Photography Courses - Worthwhile?

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hughes_jh

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John
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I've been contemplating going on a photography course. Now, I'm the kind of person who throws away instruction manuals in favour of learning the hard way but with photography I think I could learn a lot more from someone who knows what they're talking about.

Am I correct in my assumptions? I think I'd like to learn the technical side of things (lighting, shutter speeds, etc, etc) and leave the creativity side of things up to myself.

Can anyone recommend a decent course to attend (night class) in the Warwickshire area?

Many thanks,
John
 
So much on the Internet nowadays not much need for a course. Im doing an A-level photography course but i learn loads more from the Internet. Also i get the practical photography and digital photo mags each month and you can pick up loads from them.
Hope this helps
sam
 
I have a couple of books, and they aren't really my thing.

And I wouldn't like to frustrate someone by asking them to show me as one moment I'd be asking how to photograph a flying bat in near darkness, then the next moment I'll be pointing at my camera saying "oooohhhh, what does this button do?"
 
I did a local course when I bought my first dslr, unfortunately I think I would have gained more if I had went out and used the camera and got to know it first! dougiem's idea is class :cool:
 
I was also thinking of going on a course.

Will now just play and research when I get stuck.

Thanks
 
i think that for all the learning you can do from books/courses/online, nothing really beats just getting stuck in and trying new things out.

Well thats been the best way for me learning new stuff anyway. :cool:
 
ScubaSteve said:
i think that for all the learning you can do from books/courses/online, nothing really beats just getting stuck in and trying new things out.

Well thats been the best way for me learning new stuff anyway. :cool:
Click to expand...

I'm of the same mindset Steve, the only thing that concerns me is I will end up getting frustrated with my ignorance of the basic principals of photography and I will spend 3 months trying to fix something that someone more knowledgable could show me in 5 mins
 
Personally I think the best way to learn it just to get out there and shoot. At least then you develop your own style and learn quicker that way.
 
As I appear to be one of the few people posting who will actually admit to having done photography courses, I can highly recommend them. I did a City & Guilds level 2 several years back, and the course taught the technical basics, as well as darkroom stuff (digital wasn't as dominant then), and you had to present portfolios of images.

I did the City & Guilds level 3 last year, and that was primarily about taking photographs, i.e. more about learning by doing rather than being taught in a classroom. Again, portfolios of work were submitted. One of the biggest benefits I got was being in a room full of like minded people every week. You can learn a lot off being with other people, and being exposed to different ways of thinking and different ways of photographing. I also photographed all manner of things that I would simply never have considered, or even had the chance to photograph. I also had a lot of fun in the process!

As a caveat to all this, a lot will depend on how you prefer to learn. I like being shown how to do things then going out and doing it. Others prefer to just try things on their own, others by reading. It's whatever you're most comfortable with.
 
I would say alot depends on what you are looking to get from it. If it's to learn the technical aspects then trial and error can be the best teacher. If it's the creative side then depending on what genre you are thinking of I would recommend you go on a course with someone such as Damien Lovegrove, Mark Cleghorn or Brett Harkness for weddings as an example. There are others who will focus on portrait, glamour or landscape so you need to know which direction you prefer.
 
I will watch this thread with interest as I would like to go on a course, I learn far more that way than from reading a book, I did the city and guilds basic course years ago but got put off by the tutor so dropped out. I'm now still interested in photography and would like to take it further. Maybe someone on here could get together a learning group?
 
I am currently doing this course... http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/spi/foundationdigital/

This course covers all the basics of using digital cameras, aperture, shutter speed, white balance etc....

You have 2 years to complete 7 modules...

You receive a book with the course outline and at the end of each module you have to complete practical examples and written self assessment...
This is then sent to your given tutor who marks your work and provides detailed feedback....

I am currently on the last module and have to produce a portfolio of 5 images using all the techniques that i have learnt...

I am also interested in portrait and wedding photography so signed up for phototraining4u

:thumbs:
 
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