Should I take a class?

I've been taking photos ever since I inherited my dad's old AE-1 in 1997. I shot like crazy and went through at least 2-3 rolls of film per week for approx a year.

Then I stopped for a long period of time and got back into it about 2 years ago when I bought my 40D

I don't take amazing pictures. I've never taken a picture that I think is incredible. I've taken good pictures and some really really terrible ones.

My other half seems to think I should go and take a class in photography. I'm wondering if it's worth it or whether I'd be better off spending my time trying to go out and take more pictures. I'd love to know more, to do more, to take those pictures that you could look at and think "wow" that's really awesome. I just don't know if a class can bring me closer to that. On the other hand I severely lack time. A class would let me make some time to go somewhere away from distractions and take pictures in different situations. I don't have the space to build any sort of studio, and it's usually dark by the time I get home from work so it's either night photography or whatever i can make time for on a weekend.

Any advice?

Photography classes are a great way to get started for several reasons.
a. They cover the basics well. Teach you all about the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
b. Teach the basic concepts of composure.
c. You get to interact with other photographers and this is where you learn a lot.
d. They set assignments so it gets you out there shooting.

I highly encourage those that want to learn to take a class. It's way easier to learn while doing with others than it is by reading on your own.

Much of that depends upon you and your personality.

Are you the type that actually WILL read, learn and practice what you learn on your own? Or will you INTEND to do that but rarely actually make the time? If the latter, taking a class is a good way to commit time to learning it. This isn't meant as any type of attack, just an observation on differing natures in people.

Do you learn well from books on your own or do you learn better in a class? If the latter, definitely do the class.

TCshadow - you are saying that you have shot for a long period of time (with various bodies) but don't feel you are shooting very good work - correct? It appears therefore that you are not the type of person who learns by practise (some do some dont - its not personal).

In that case a course might just be the thing that is needed to get you out of your comfort zone and analyse what you are shooting and how to improve. It might give you the structure that you need to take that next step.

neilwood32 wrote in post #10125959
TCshadow - you are saying that you have shot for a long period of time (with various bodies) but don't feel you are shooting very good work - correct? It appears therefore that you are not the type of person who learns by practise (some do some dont - its not personal).

In that case a course might just be the thing that is needed to get you out of your comfort zone and analyse what you are shooting and how to improve. It might give you the structure that you need to take that next step.

To clarify I took a lot of photos when I was a lot younger and they were good for what a 16/17yo takes. I have recently gotten back into it, this time with a significantly bigger wallet and was wondering more whether a class would push me in the right direction significantly faster than just practicing and learning my gear. I feel I have come a very long way since picking up my 40D and now I feel like I'm learning again with the 7D.

I do take decent photos, but I've only really been into it more seriously for the past 9 months. Ever since our son was born. Coincidentally he's exactly 9 months old today

Taking pictures of him and wanting to be at least as good as if not better than the "professional" photos we've had done. Granted the people in the studio had a studio but you can make do without one if you need to.

Also the photography I've been doing with him has made me want to take more pictures of other things hence my question in the OP.

This is an excellent time to take a college level class! With the release of cs5 happening soon or even right now, being a student can get you a huge discount on the sofware. You will get a student edition for around 3 bills, and it is a full version except that I have been told you won't get any discounts on upgrade to later editions like you would if you bought at full price.
I figure the tuition for my last class was more than made up in discounts on software and access to the big epson printers for basically the cost of the paper.

birdfromboat wrote in post #10129778
This is an excellent time to take a college level class! With the release of cs5 happening soon or even right now, being a student can get you a huge discount on the sofware. You will get a student edition for around 3 bills, and it is a full version except that I have been told you won't get any discounts on upgrade to later editions like you would if you bought at full price.
I figure the tuition for my last class was more than made up in discounts on software and access to the big epson printers for basically the cost of the paper.

These licenses are normally only valid while you are in school and a student. So once you leave school, your license is technically done.

Sure! Get out there and mingle and learn!

pinoyplaya wrote in post #10129904
These licenses are normally only valid while you are in school and a student. So once you leave school, your license is technically done.

That is technically true but practically unenforceable. So it is pretty easy to get the upgrade at a later date which will still save you $$$ on the full package price.

To the OP, I would still suggest a course as a good course will push you to develop more quickly than you would otherwise.

pinoyplaya wrote in post #10129904
These licenses are normally only valid while you are in school and a student. So once you leave school, your license is technically done.

I graduated a year ago and so far no electron police have showed up asking for their electrons back. Still got all my 1's and 0's, and as I understand it they are mine forever. maybe I will try a reload complete with registration someday to prove it, but honestly, all they will know is that it is a student version and unless I am a different PERSON than I was when i registered the first time, it shouild go through. The only enforcement on these was the school was required to see proof of my enrollment in a photog class at time of sale.
Auto desk does the same thing with their drafting and design products, except every file they create contains data stating it was created by a student version, and if you get caught selling the work, you get a knock on your door if you still live at the registered address.