Have You Ever Taken a Photo Class (Page 2): I took a photography course in the early 80's before digital. I learned about exposure in that class. Not having the luxury of seeing the...

kimmyfaye Loc: Iowa

I took a photography course in the early 80's before digital. I learned about exposure in that class. Not having the luxury of seeing the shot as you go that digital gives you it was necessary to use the light meter in camera which I used as a crutch....and still do. I have read Peterson's book Understanding Exposure but still don't know that I really get it. I am a hobbyist and enjoy taking pictures regardless of whether or not I understand what I'm doing. I still seek information though and have taken a course on one as well as read websites focused on teaching photography and of course this forum! Guess you could say I'm a life-long learner.....

edgorm Loc: Rockaway, New York

In 1966 I had some personal instruction from the photo editor and chief photographer of the Honolulu Star Bulletin, Bob Ebert, then in 1969, I studied at New York Institute of Photography. Working with the veterans at Women's Wear Daily was also a learning experience. I think, however, that I was most influenced by Bob, as he taught me a way to see that I never would have learned in NYIP. He was also a wizard in the darkroom.

Pentony Loc: Earth Traveller

No, I taught photography. Got interesting interactions with students.

RealBohemian Loc: Toronto

CaptainC wrote:

All the time. Attending a 2 1/2 day Darton Drake class starting in a few hours.

http://www.dartondrake.com

There is NO substitute for in-person learning. Yeah, I know everyone touts how much there is on You Tube, but the in-person small group stuff where you can ask questions, is still way better. The online stuff is great for refreshers, for tips on stuff, but real learning requires you spend some money, go to a few workshops, get unfiltered critique, go apply. Then repeat.

I agree with CaptainC,some 25 years ago i took portrait lessons and still remember and use that wide basic for my daily picture taking (I'm not in photo business),teacher was excellent and i still Do know how to set lights for Rembrandt,Hollywood, and casual,what is important in nude photography, family pictures,where not to zoom camera(wrists,ankles atc) so people don't look like amputees,observed how they dress (cuffs out) and much more other little thinks. And recently two seminars about wild and landscape photography with Canadian photographer Ethan Meleg, two whole days,it was demanding but also a lot off fun,NEVER wast of money

billwassmann Loc: Emerson, NJ

Oddly, I never took a class but I've been teaching since 1978. I learned by reading and asking other people what things meant. The advent of digital, with cameras that seem to do everything has changed my approach. I think that digital has people thinking they don't need to know the basis of photography - what f/stops and shutter speeds are for and how they interact and the nuances of focusing.

Crad1998

I have taken a photography class at the local community college. I do not understand all the settings yet but will take the class again . Other than the camera one of the best investments I have made.

nitrophil Loc: Dayton, Ohio

I have taken a few, I pick up a little from them, but the best learning ( for me ) is doing it! Trial by error as it were. IMHO.

Coker wrote:

Have you ever taken a photo class? What did you most learn about? What was the most helpful? Do you understand, Shutter, Aperture and ISO?

Eveline

Yes, I've taken a fine arts degree with a thesis in photography. One of the first things you learn is what is an aperture, etc. I understand them well. A university setting will not give you all the technical information that a college photography course will give you. The university setting is more about the aesthetics of photography. You discuss the work, get helpful suggestions and work towards fine art photography. In my experience, if you want to do commercial work, you are better off taking a college class. I have taken PP courses at a college to help me understand digital processing as my classes at the university level were film related. You can learn a lot from books and videos, however, these courses don't allow the interaction and questions that you get in a live class. Hope that helps you make a decision.

Pkfish Loc: Wilson Wy

I live in a small town and maybe twice a year they have a course at the community college ,which I take. But what works best for me is Lynda.com.It's 25$ a month and the # of classes are amazing and I can take them on my time. I'm not even close to retired and I put more on my plate than I can usually get done so the online thing works best. The best learning time is to spend a day with someone who really knows what's going on and is a good teacher(when I've got time and they are available)

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

I've taken a few. The first one was after I purchased my first SLR (film) and took a summer course at a local polytech. I learned the basics and also how to develop and print film. Best thing I ever did. More recently, I bought a DSLR from Canada's major photography store that offers a class on how to know and understand your camera model. Great idea because it covers what's in the manual but in a classroom format. Last winter I took an 8-week refresher class that covered how to deal with various lighting situations and being comfortable with manual. I don't think it's ever a waste of time to take classes from good teachers.

Coker wrote:

Have you ever taken a photo class? What did you most learn about? What was the most helpful? Do you understand, Shutter, Aperture and ISO?

The Watcher

CaptainC wrote:

All the time. Attending a 2 1/2 day Darton Drake class starting in a few hours.

http://www.dartondrake.com

There is NO substitute for in-person learning. Yeah, I know everyone touts how much there is on You Tube, but the in-person small group stuff where you can ask questions, is still way better. The online stuff is great for refreshers, for tips on stuff, but real learning requires you spend some money, go to a few workshops, get unfiltered critique, go apply. Then repeat.

This fellow does have some interesting work, but needs some help on website construction. Maybe you can give him some pointers while you are there.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

We don't have many options where I live. About 6 yrs ago I took a basic 2-day photography class from Rob Sheppard (the only national level pro I think we've ever had pass through here) It motivated me to go from a prosumer point-and-shoot to a DSLR, and I referred to those notes and a variety of good photography books for years while I self-taught. I also learned from what other people's photos look like on various websites, both from looking at excellent photos and from posting and responding to threads entitled "what did I do wrong here?". Once you learn the basics, the best teacher is experience, lots of it. At some point (AFTER you master your camera and post processing), participation in workshops (not tours) at interesting locations under pros whose work you relate to can be fun & helpful, especially if lots of critique is available.

rickfinn2013 Loc: Mesa ,Az

In high school there was a "Photography" teacher....There was a district Photographer who was on General MacArthur's staff as a Photographer.
I learned more about photography then the photography teacher.

After high school did freelance for the local paper,learned more from other photographers during that time.

As has been stated before workshops are the best way to go,learning from someone who has been there and done that.

My Grandfather was a mechanic all his life,A "young" person made the comment that he was a mechanic. My grandfather looked at him said -Boy ...your not a mechanic till your dead.Thats when you stop learning.

Same as being a photographer..no matter how many decades you have been doing it you keep on learning till your dead.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

took a class in jr. high in 1955. i learned what a mess you get when you don't close the lens after focusing with a 4x5 view camera.

Scoutman Loc: Orlando, FL

Coker wrote:

Have you ever taken a photo class? What did you most learn about? What was the most helpful? Do you understand, Shutter, Aperture and ISO?

Many classes and many more workshops. I've always found them worthwhile. Even if the instructor is mediocre or poor, one can be inspired by fellow students.

One of my first workshops ever was with Freeman Patterson at what is now called the Maine Media Workshops. Having been to workshops with many others since then, Freeman stands out as the best in articulating how one could have made a shot better and how the various elements of a photograph came together to present a great photograph.

The highest praise was "Tickety-Boo" as I recall.