Photography School or Classes

[Kathleen524]

I have been looking to get into photography and was wondering what schools or classes were worth taking. Has anybody taken any online classes that you would recommend?

Has anyone ever used the online course that the photography institute offers?

[sas8888]

Check out this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=701163) seems most people are self taught

[Radtech1]

You don't say where you are from, but if the word "Covina" means anything to you, you are in luck:

http://www.tri-communityphotoprogram.com/index.php

I have heard some great comment and recommendations from very respected photographers about TriCommunity in Covina. Seen some of the work their students put out as well. Impressive on all counts. Crappy website, but I understand they are one of the best games in town. Good luck.

Rad

[Kathleen524]

Im in Norfolk VA

[Radtech1]

Im in Norfolk VA

Hmmm, 3000 mile drive. Dang. Just missed.

All kidding aside, I would strongly recommend taking classes as well as self study. Maybe a local Jr College has some classes in their art department. It is an excellent way to develope an understanding of the basics - aperture, ISO, and so on - as well as getting feedback on what you are doing. Having a weekly assignment is great for getting the creative juices flowing as well as pre-visualizing something then working it through to print.

Good luck.

[Kathleen524]

Have you talking to anybody that has taken the online course that the Photography Institute offers. Since im a stay at home mom and my husband is in the military something online would work much better for me! I was really looking into this and just wanted some feedback on it from real people!

[Mosca]

I took the on line course at Proud Photography and was very pleased. It is 13 lessons, starting with the most basic concepts of exposure and composition. I ended with what I think is a good understanding of photography as a combination of artistic eye and good camera skills. IMO it took me from the level of "just above embarrassing" to "able to put my photos in critique corner without wincing". Which I think is a good thing.

I'm being a bit funny on purpose. It's a decent course, and good value IMO. It won't make you an artist or a pro, but it will make your photos much better; it did mine. If you decide to go further there are more extensive (and expensive) options. One good thing about the Proud Photography course is that you don't need a big camera. Any decent point and shoot purchased within the last few years is enough to complete the course. So for someone who is just thinking about getting into photography, it is a great and inexpensive way for that person to find if she/he has the interest and aptitude.

[natalieegbert]

Im taking a course at NYIP, its decent. Ive learned quite a bit. I have not finished the whole course yet though. Iam about half way done. Its nice, you send in pictures and they critique them and send them back. They do need to update some of their information though, which I think they are in the process of doing some updating. This was the only option for me as their are not schools in my area that offer photography and I am also a stay at home mom.

[400dabuser]

Mainly self taught, though I have been to the odd classes where you get to learn the rules of photo composition