Taking some Photography classes

[Macrosill]

Hello,
I am new here and am going to take two photography classes next month at my local library. They probably are not the best classes out there but they are free. I think this is a good way to break into this hobby.
Is there anything I should know before I go into these classes? What if anything should I bring with me? I have an EOS Rebel 2000 SLR with a Tamron 28-105 and an A70.
Thanks,
Brian

[michapma]

Hi Macrosill,

What would you like to do with photography? Do you already know specific subjects that you find interesting? Have you just envisioned yourself taking pics of family and friends? Do you just like the idea of using the medium? Are you looking forward to working creatively?

Even though I'm fairly new, I'm probably not the only one out there who's never taken a photography course. However, I agree with you, courses could help you get your feet wet. I should think a useful thing to take with you besides your equipment is a willingness to see and think for yourself. By that I mean that you should be learning to literally *see* *things* for yourself.

Photography is a very creative process. It might help you if you go in as a completely blank slate, with no idea what you would like to do, or it might be helpful if you do some thinking about what kinds of things could motivate you. (You will want to do this sooner or later.)

One goal for these courses can simply be to gain some basic knowledge of lighting, composition and more technical aspects such as shutter speed, f/stops, exposure compensation, etc. You can simply pick up a general book that covers various aspects of photography in general, to help familiarize you so that you get more from the course. Probably you are interested in working creatively too, and you might look into taking a course in which you can learn more about lighting composition, feeling a subject, capturing expression, and so on. This might be an art or painting course.

People react in various ways to this guy, but I consider the article below a good one to provoke your thinking about getting started.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/howto.htm

Remember, learn to think and look for yourself. ;)

[PhotosGuy]

Welcome to the forum! It would help if we knew what your experience level was, don't you think? ;-)

[Macrosill]

Lets just say the classes are for beginners. I seem to be drawn to Macro photography. I really enjoy seeing the minute details that are overlooked on a daily basis. I also enjoy dramatic landscapes as well as some B/W.