Photography classes?

[crashgirl]

I want to take a class on photography, but not sure where to go? I just want to learn the basics and how to improve my pictures... I don't expect to study to become a professional photographer. And, I would like to understand what you all are talking about because some of it sounds like a foreign language to me.

Does anyone have a suggestion? I've seen advertisements from Click camera... but I am not sure that is really what I am looking for.

[RichNY]

You might want to consider http://www.ppsop.com/site/welcome.aspx

I haven't participated in any of their classes but have all their books and DVD and the quality there is great.

[aparmley]

I want to take a class on photography, but not sure where to go? I just want to learn the basics and how to improve my pictures... I don't expect to study to become a professional photographer. And, I would like to understand what you all are talking about because some of it sounds like a foreign language to me.

Does anyone have a suggestion? I've seen advertisements from Click camera... but I am not sure that is really what I am looking for.


Before you invest considerable time and money with a class I highly recommend you pick Bryan Peterson's book Understanding Exposure. What one will learn when reading that book is everything you are wanting to know - for around $20 bucks and just a few hours. Give that a try first. . .

As far as the lingo, theres photography lingo, you'll catch on to that and Understanding exposure will help you out a lot there as well. Then, there is online forum photography lingo, which is a lot of abbreviations, like SS for shutter speed, DOF for depth of field. . . etc etc.

[RichNY]

Having had the opportunity to spend way too much time reading forums and books on photography these past few months, I think my suggestion for the ideal way to learn would be:

1.) Watch the Bryan Peterson Picture Perfect DVD
2.) Read his books Understanding Exposure and Learning to See Creatively

I'd definately order all 3 together from Amazon. As soon as you watch the DVD (1 hour) you'll be wanting to learn more. (His DVD and books to a lessor extent serve to build excitement as a coach as well as providing the technical knowlege)

I'd co-read Exposure and Learning to See. Sometimes you are in the mood to learn ISO, Tv, Av, and other times you just want to look at composition and good photography to inspire you and appeal to your creative side.

Buying all 3 up front also saves you the frustration of having to order and wait for the next book to arrive after you find yourself cruising thru the content.

[cwphoto]

I highly recommend this one:
http://www.macquariecc.nsw.edu.au/index.php?action=course&course_action=detail&code=406K368

[RichNY]

For $135 those people are going to be mighty lucky when they find out who is teaching the course! Then again, it is $135 more than we have to pay for you :) Nice of you to be giving something back to the community mate.

[cwphoto]

For $135 those people are going to be mighty lucky when they find out who is teaching the course! Then again, it is $135 more than we have to pay for you :) Nice of you to be giving something back to the community mate.

You're all class Rich. :)

Don't give me too much credit, it rubs both ways you know - it's great for referrals (shhh) and it's a little bit of pocket-money. :D

[RichNY]

You're all class Rich. :)

Don't give me too much credit, it rubs both ways you know - it's great for referrals (shhh) and it's a little bit of pocket-money. :D

Hey, I know papa wants a new Gitzo and BH-55 but I wasn't going to publicize it ;) :D

[Honest Gaza]

I highly recommend this one:
http://www.macquariecc.nsw.edu.au/index.php?action=course&course_action=detail&code=406K368

CW....are you aware of timetables for early 2007 ?

Do you tutor in other areas of Sydney ?

[cwphoto]

CW....are you aware of timetables for early 2007 ?

Do you tutor in other areas of Sydney ?

Sorry Mate, this is the only area I tutor (Carlingford). Classes should start back early Feb (normally second week of term).

Will your leg be fixed by then? :D

[Honest Gaza]

Sorry Mate, this is the only area I tutor (Carlingford). Classes should start back early Feb (normally second week of term).

Will your leg be fixed by then? :D

Yep....saw the surgeon today and the brace and crutches can be thrown away mid-Jan :)

Would definitely be interested in Feb course.....along with a mate from the dark side (Nikon) :)

[cwphoto]

Yep....saw the surgeon today and the brace and crutches can be thrown away mid-Jan :)

Would definitely be interested in Feb course.....along with a mate from the dark side (Nikon) :)

Especially welcome the dark side are. :)

[fractalgfx]

Go all out. Take a traditional darkroom photography class.

The only thing I ever regretted about dropping out of a totalitarian prep school was the time I didn't get to spend time learning and playing in the school's darkroom.

In the not so distant future, chemical photographers will a nearly extinct race of zen masters. Digital photographers will simply gape in awe and feel shame and inadequacy.

[NewTekBuzz]

www.betterphoto.com (http://www.betterphoto.com)

gotta run... peace

[drew_viii]

i think it would be better for you to invest your money for books or simply just read posts here in the forum... im in the same situation as you before... but i learn all of the basic stuffs on the forums, magazines, and also books, and they really do make me understand lots of stuffs quite well, its better to learn stuff by yourself rather than seeking for classes, which i think its a waste of time and money while you can do it by yourself and even more effective... ":D

[crashgirl]

i think it would be better for you to invest your money for books or simply just read posts here in the forum... im in the same situation as you before... but i learn all of the basic stuffs on the forums, magazines, and also books, and they really do make me understand lots of stuffs quite well, its better to learn stuff by yourself rather than seeking for classes, which i think its a waste of time and money while you can do it by yourself and even more effective... ":D

My husband would agree with you, but I am a more visual person and always seem to learn better in a classroom setting. Besides, I have a 4-year old and work out of my home... so between my daughter and client phone calls, I seldom get 5 uninterrupted minutes.

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

[aparmley]

so between my daughter and client phone calls, I seldom get 5 uninterrupted minutes.


sounds like a 50 minute or 1hr and 15 min local CC class is out of the question then. :cool:

Seriously. I think I hear your point, you just need something to get you out of house so you can schedule a block of time to devote to learning some basics, uninterrupted.

Here's what I'd do then. schedule a class time as you would find one at a local CC. but instead of paying tuition and purchasing books and quite possibly buying an old film SLR and paying a small lab fee to cover film, paper, and chemicals (course requirements sometime), not to mention buying a parking pass and so on and so forth, instead buy the books understanding exposure and seeing creatively, drive to a spot in the park or some place that interests you and have your own class. You'll have privacy, away from the chaos at home, you'll save some money, and you'll be at a place that you can start taking photos of without having to get off the couch if you wanted to try something - you're already out.

Just an idea.

[D Thompson]

sounds like a 50 minute or 1hr and 15 min local CC class is out of the question then. :cool:

Seriously. I think I hear your point, you just need something to get you out of house so you can schedule a block of time to devote to learning some basics, uninterrupted.

Here's what I'd do then. schedule a class time as you would find one at a local CC. but instead of paying tuition and purchasing books and quite possibly buying an old film SLR and paying a small lab fee to cover film, paper, and chemicals (course requirements sometime), not to mention buying a parking pass and so on and so forth, instead buy the books understanding exposure and seeing creatively, drive to a spot in the park or some place that interests you and have your own class. You'll have privacy, away from the chaos at home, you'll save some money, and you'll be at a place that you can start taking photos of without having to get off the couch if you wanted to try something - you're already out.

Just an idea.

Sounds like an excellent idea and advice to me.