mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I’m going to the one in Boston in late August. I’ve taken several of his classes/workshops and have found all of them to be invaluable.

Jaackil Loc: Massachusetts

For what it is worth I am going to the one in Boston. I have a KelbyOne membership and have learned a lot from his courses. Additionally I have corresponded directly with Scott via the community section of his website when I have had questions. The guy loves teaching, he is fun to listen to and he is a good teacher. For $99 I figure if I get one good idea or tip per section it will be a bargain.
For those that have said you can spend the money buying his books or joining a local camera club. Comparing apples to oranges. I do find it funny in a group that thinks nothing of spending thousands on a lens just because they have to have it they quibble over spending $100. SMH. I will also say this in my experience everything Scott produces represents a good value. Everything I have purchased from him whether it is books or membership in Kelby One I personally have gotten more than my money’s worth.
Have fun and let us know what you thought of it after you go.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Kelby is one of the best. And very entertaining. Who is better for the price?

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

Very entertaining speaker and a very knowledgeable photographer and computer geek. Worth the money in my estimation just for the entertainment.

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

The book isn't about camera technology! What do you think has changed regarding exposure and composition?

JimG1 Loc: Waxahachie, TX

I'm not sure exactly how much more it is but, you might look into joining kelbyone.com. Not only do you have access to the courses Scott teaches but you have all the other instructors on the site.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Scott is a brilliant educator... I've been a fan since reading all of his Photoshop 7 tricks and tips books...
That said, like others have mentioned, much depends on what you bring to this session...

Photography is a very complex craft... while knowledge base transfer can and often is a useful adjunct there is virtually no substitute for hands on experience... The pivotal point on my journey came when I started assisting other commercial shooters in my market... While the pay was good the knowledge gleaned was priceless...

How to become an commercial photographer's assistant? My path was by joining the ASMP at the promptings of a commercial tog whom I was doing makeup artistry for on her shoots... Best advice I ever received... I'm forever on her debt...

Hope this helps... enjoy you Scott Kelby seminar Drip Dry McFleye, k?

SpikeW Loc: Butler PA

A little emphasis placed at just the right spot in a verbal story just can't be transferred to paper with the same effect.

Satman Loc: Indy

The one in Indy was a little disorganized, but the presentation was spot on,

The lighting and stage support along with signage was lacking an Indy Convention Problem,

The Indy photography group are always good to mingle with.

jim1954 Loc: Minnesota

I attended his seminar in Mpls and found it very worthwhile, and well worth the $99. To start with he is an entertaining speaker. Two of the sessions were on landscape and portrait photography, along with specific recommendations for gear and settings. In addition he discussed a lot of general things, again with specific examples and recommendations.
He also does a lot of demonstrating of Photoshop and Lightroom. I use PHotoshop Elements, so a lot of that material was lost on me. But even so, I thoroughly enjoyed the seminar.

philo Loc: philo, ca

I'm a member of Kelbyone.com and find it of great value. There are over 300 classes available and you can watch and go back as many times as you want. I have been very happy with the program. Cost is $149 per year and you can get it free for 30 days.

Nicholas DeSciose

You’ll definitely get your moneys worth. The experience of being part of a group of people being excited about photography and being able to ask questions and get accurate thoughtful answers as well as the answers to the questions that all the other people are asking. And they’re almost always is a terrific place to have lunch nearby Or you can talk with other people in the group. And possibly meet friends that you haven’t seen in a long time.

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

Youtube: search "Scott Kelby"
Here's a quick start:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIt1cDw5lLI
https://youtu.be/yNR9xVIVTI8
https://youtu.be/sikiUkymskk

pilot64 Loc: Atlanta, GA

I have been to two of his all day classes in Atlanta. While you may know all of what he teaches, you will pick up points and viewpoints on the art of photography and how to apply it to different situations. $99? I've been on five day photo safaris that weren't as good. Go. Buy the book. Kelby also provides training (on the internet) for $199/year. Lots of courses covering all facets of photography. Every class you can go to whether it's Kelby or camera clubs are worthwhile unless you are Moose Peterson.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I am sure the photographer/teacher mentioned here is
reputable based on the good reviews posted by others. Bad actors in the seminar business, don't last long as their reputation precedes them! Good teachers carry on!

Believe me, 99 bucks don't grow on trees but it ain't an outrageous fee for a decent class.

I am not a big fan of the term "crash course"- as Gene has alluded to, learning the finer points of photography takes time and study, practice and experience and mastery doesn't happen overnight. I'm sure you will glean something useful from most good classes, online tutorials and reading material.

So...here's my experience. I am an old-timer in the business but I never thought that I "know it all". I am a big fan of ongoing education and as a result, I have given and taken many classes, lectures, seminars, and mostly in-person educational programs. I am selective, so if I want a so-called "crash course", I will choose one that is very specific to a particular aspect of photography: Something that I am not familiar with and I want to explore or get into, an area where I feel I need more help, instruction, or inspiration and/or my wanting to closely examine the work or technique of the teacher.

Some of these classes lasted a week or more and were expensive but eventually paid for themselves in the long run in terms of my professional work, marketing, and being able to offer new or different concepts to clients and improve efficiency.

The odd class was disappointing but I always managed to come away with some useful information like how NOT to present a class or seminar! And...how to advise others on what t avoid! Avoid classes, especially ones that charge a fee and are really designed to SELL certain gear and products. I don't mind paying for an education but I don't like paying to be sold on something. I'll pay for admission to a trade show or convention if I am in the market for equipment. If a manufacturer wants to hire a teacher to endorse their products, let them pay the fee! The other kind of "bad" teacher is a great photographer who just aggrandizes themself, brags about his or her important assignments or clients and does not get into techniques. It's great entertainment but not the best learning experience. My best teachers took the attitude that there are no real secrets in photography- it's all written, taught or online somewhere or someplace. They say just listen up and I'll give you the nuts and bolts and the creativity, practice, and application is up to you!

In-person classes do, however, have a personality and human aspect. Oftentimes, seeing how the teacher interacts with his students, models, subjects and observe their manner, demeanor and attitude is an education in itself. Sometimes, it is surprising that the teacher does not have any secret or magical formulas and employes pretty traditional and straightforward technique but the magic is in their approach, attitude and work ethic. Sometimes there is a simple revelation and you say to yourself "so that's the way you do that"! and that one tip is worth the price of admission.

Classes are great because you get out from behind your computer screen or out of your favorite reading chair and mix with other shooters. You may get to shoot along withthe teacher and otere students- that's invaluable practice! You can participate in the Q&A session and share a meal or a drink with the gang and perhaps the teacher. Some of the best lessons I have learned came after the class!