Photography Class?

Question

I'm looking to take a digital photography class. I was looking for some heads ups or any experiences anyone has had with a beginner entry level photography 101 class. Is it worth it? Will it teach me how to take better pictures? (:

Thanks!

Answer 1

I took a photography class and I think it did help me to become a better photography. We even learned about Photoshop and what is considered "cheating" and what is not.  

Answer 2

I taught photography for 32 years and digital photo for 10.  How useful the course is will depend upon your interest, amount of knowledge you already possess and how well the course is laid out and delivered.

I suggest you post the syllabus and assignments to get a better review.  You might also compare that course outline with others posted on the internet to see how it fits into your needs.

Answer 3

My wife just finished taking Photo 47 at East Los Angeles College this past spring semester. It's their intro to digital Photography course. I sat in on as many classes as my work would allow. (About half). The course involved an overview of the workings of a digital camera, getting used to the hardware, the lingo of the craft, and some introductory lessons on photoshop CS3. The class had weekly assignments on different types of photography. One week it was portraiture, another it was archecture, etc. She,(and I too), loved the class. Some of the assignments involved manipulating images in CS3 too. I got the OK from my boss to arrange my schedule this fall so I can take the same class. Looking forward to it. The wife and I both are also taking ELAC's photo 10, their beginning general photography class. (Gotta dig out the film cameras and get new batteries). I took the class 25 years ago, so I'll only "audit" the class, but it should be a hoot. It's been great having a hobby the wife and I can do together and enjoy as a couple. And yes classes like these will help you take better pictures. After every assignment, the teacher displayed everyones images, and the class critiqued them. Everyone learned a lot.

Answer 4

That is the whole point of photography classes.  However you may find that the curriculum starts you out shooting with a 35 mm camera to learn the basics of photography before delving into the digital world.

It is very important to slow the learning process down to hone you skills using an adjustable camera, learning to expose perfectly, develop the film perfectly and print the resulting negatives ... perfectly.  Once you have all that working intuitively, then moving over to a digital body will be no big deal and the class in digital photography will introduce you to the "digital darkroom" without having to reinvent the wheel.