Photographic courses

GSVJase · 01-02-2005, 12:51

Has anyone ever looked into / completed a photographic course either attendance or distance learning?

I would really like to take my photography to the next step and feel that self teaching from various books is not taking me any further. I've seen many open distance learning advertised that range from £200 to £500 and all promise to take your photogrpahy to the next level! I quite fancy doing something a bit more hands on tho and dont know how much interaction youd get with an e-mail tutor.

Or should I jsut spend the £300 on books and a new lense????

01-02-2005, 13:13

You could always give me the £300. I'll put it towards a 300D for myself, or at a stretch a 10D.
I'll take a few weeks to have a play and I'll come and be your personal tutor for 3 weeks.

Sound like a plan?

PS. I get to keep the camera, and you must provide the food.

Serious answer ahoy :

I've been tempted to sway towards some sort of photography course myself, not distance learning, (as books would be just as good IMO), but local courses / evening college courses.
The only problem being, all the local courses are either aimed at beginners (ie. "This is an ON button"), or they are aimed at the conventional / photography and darkroom side of things.
I'd like to take a course which explains more about the art of photography. Which teaches things in the same vein as the rule of thirds, and tips and tricks like when out on a shoot or a walk, keep looking behind you for a possible shot which you would otherwise miss.

GSVJase · 01-02-2005, 13:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bod

I'd like to take a course which explains more about the art of photography. Which teaches things in the same vein as the rule of thirds, and tips and tricks like when out on a shoot or a walk, keep looking behind you for a possible shot which you would otherwise miss.

Ditto - thats the sort of thing I'm after

As you say the local college do an introduction to Digital Photography but I think I'll be somewhat bored and wasting £30 for a days knowledge that I already have.

I'm wondering if a local camera club would be worthwhile.

As for your first plan If only I had some food left I'd quite happily let you have my camera in exchange for your expert services but, alas, I'm out of food :P

MyPix · 01-02-2005, 18:32

I'm wondering if a local camera club would be worthwhile.

Bingo, you hit the nail on the head there, its the only real hands on way to get to the next step apart from being self taught,
local clubs will organise days shooting on specific subjects and teach u the ins and outs of the business, as well as being able to chat to and share pictures,

almost like this place

MyPix

Matt · 01-02-2005, 18:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyPix

I'm wondering if a local camera club would be worthwhile.

MyPix

It all depends on the people in the club. If you join one that has people in the know that are willing to share there experiences with you you can't go wrong, but some might not be so willing.

Another way to learn is to go on a one day seminar.
You get hands on experience and get some cracking shots in the process.
Many of the pro's offer these days for around £100.

I have done one of the Andy Rouse ones about 18months ago and it was a great learning experience.

I would definately go again.

Matty · 01-02-2005, 20:24

there is a local camera club for me, dont know what they are like though, i may check it out, i would definately benefit from some tuition!

digitalfailure · 01-02-2005, 21:27

I'm busy looking for a camera club in my local area who are tolerant to digital !

I went along to one club meeting when I had my old S602 and the older film purists sneered at my technological marvel, I wonder if the 20D will confuse them

Arkady · 04-02-2005, 08:49

I went once and only once to a camera club many years ago when I was a kid. The experience put me off for life - full of t**ssers with M3s over the shoulder smoking nasty russian fags sneering at me because I had an old pentax.
Check out you local college - most do courses ranging from beginner stuff to fairly advanced. Depends what you're after - go alaong and chat to the tutors and see if they can tailor a package to suit you - most will be fairly amenable to that if you're a 'serious' phot.

***Steve*** · 04-02-2005, 15:36

There was a very good free online course that was posted elsewhere a few months ago. It was split down into several lessons and took you from the basics through to fairly advanced stuff. Each stage was written in basic English (not photography terms) so everyone could understand and each lesson added another skill or element on top of the one before. The course set tasks and gave examples of things too. I will do some searching around and see if I can't dig up a link for you all. 8)

04-02-2005, 16:09

It wasn't this one was it? (LInk currently not working at the moment, but you may recognise it).

It's one I have in my bookmarks, entitled "Photography Lessons".

***Steve*** · 04-02-2005, 16:53

I am not sure BOD. I also thought I had it bookmarked but having gone through them all recently none actually brought up the site. One or two were not working but I cant remember the name of it just now.

***Steve*** · 04-02-2005, 22:34

This is not the link I was thinking off but it does contain many free short courses that may be of interest.

LINKY

Hope that helps

Pook · 05-02-2005, 20:33

In my experience, camera clubs are just inhabited by old men who photograph steam trains, or do "travel photography"... (yawn).. basically, decide what you want to learn. Do you want to learn more technical skills, or do you want to learn how to take better photographs? People confuse the two you see. All the technical skill in the world will not make your photos more interesting or exciting - they may well make them sharper of better exposed, but who really cares about that? Technically, photography ain't rocket science. You want to improve your photography, then look at as many photos as you can.. and I don;t mean rubbish you see in National Geographic or whatever.. look in magazines like Dazed, The Face etc.. look at lighting used, styles.. Go see movies... LOTS of them.. gat ideas.. get inspiration. THAT'S what makes a good image. I'd rather take a really interesting image that's slightly off the ball technically, than a pin sharp, well exposed picture of a steam train, or a boring landscape shot of a hill, some clouds and some moss.

