Recommend me a photography course

J

Jamesemt

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I've dabbled with photography for years, without actually getting better.

I'd like to take a course, any recommendations? Is the OCA course any good? Or should I look at a local college?? A level maybe??
 
Accademic courses seem to be not well thought of by people partaking after the first few months saying that they learn more from this forum and going out and taking photos.

The main thing with photography is to develop your own 'eye' - to see the photo opportunities, look at how you can make the most of what is there.

Technique can be taught in the classroom, or read and questions asked on here - but only going out and practising will let you 'see' the pictures you want to take and get them.

A year's experience can only be gained in a year
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NCFE Level 2 in photography. I'm half way through and have found it a varied and useful course. It may be that we have a good group of people as well but I feel I learn a lot from them as well, just like this forum actually.

Andy
 
I understand the concerns about doing a course, but feel I need a bit of a kick up the arse to actually learn. Problem I have is sometimes I lack the enthusiasm to get out and practice.

A course would force me to consider projects
 
Where abouts are you located?

Maybe going to a couple of TP meets might help? Much cheaper and I'm sure everyone there will be more than willing to help
 
Jamesemt said:
I've dabbled with photography for years, without actually getting better.
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You will have improved, but we are all hyper critical of our own work. I am a real amateur, only having owned my current camera for a little over a year. I recently bought Scott Kelby's "The Digital Photography Book" which I found very useful. (I was able to improve some of my technique straight away, even if the composition is still a bit pants.) I would quite like to do a course myself, but don't feel I have enough good photos to create a portfolio lots of courses seem to require.
 
I am nearing the end of a 12 week night class at college, no qualifications but lots of assignments to do which makes you get out there taking photos. Check your local colleges for similar things, they will be starting again just after Easter so you'll need to be quick.

I also started this free online course, just sign up and there are 10 lessons to do in your own time (scroll down on right of page), the first two are great for beginners. There's assignments at the end of each lesson, then you upload your photos to the forum and other members give comments and advice.

http://www.morguefile.com/docs/Classroom
 
Thanks for all the advice.

To clarify, it's my composition which has never got beyond amateur. I can 'see' photos - even black and White stuff, but can't translate my vision into something good.

I struggle with rule of thirds when actually composing as I can't easily see the grid in my minds eye - even though I am well aware of the concept
 
Personally I feel I benefited from an evening course at my local college. I did C&G Level 2 photography.

It encouraged me to try a lot of things I wouldn't have on my own, B&W, Portrait, Studio Lighting, B&W Film and home developing. Also the face to face rapport with other enthusiasts and my tutor is invaluable.

Not all people can learn from reading / internet etc. The ones that can tend to be the type that hang around here!

So if you feel you need a course start checking out your local colleges and Adult Education centres!
 
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