I learned to use cursive. My teacher insisted that I keep my arm from touching the table. She went from student to student making sure no one was touching the table with their arms. We had to draw circles. Mine were awful. When she wasn't looking I would put my arm down and I was then able to make the perfect circles she was looking for. When she came by me, my arm was up. She mentioned how perfect they were. Ha! I learned right then there are many ways to learn and do something. I never told her. I ended up with pretty decent cursive writing.
Learning should be part of what you do regularly. Even if you take a class there will be more to learn. Just something to think about.
im completely self taught ...... apart from tips from great online friends and here :D
i have thought about doing a course but just never got round to it and have no idea what to do as the ones here seem to go beginner , itermediate or adavnced and i have no idea what i would need to do :S
I think that nothing can replace the experience of just going out and shooting. A person can learn so much just from trial and error shooting and experimentation. Having said that, though, it can be an advantage to take some classes purely from the standpoint of having the tools necessary to execute the photos you see in your mind's eye... I don't know how to really articulate what I'm saying, but someone once told me that in regards to music, there are two kinds of people: one who plays music, and one who MAKES music. To a certain point, the same is true of photography. You either take photographs or you MAKE photographs. Training will simply give you tools to accomplish your goal for the shot. I know people who have gone to school and kind of approach photography in a rote sort of way, much like what you've described, but I believe that people like that aren't so much artists, but rather picture-takers. Anyone can learn the ropes and put out a shingle, but there has to be some artistic ability to consistently get that "wow" factor in their shots.
I have to add that I took some informal classes back in my day when I had an Olympus OM1, totally manual everything, and I wouldn't trade that for anything. I think it's a shame that quite a few people never learn the ins and outs of f-stops, ISO and shutter speed. One can still be an artist and not know those things--and achieve their desired result in spite of that--but if one knows the basics, then they can use that information to deliberately set up the shot they're after.
both doing a darkroom course in september with real film...cant wait...tho im told by a girl on here i take crap pics when she takes pics of bread with a smiley face on it....getting sick of the idiots on this site some really nice others nead a lesson in manners also should remember when ppl come from diff counries their interpitations of words mean diff things and can be judged wrong...
I am in the midst of a photography class right now. I already had favorite subjects and stuff prior to the class, but the class has helped me learn more about the different functions of cameras. It's been helpful, and I enjoy spending time with fellow photography enthusiasts.
@ronah That's what I prize the most out of the classes I took, and it's why I'm happy with my SOOC shots...it's not because I think processing is a bad thing...not at all! I like that I can make the camera I chose do what I want! It surprises me sometimes when I say a photo is SOOC and people seem to question it...you really can make your camera do some great things! But the SOOC, the processing, it's all a part of the same thing...getting a great photo. I'm not a snob about SOOC; I'm just happy that I'm using what I learned, both in class and from experience. I process about 1/3 of my photos. Sorry to go off subject somewhat, but in short, I think it's great to take the time to learn more about how your camera works.
I am completely self taught but intend to learn more formally next year. Although I am still a beginner technically I feel an urge to widen my education and horizons in theoretical matter of photography to help me think and choose my way in the field.
Wow, thanks for all the replies. I am thrilled to see that so many people are self taught, but I can definitely the point many of you made about learning how to properly use your cameras. I guess I have a lot to think about...thanks so much for all the input!
I'm going to jump on the self-taught band-wagon as well. I just read a lot of books, websites and whatever else I was able to get my hands on. It has been a year and a half since I got my camera and I have never looked back. I am by no means great, but I have been trying all different techniques to see what works and what doesn't. I feel like your second friend. For example I did a newborn shoot and took about 300 pictures but I will only keep about 30-40. Part of the reason I do that is because I try many different angles and settings to see what I like best. I suppose in the future I will be able to take less and be more efficient but I think I have come a long way. If you have the time and the motivation, reading and trial by error are great but if time is limited and you can't mess around, then maybe class would be better. Like someone else said, there are tons of workshops offered all around that I'm sure are great (I haven't taken any yet, but I would like too) and worth looking in too. Just look at as many pictures as you can to see what you like.....then go try them!! Believe it or not, this website has really helped me get going and build my confidence. I never really knew what I was doing for a while (and still partially don't) but everyone's feedback and being on the popular page and weekly winners has given me the push to get better. Good luck and just keep shooting.....class or not!
I am self-taught. Having said that, I believe formal training will be to offer me quite a few short-cuts to things that would take me a long time to discover.
