Take a class or buy my first studio light?

Hi, I've been interested in taking a photography class in portraits and taking pictures of people, but also want to buy my first light from Alien bees. I'm just having trouble deciding whether to take the class or put the money towards buying the light. What do you think?

Take the class

I vote "buy the light" ! Especially if you have autodidactic tendencies. There are some great books out on lighting i'm sure some POTN members can recommend.

I read books and took classes first. Then got a light meter and learned how to use it. Then I got the lights. Thats just how I chose to do it.

I think taking the class would give you a better idea on which lights will work for you. You may wanna spend it on alienbees and experiment using a Book on Studio lighting and portraiture. But eventually you will learn that the alienbees need to be replaced with better lighting equipment. So eventually thats stage will come. Wouldnt you rather take up a class, get hands on pratice with the class equipment and know exactly what you want and then buy your lights? I think thats the way to go. Its sensible.

google "one light workshop" that would be the best investment IMO.

You might simply investigate the availability of classes at a local JC. Then you could enjoy both!

I took a studio lighting course first - it helped me make a more educated decision when buying my lights. Now I'm taking a portraiture course.

I would have been lost getting the lights first. Instead I felt confident the first time I used them.

Rubi Jane wrote in post #2787777
I took a studio lighting course first - it helped me make a more educated decision when buying my lights. Now I'm taking a portraiture course.

I would have been lost getting the lights first. Instead I felt confident the first time I used them.

Those were my exact thoughts.

Did you buy a car before you learned to drive?

coreypolis wrote in post #2787735
google "one light workshop" that would be the best investment IMO.

This sounds like a class worth taking. After viewing the web site its an interesting concept I'm so curious about his approach.

After taking a class I want to be worn out and the feeling like my butt was just kicked hard. Sounds like one-light can be a kick in the pants. I just can't stand thumb-twiddling.

Has anyone taken this class? It's coming to my town and I'm considering it but I'm curious if anyone here has any feedback.

fuzzygraphics wrote in post #2821070
Has anyone taken this class? It's coming to my town and I'm considering it but I'm curious if anyone here has any feedback.

haven't taken it but I know some that have, and Zach is a frequest poster on a pro wedding board. All west coast tours (mins SLC) are sold out. I've heard nothing but good reviews from even seasoned veterans.

sweetypie925 wrote:

Save up and do both. You don't take a photgraphy class without a camera. It would be a real bonus to be able to practice what you are learning in class, even if your only using one light.

Just following up with regards to the Onelight workshop...

I took the class in Salt Lake City and it was fantastic. It was a very intense two days. The first night we got together at the mixer for about 4 hours. The second day started at 9:30am and went until about 1:30am.

If anyone is interested in lighting, this workshop is a steal at $350, I highly recommend it.

Zacks approach is valuable for even the most modest lighting setups. If this is coming to your town, check it out.