You want to learn photography, then get yourself on a course that delves into the academic side rather than the technical. Learning technical stuff will not really make your pictures any better. SHarper maybe, but will they be any more interesting? I think not. Learning technical stuff is important to an extent, but it shoudl be something you learn in order to allow you to operate your equipment without thinking, so you can concentrate on what's really important - taking images that knock you for six, because they're visually interesting.

No idea how old you are, or what you do, but you want to REALLY learn? Get a job as a photographic assistant to someone interesting, preferably fashion or advertising based. You'll learn more in 1 week than you would in a lifetime of book reading and course attending.

Plus... just shoot... film is cheap, and if you're digital, it's cheaper still. Examine your work... what does it say? Is it interesting? If not, why not?

No time to spell check, so I hope you sleak typo :-)

Digital SPG · 05-02-2005, 20:44

Wise words their Pook. 8)

I am always looking at other peoples work for inspiration and ideas. Watching films is a top tip. I watch colleteral the other night and spent most of it admiring the way it was shot and wondering how you can acheive the same with photography.

Photography does change the way you view things. I am for ever looking at even the simplest thing wonder thinking how they could make a good photograph.

I did look into to clubs a few years ago and as Pook said they were full of people i would least want to spend my spare time with.

***Steve*** · 08-02-2005, 17:52

I have today found out that Canon run their own courses around the country. If you follow this link it has full details of what, where, when and how much.

If you already own some Canon equipment you can register with Canon Imagine and get a discount plus monthly new letters and information.

GSVJase · 09-02-2005, 11:23

Pukka (as Jamie Oliver would say) .... Thanks Steve theres even 2 in Devon

***Steve*** · 09-02-2005, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSVJase

Pukka (as Jamie Oliver would say) .... Thanks Steve theres even 2 in Devon

No problem sir, glad to have been some help. I am looking at one or two of the courses also as they hold them in Manchester and several times a year. I may just do one and then decide if its worth taking a second, more advanced one later.

Digital SPG · 09-02-2005, 18:02

Excellent find Steve. Just what I have been looking for.

Of particular interest to me is the landmarks and modern architecture of London days.

01-02-2005, 12:51	#1 (permalink)
GSVJase Getting Comfy Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sunny Devon Posts: 119	Photographic courses Has anyone ever looked into / completed a photographic course either attendance or distance learning? I would really like to take my photography to the next step and feel that self teaching from various books is not taking me any further. I've seen many open distance learning advertised that range from £200 to £500 and all promise to take your photogrpahy to the next level! I quite fancy doing something a bit more hands on tho and dont know how much interaction youd get with an e-mail tutor. Or should I jsut spend the £300 on books and a new lense???? __________________ Canon EOS 300D Some lenses No fapping idea how to use em !!!!

05-02-2005, 20:33	#13 (permalink)
Pook Getting Comfy Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Blackpool UK Posts: 156	In my experience, camera clubs are just inhabited by old men who photograph steam trains, or do "travel photography"... (yawn).. basically, decide what you want to learn. Do you want to learn more technical skills, or do you want to learn how to take better photographs? People confuse the two you see. All the technical skill in the world will not make your photos more interesting or exciting - they may well make them sharper of better exposed, but who really cares about that? Technically, photography ain't rocket science. You want to improve your photography, then look at as many photos as you can.. and I don;t mean rubbish you see in National Geographic or whatever.. look in magazines like Dazed, The Face etc.. look at lighting used, styles.. Go see movies... LOTS of them.. gat ideas.. get inspiration. THAT'S what makes a good image. I'd rather take a really interesting image that's slightly off the ball technically, than a pin sharp, well exposed picture of a steam train, or a boring landscape shot of a hill, some clouds and some moss. You want to learn photography, then get yourself on a course that delves into the academic side rather than the technical. Learning technical stuff will not really make your pictures any better. SHarper maybe, but will they be any more interesting? I think not. Learning technical stuff is important to an extent, but it shoudl be something you learn in order to allow you to operate your equipment without thinking, so you can concentrate on what's really important - taking images that knock you for six, because they're visually interesting. No idea how old you are, or what you do, but you want to REALLY learn? Get a job as a photographic assistant to someone interesting, preferably fashion or advertising based. You'll learn more in 1 week than you would in a lifetime of book reading and course attending. Plus... just shoot... film is cheap, and if you're digital, it's cheaper still. Examine your work... what does it say? Is it interesting? If not, why not? No time to spell check, so I hope you sleak typo :-) __________________ WWW.DAVID-GREGORY.CO.UK -------------------------------- Horseman DigiflexII with Phase One H10 and Various Nikkors for studio, and Canon 350D and various EF lenses for location. --------------------------------

