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To go to School or Not to go to School?
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Sep 28, 2013 09:35:05   #
photog601 Loc: New York, NY
 
Hi folks,

Anyone out there go to a school to learn photography? I'm thinking about taking a course or 2 but I'm just not sure if it's worth it or not? I can learn from friends and by making mistakes out in the field then try to correct them myself?

What are your thoughts?
Thank you in advance.

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Sep 28, 2013 09:54:53   #
Eustace2 Loc: Cincinnati
 
You can teach yourself photography, especially with a digital camera where you get immediate feedback. If you search the forum, you should find several recommendations on books that will help you. I am basically self-taught and if I started over again the order I would follow is: understanding your camera controls, learning the basics of exposure, and working on composition. Along with that, you should also study post processing and printing.

I have been at this hobby for about 40 years and have not taken any classes. But, I am to a point that I would like to take some classes to benefit from the practical experience of the teacher and other class members.

If you have the time and money for classes from a reputable school or teacher, I am guessing that it will help you jump start the learning process and would be worth the time.

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Sep 28, 2013 09:58:34   #
edgorm Loc: Rockaway, New York
 
I'm not telling you what to do, but here are my thoughts. Without a solid theoretical and guided practical background, you may find that, instead of correcting your mistakes by yourself, you're just compounding them. Knowledgeable friends can be a great help but only if they have the training and experience. Learn the rules before you attempt to break them.
When I was in the service in the 60's, I became interested in photography. I befriended the photo editor of the Honolulu Star Bulletin and learned a lot. It wasn't until I was discharged in 1968 and took some courses at a photo school here in NYC that I learned just how much I still had to learn.
Now 45 years later, I'm still learning from courses, on-line tutorials, articles and head to head sessions with other photogs sharing ideas and suggestions.
To sum up this long winded rant, get all the education you can, especially in the basics. Looking foreword to seeing your work.
Ed

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Sep 28, 2013 10:05:21   #
EstherP
 
photog601 wrote:
Hi folks,
Anyone out there go to a school to learn photography? I'm thinking about taking a course or 2 but I'm just not sure if it's worth it or not? I can learn from friends and by making mistakes out in the field then try to correct them myself?
What are your thoughts?
Thank you in advance.


If there is a course at a reasonable price AND a classroom setting suits your style of learning, sure, go for it.
Making mistakes and trying to correct them may work, just be aware that it can be very frustrating to figure out what went wrong. You do need to do that before you can make it better.
Learning from friends is an option, but you will likely get as many opinions as you have friends :)
You don't say at what level you are with your photography.
If you can learn from books, I recommend Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure.
For specific questions, you can always come back here!
EstherP

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Sep 28, 2013 10:06:06   #
JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK
 
Never

Get camera

Get out

Take photos

Join a club

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Sep 28, 2013 10:15:31   #
photog601 Loc: New York, NY
 
Eustace,

Thanks so much for your input, I appreciate it.

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Sep 28, 2013 10:20:21   #
photog601 Loc: New York, NY
 
Thanks Ed,

That school in NY is where I'm thinking of going to take some courses. I'm also a wimp and scared to death to find out how bad I really am. Here is a sample below



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Sep 28, 2013 10:24:46   #
photog601 Loc: New York, NY
 
Hi Ester,

My level of photography is God only knows, I'm not being sarcastic I just don't know. I've been taking photo's since I was 12 years old, then I was a black and white master printer for many years in a lab, then got newer cameras then moved to digital. I've been published a long time ago so now in 2013 I finally have a pro camera, love birding and pet photography. If there is a level in there I'd love to know what it is?
thanks again

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Sep 28, 2013 10:26:21   #
damdannyboy Loc: Rhode Island
 
LJ
I vote school, someday you might regret that you didn't! Try some B&W with film and a darkroom it will give some perspective and appreciation of the old timers.

Danny

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Sep 28, 2013 10:29:46   #
wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska
 
I would sure take a course or two and see if that type of learning is for you. I think you can learn how a camera works and the exposure triangle from books. Camera clubs can be very good or the blind leading the blind. If you can find a course in the type of photography you are most interested in like macro or landscapes etc. be sure and take it. This goes for camera clubs too. I went to a two day seminar on Wedding Photography by Bill Stockwell 45 years ago and learned more in that two days than I could have on my own in two years. Since then I have went to over 35 Wedding classes and I learned something from everyone of them. I think we all should look for knowledge in every place we can. We can look at our own work and see where we can improve. We can have friends help us and we can pay for courses. All are good. Just MyNot So Humble Opinion. - Dave

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Sep 28, 2013 10:30:20   #
photog601 Loc: New York, NY
 
Danny,

Believe it or not I am an old timer :-)
I worked for a photo lab years ago as a black and white master printer maybe I just forgot all I learned there. It seems that film was easier than digital, is that wrong?

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Sep 28, 2013 10:58:26   #
Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY
 
Taking courses in a subject or subjects you enjoy is never detrimental. Go for it. 8-)

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Sep 28, 2013 11:08:33   #
JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK
 
If you join a "school" do it for fun/pleasure thn you will enjoy it and the people

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Sep 28, 2013 11:46:24   #
Photo Phledgling Loc: tiny island between Hudson and East rivers
 
I'm new to digital photography, so I just signed up for a course at Photo Manhattan that begins next week. I understand the basic concepts of exposure and DOF and the general mechanical workings of a camera from film photography classes I took ages ago (they helped a lot) but I want to start again from the beginning. It's a "101" type course for digital photography, so I'm sure much of it will refer to things I already know and understand. However, I'm waiting for the "a-ha" moment when I learn something completely new or when something I have a vague understanding of becomes clear. Histograms, metering, etc. A little help with composition and added inspiration couldn't hurt either.

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Sep 28, 2013 11:57:27   #
wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska
 
JR1 wrote:
Never

Get camera

Get out

Take photos

Join a club


If you do this you can be "The World's Greatest Authority" Just like JR1 - Dave

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