I did an intermediate course on photography just to get the basics of the technical stuff down. The advantage of having someone to talk to about stuff I don't understand appealed to me. But if your friend is willing to teach you a few tricks, why not go for that and save a few bucks? I didn't have that option because I don't have photography-friends in my area and I wanted a one-on-one thing.
The rest is pretty much self-taught. I think the best way to learn is just by doing. And also asking for some help/advice. 365 is obviously a great place to do that :) also read up on it as much as you can, subscribe to mags and newsletters and the like. So you won't really need "formal training" or a degree. But I do want to do a course on working with film some day soon. I don't think I can teach myself that and still have money left for going out LOL
I am mostly self-taught. I did a course in high school - shooting and darkroom - over a two week period, but that's it. When I started work in forensic examinations I did another two weeks specific to forensic photography (with a lot of general technical (boring) stuff thrown in). But, the best thing I ever did was have mentoring with a high-end pro photog, join my national pro photography body (AIPP in Australia) and learn from other experienced members, and attend workshops. I have also considered a degree, but when I looked at the course material I realised it was a lot of money and time to get a piece of paper that states I know stuff (that I already know).
So, my suggestions are:
1. Mentorship with an established pro;
2. Join your pro photography organisation for whatever country you are in; and
3. Pick a workshop that looks interesting! (rinse and repeat)
If you're not sure where to start with workshops, work out where you are at technically and go from there. There are all kinds, from beginner to ultra-advanced. If you already know how to use your camera, maybe check out things like posing workshops, lighting workshops (Zack Arias!), natural light workshops etc.
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Having said that, I think it depends on how you learn. Do you like book learning and classroom time? Or do you learn better by doing? I learn much better by practicing what I'm trying to learn, so being self-taught has worked better for me. I also randomly browse the internet for photography ideas to better understand lighting, composition, and all that stuff. If you think a class will help you, go for it!
If you have friends or fellow 365 members nearby why don't you organise a get together and you can all learn more off each other.
Some magazines like 'Practical Photography' run 6 monthly basic courses that add loads of info. My hubby and I did this and it taught us so much more.
The thing you can't learn on a course is creativity. The best way to learn creativity is by trying something new. I have learned so much more by being part of 365. So many creative people use this site and are usually more than happy to share techniques with you.
Good luck making your decision.... and most importantly: Have fun with it!!!!
As far as composition goes, I like to read and see pictures and then go out and try to capture what I've learned. I've found taking classes are good if I can retain the information long enough to utilize it. I understand everything but once I leave the classroom I have to refer to my notes. A book is something I can carry around and study.
David duChemin is a recent favorite of mine. He speaks of the emotional connections to the pictures we take as well as the technical parts of how to compose them.
There is a vast vault of information online that can be tapped into. People today are sharing and teaching everything. It's not hard to find good information. Once you find it, start using it. Everyday, challenge yourself to learn new things. This is what you get in a classroom and what matters the most is what you present to the world (us) as your final product. There is no one way method that we should follow. As you noted above, we can be taught to do something and then that is where we stay. That reminds me of how I learned to use cursive. My teacher insisted that I keep my arm from touching the table. She went from student to student making sure no one was touching the table with their arms. We had to draw circles. Mine were awful. When she wasn't looking I would put my arm down and I was then able to make the perfect circles she was looking for. When she came by me, my arm was up. She mentioned how perfect they were. Ha! I learned right then there are many ways to learn and do something. I never told her. I ended up with pretty decent cursive writing.
Learning should be part of what you do regularly. Even if you take a class there will be more to learn. Just something to think about.
Best of luck!!
i have thought about doing a course but just never got round to it and have no idea what to do as the ones here seem to go beginner , itermediate or adavnced and i have no idea what i would need to do :S
The rest is pretty much self-taught. I think the best way to learn is just by doing. And also asking for some help/advice. 365 is obviously a great place to do that :) also read up on it as much as you can, subscribe to mags and newsletters and the like. So you won't really need "formal training" or a degree. But I do want to do a course on working with film some day soon. I don't think I can teach myself that and still have money left for going out LOL
So, my suggestions are:
1. Mentorship with an established pro;
2. Join your pro photography organisation for whatever country you are in; and
3. Pick a workshop that looks interesting! (rinse and repeat)
If you're not sure where to start with workshops, work out where you are at technically and go from there. There are all kinds, from beginner to ultra-advanced. If you already know how to use your camera, maybe check out things like posing workshops, lighting workshops (Zack Arias!), natural light workshops etc.