05-02-2005, 20:44	#14 (permalink)
Digital SPG Getting Comfy Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 232	Wise words their Pook. 8) I am always looking at other peoples work for inspiration and ideas. Watching films is a top tip. I watch colleteral the other night and spent most of it admiring the way it was shot and wondering how you can acheive the same with photography. Photography does change the way you view things. I am for ever looking at even the simplest thing wonder thinking how they could make a good photograph. I did look into to clubs a few years ago and as Pook said they were full of people i would least want to spend my spare time with. __________________ __________________ Canon 300D / Rebel 18 - 55 mm Canon Lens 70 -300 mm Sigma lens EF-500 DG Super Sigma Flash 2Gb Sandisk CF card Battery grip Infared remote __________________

01-02-2005, 13:13	#2 (permalink)
Marcel Posts: n/a	You could always give me the £300. I'll put it towards a 300D for myself, or at a stretch a 10D. I'll take a few weeks to have a play and I'll come and be your personal tutor for 3 weeks. Sound like a plan? PS. I get to keep the camera, and you must provide the food. Serious answer ahoy : I've been tempted to sway towards some sort of photography course myself, not distance learning, (as books would be just as good IMO), but local courses / evening college courses. The only problem being, all the local courses are either aimed at beginners (ie. "This is an ON button"), or they are aimed at the conventional / photography and darkroom side of things. I'd like to take a course which explains more about the art of photography. Which teaches things in the same vein as the rule of thirds, and tips and tricks like when out on a shoot or a walk, keep looking behind you for a possible shot which you would otherwise miss.

01-02-2005, 18:32	#4 (permalink)
MyPix Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Gloucester UK Posts: 745	I'm wondering if a local camera club would be worthwhile. Bingo, you hit the nail on the head there, its the only real hands on way to get to the next step apart from being self taught, local clubs will organise days shooting on specific subjects and teach u the ins and outs of the business, as well as being able to chat to and share pictures, almost like this place MyPix

01-02-2005, 20:24	#6 (permalink)
Matty Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: kings hill Posts: 5,269	there is a local camera club for me, dont know what they are like though, i may check it out, i would definately benefit from some tuition!

01-02-2005, 21:27	#7 (permalink)
digitalfailure Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: on the floor Posts: 694	I'm busy looking for a camera club in my local area who are tolerant to digital ! I went along to one club meeting when I had my old S602 and the older film purists sneered at my technological marvel, I wonder if the 20D will confuse them

04-02-2005, 08:49	#8 (permalink)
Arkady Forum Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Aldershot, Hampshire Posts: 1,198	I went once and only once to a camera club many years ago when I was a kid. The experience put me off for life - full of t**ssers with M3s over the shoulder smoking nasty russian fags sneering at me because I had an old pentax. Check out you local college - most do courses ranging from beginner stuff to fairly advanced. Depends what you're after - go alaong and chat to the tutors and see if they can tailor a package to suit you - most will be fairly amenable to that if you're a 'serious' phot.

04-02-2005, 15:36	#9 (permalink)
*Steve* Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: An Englishman living in Germany Posts: 16,166	There was a very good free online course that was posted elsewhere a few months ago. It was split down into several lessons and took you from the basics through to fairly advanced stuff. Each stage was written in basic English (not photography terms) so everyone could understand and each lesson added another skill or element on top of the one before. The course set tasks and gave examples of things too. I will do some searching around and see if I can't dig up a link for you all. 8)

04-02-2005, 16:09	#10 (permalink)
Marcel Posts: n/a	It wasn't this one was it? (LInk currently not working at the moment, but you may recognise it). It's one I have in my bookmarks, entitled "Photography Lessons".

04-02-2005, 16:53	#11 (permalink)
*Steve* Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: An Englishman living in Germany Posts: 16,166	I am not sure BOD. I also thought I had it bookmarked but having gone through them all recently none actually brought up the site. One or two were not working but I cant remember the name of it just now.

04-02-2005, 22:34	#12 (permalink)
*Steve* Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: An Englishman living in Germany Posts: 16,166	This is not the link I was thinking off but it does contain many free short courses that may be of interest. LINKY Hope that helps

08-02-2005, 17:52	#15 (permalink)
*Steve* Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: An Englishman living in Germany Posts: 16,166	I have today found out that Canon run their own courses around the country. If you follow this link it has full details of what, where, when and how much. If you already own some Canon equipment you can register with Canon Imagine and get a discount plus monthly new letters and information.

09-02-2005, 11:23	#16 (permalink)
GSVJase Getting Comfy Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sunny Devon Posts: 119	Pukka (as Jamie Oliver would say) .... Thanks Steve theres even 2 in Devon

09-02-2005, 18:02	#18 (permalink)
Digital SPG Getting Comfy Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 232	Excellent find Steve. Just what I have been looking for. Of particular interest to me is the landmarks and modern architecture of London days.