Did anyone here go to Photography class?

I've always kind of had an eye for pictures. Must come from my mom, she went to school for art.

But I've learned pretty much all I know about cameras and photography from reading stuff online and just taking lots of pictures and learning what looks good.

Perfect_10 wrote in post #9116095
Just think how much kit you could have for that much $$$$$

Oh baby! Heck yes! lol I actually would've had my education covered by my education plan but I didn't feel like moving to Vancouver because I absolutely HATE it.

Yes, but really didn't learn anything (one class was a basic digital which was a GEC; my PS class was for fun - didn't learn much and the instructor didn't teach much; but, I learned a lot in a BW darkroom class, as that was a new and fun universe), except for one class.

I'd probably go with the philosophy that if you take two exact duplicates of a person with one exception - one takes classes in their free time - then the person who takes the classes will be better off for it and a better photographer.

If you care enough about the hobby then go for it. If it's your profession then you'd best be doing some sort of training/continuing education!

I have a BA in Photo, freshly minted in 2008. it was (and I think still is) mostly a film based program.

in my opinion, classes will diversify what you're exposed to (both ideas and chemicals in my case), give you challenges when you can't think of any for yourself, and (perhaps most importantly) hold you accountable for the quality of work you produce.

I am increasingly thankful however, not so much for my college education in photography specifically as for the philosophies and thought process that college in general has helped me to develop. You don't NEED to take classes to become better at photography, although it can be very helpful to those of us who prefer more structured learning. However, any classroom experience in just about anything will help you develop your mind, and that will reflect in your art.

I read, read, read. I was just browsing a blog where the so called photog graduated from a photography SCHOOL. And her photography is HORRID. I mean, it looks like full auto or maybe P mode on all shots. Her flash shots are with the on camera flash which darkens the BG by 2-3 stops in most of her photos. The composition is horrible.

I get more out of just learning myself and doing it but I've always been that way. Give me a book or instructions on how to do something and I can visualize it in my mind. I can absorb it faster than in a class setting and then actually do it.

To hear someone drone on and on about a topic bores me. Give me the books and the equipment and I'm good to go.

Self taught. Not taken one course although i possibly should.

Vast majority of my learing is from here (Thanks Pekka! ) although i have a few friends I learn from and also a LOT of trial and error.

One of the beauties of digital is you can take the same composition with 20 different settings and see the result instantly. Or change viewpoints.

Some people say film was better for learning because you had to think about everythingand be methodical but for me digital really made learning quick as i could instantly see what worked and what didn't!

'Self taught' - although the feedback from clients and my wife really help shape what worked and what didn't. I do have formal training in psychology and education, though, and that really helps in working with people. Forums and books have helped as well as seeing what others are doing.

tfizzle wrote in post #9119365
.. I was just browsing a blog where the so called photog graduated from a photography SCHOOL. And her photography is HORRID. .. The composition is horrible. ... .

You've either got it, or you don't got it ..

tfizzle wrote in post #9119365
.. ..
To hear someone drone on and on about a topic bores me. Give me the books and the equipment and I'm good to go.

Give me the equipment and then the books and I'm good to go ..

bric-a-brac wrote in post #9118724
in my opinion, classes will diversify what you're exposed to (both ideas and chemicals in my case), give you challenges when you can't think of any for yourself, and (perhaps most importantly) hold you accountable for the quality of work you produce.

True, except at OSU, I think much of the grade was the thought you put into it, not necessarily the quality.

Indeed. Plus the experience of it all, even if it took me 4 years to realize that...

Community College for basic learning. My professor was more into the Art of Photography. Nothing really taught about being a business person. I became a Artsy/Fartsy kind of guy, which I still am, but I've also learn you really need to be a business person lst. Now with a studio and really excited about portraiture. Still learning!! Lots of practice!!! Keep trying to educate myself every chance I can. Off to SYNC 2010 at the end of Jan and my State Convention.

Hey George, Kirk Volican is the real deal!!! He's been a friend of mine for many years and I've been a pro4um member for just as long. Ya, it's a paid board, but it's the best money I spend on my business, barr none!!!!!

Ernst

It is the study I am currently following.. :O Love it though, couldn't made a better choice.

Ernst,
I'd like to meet Kirk in person sometime. On the vids, he's a real character.....and his "personality plus" really comes out in his shoots. You can see that both he and the clients are having fun. I'll check out the pro4um. Thanks.

eye2i wrote in post #9103825
If not, how did some of you become so good at this? trial and error?

I see some of the pictures posted here and some of you guys are better than Pro's haha. Ive been shooting for about 3 months, and its quite frustrating sometimes when you dont get the results you want.

I read these forums, way way way too much. I am usually on these forums when I am not at school or work, which leaves little time for socializing haha.

I browse all the photo sharing sections and read all I can when people ask questions. Even if you are not shooting pictures you can still learn a lot just from being on here. The more photos I look at the better idea of what I like and what I want my photos to look like. The wealth of knowledge on these forums is unmatched.

did 6 months back when i was studying Graphic Design @ college