Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

I am thinking of joining PSA and was curious if anyone has taken the courses offered. If you have taken the courses do you think you are a better photographer because of the education offered? Do you think a few of the courses gave you the knowledge to critique your own photographs or other's photographs? Would it behoove me to join PSA first then my local camera club later or vice versa? If my interests are landscape and pet photography will my photos fit in with PSA?

Wanda Krack Loc: Tennessee, USA

I have been a member of PSA for several years now, and like other international organizations, it has multiple programs for helping members become better photographers. That said, there are many other programs that have much to offer in the way of education also.

PSA is a multi-faceted organization that offers mentoring, group critiques, along with podcasts, and competitions, plus other activities. My suggestion would be for you to visit their website and see if any of their programs would fit your needs. My personal journey on the road to learning photography has been from multiple sources, both local clubs, international clubs, seminars, podcasts, u-tube tutorials and many others, including outings with friends who are also on this learning journey. PSA participation has been only a small part of my educational source. But, there are 'different strokes for different folks.'

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

Thanks, Wanda for your advice. Being self taught through reading, Creative Live and a few youtubes, I would like to further my knowledge of composition, various ways to work with lighting, post processing, etc... Deciding on a bit more formal training or not is what I'm trying to discern.

dandev Loc: Enumclaw, WA

I have been a member of the PSA for a few years. I get value as I'm part of a monthly group where we send in photos and do critiques. I find the organization is focused on shows and getting award points - which is not where I'm focused. Not sure if I'll renew next year.

As Wanda said - there are lots of ways to further your education. In terms of formal learning, look at photo classes at your local community college. I live south of Seattle, and have been taking classes at Green River College. I also recommend joining a camera club. Not sure what part of WA state you are from, but there are about 8 clubs in the Seattle Metro area. (Northwest Council of Camera Clubs.) My dues at the Rainier Hills Photo club in Buckley are $30/year - a screaming deal. The clubs put on an annual convention.

I also take classes on Lynda.com (free via my library card), and YouTube. I had a subscription to Kelby One for a year which really helped me learn Photo editing. I recently attended a 1 day seminar from Scott Kelby in Seattle. It was good.

one_eyed_pete Loc: Colonie NY

I would suggest you seek out local camera clubs as a first step. If your goal is learning you may find a mentor with similar interests you can work with face to face. PSA has a higher level of competition and will also offer learning opportunities. I've heard they may have appealing equipment insurance options.

PSABill

I have been a long time member of PSA. I joined a local camera club first and with a few months joined PSA. I have been active in a few study groups. One of the benefits of the study groups is sharing your photography with a group of your piers and getting monthly feedback on your images.

I have taken some of Jon Fishback’s classes on judging and critique. It was part of a group learning experience and I believe I gained a new perspective on judging and critique.

If you’re looking for standardized judging you will not find it. As has been noted elsewhere, judging is subjective. A recent experience in an international exhibition circuit (a circuit can be anywhere from three to six judgings) resulted in one image being accepted by one group of judges, rejected by another and receiving a gold medal for best of show by the third set of judges.

I have also served as a trained and approved Accessor for the PSA portfolios program. This has been a tremendous learning experience. The judging panel consists of five judges. Images are scored as “In” or “Out”. When there is disagreement with the judges we have a discussion on the merits and/or faults with the image. Sometimes this will result in minds being changed to either accept or reject an image. It’s the shared critique that, in my opinion, has made me a better photographer and judge.

An additional benefit of PSA membership is developing a worldwide network of friends who share the same interest.

photoman43

I have been a member of PSA and a local PSA club for about 15 -20 years. Join both and with PSA take advantage of the programs and courses that appeal to you. Also look for other photographer friendly programs and classes in your area like photo Meet Up groups. Do not limit yourself to just one club or program.

Some of the rules that clubs and PSA have drive me crazy as they tend to encourage formulaistic images rather images that allow you to express your own creativity. Some cities have camera clubs that do not follow the PSA competition rules and these clubs are also good to join.

ChrisKet Loc: Orange, CA

I found that attending a few courses at my local community college got me a big jump start on my photography learning journey, from there, on-line resources, and photo clubs help me improve on the basics.

photoman43

Another suggestion is to sign up to look at photo blog sites where you can see pictures taken by others that are often arranged by subject matter. Some allow you to see comments from the maker and viewers.

I usually check out images by category at www.photo.net.

If you like nature, go to www.naturescapes.net to view images read the forums etc.

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

Thanks all for your comments and advice. It has all been wise coming from your own experiences.