ronzo Loc: New Jersey

I have an oportunity to go to the Nikon School, one day is for basic photography and the second day is for lighting etc. Is this a good investment or are the classes large and its catch as catch can with information

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I went to one about thirty years ago - two days, about 100 people, very well-done. I wish there was one closer to me, but they always aim for the big cities. I don't see how you could be disappointed.

ronzo Loc: New Jersey

Thanks J, I live in western NJ, its about an hour train ride. If the classes are that good, then its worth the travel

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

I think I have been to three over the last ten years. The classes are a good mix of both basic and some more advanced info. If you are relatively comfortable with digital photography, the first day might be too basic. On the other hand, we always learn something.

elise3

I went to one a couple years ago and like the others have said, it is a mix of basic and more advanced. I feel I definitely got my $$ worth and would love to go again to catch all the things that went straight over my head the first time.
The instructors I had were very good.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

I woud add that the information is largely NOT brand-specific. Sure, they make you drool for Nikon's latest and greatest, but the principles they teach are universal.

DO NOT take a camera - you will look like a weenie! :-)

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

GO, like the Cap says "we can always learn something" Unless you have a better idea for the couple days. :) Like shooting a cover for SI.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

I live adjacent to Baltimor and there was a "school" here one weekend. I attended, found it worth while, would like to go to another but - I did NOT find it so great and valuable enough to justify travel to another city.

Opus Loc: South East Michigan

I went 12 years ago and really enjoyed it. It is not a sales pitch and although you already know some of what they discuss you do pick up some great pointers and it is very interesting. Instructors change over time but ours taught us a great deal about getting your subjects to relax for better pictures. I have used that advice for shooting 7 weddings and I feel it has made a big difference.

HEART Loc: God's Country - COLORADO

Hi, Ronzo - might suggest a Nikon digitutor; depending on your camera they have excellent tutorials specific to your camera. In addition, Bryan Peterson and Adoramatv do specific topics on lighting, dof, etc.

http://www.nikondigitutor.com/index_eng.html

Manuals are helpful - to a point. Wish you good luck in getting the info you need; happy shooting!

alliebess Loc: suburban Philadelphia

I went to a Nikon School before I bought my digital camera. Attended only the first day, now wish I had signed up for the second one as well. Found it well worth the time and money.

Pasha69 Loc: SoCal beach area

Money well worth spent and besides you might enjoy the train ride too.

GC likes NIKON Loc: East Greenwich, Rhode Island

I did the first day in Boston a couple years back. It was basic but I did learn alot. Well worth the money. I was so impressed that I did sign up for the second day. They had space available and didn't turn down my money.

Both days were taught by "professional photographers" and not necessarily "Nikon" Employees. I think that they are retained by Nikon to travel and do these seminars. They do hype their own photography "tours" that you can go on for big money. They give out some free goodies (pads, sample software, etc) nothing of any real value. I was hoping to buy some NIK software at a reduced price. No dice !! Or get some sort of a Nikon voucher for a discount or rebate.... Naaaaah !!!

A lot of the second day was taken up with some lighting tips and printing and printer and paper profiles and how to set them up. At the time all of the printing stuff was way over my head !!!

There is usually someone from the regional Nikon sales force there, showing and letting you handle their latest cameras and gagets. I did get a couple questions answered from them about product.

In a nutshell...........GO !! At least to the first day and then ask the instructors what is being covered the second day and make a decision then if it will help you at the level you are at !!! I had fun and did meet some interesting people.

lensman

I shoot Sony but Nikon puts on good schools. The bennefit of a two day schoo realy depends on your current level of expertise in photography. If you think that you would bennefit from such a two day schoo, then by all means go for it, you may pick up at least one useful tip.

jessica36girl Loc: Hagerstown, Maryland

Hi everyone,
I am in Maryland would love to attend one of they are near me.
I think it would beefit me. How can you check to see if there is one near me ?
Thanks for the help,
Jessica