Whether you are a beginner or professional photographer, there is always something new to learn about the art of photography. From camera angles to shutter speed and lighting, there are many concepts to find out and what better place than in a workshop or course that is all about the camera? Choose the right photography class for your wants and needs by following these suggestions.
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Decide on Your Goals
To find the right photography class, start by thinking about what you want to get out of it. For example, if your goal is to learn more about multiple exposures then write this down in a list along with other things you desire to improve. While one person may want to focus more on how the camera works, someone else may want to know how to take better photos of their kids.
Along with setting your educational goals, also decide how much time you can give to the class. The right photography class for you might span several weeks, with each session being a few hours.
It could be on weeknights to accommodate your work schedule. Alternatively, you might prefer a one-day experience that is an overview of a specific topic. It might focus on tips for selecting a new lens, for example.
Also, take an honest look at what you can afford. Some top photographers have taken courses that are by donation and even free workshops. Contact local art centers and tap into reputable community resources to find a local photography course to build up or strengthen your skills behind the lens.
Research Photography Courses
Now that you’ve laid out what you want to develop and the preferable course format, it’s time to research workshops. This is preferable to blindly choosing one, which could position you in a first class that isn’t at all what you envision. That would only put you in a bad mood.
Know what to expect by thumbing through the course syllabus online or in paper form. A reputable provider, whether it is a beginner course, more advanced, or somewhere in-between, will have this information publicly available to you.
As you read the course highlights, look for areas of interest, such as wedding portraits, or for more general topics of interest to you. If you see two classes on different skill levels that both sound fun, choose the one that seems more basic as it will provide you with the foundation you need to then progress to the next level with the other course of interest.
Always make sure you have the basics before moving onto more complex concepts. Advance your wedding photography skills with CreativeLive photography classes!
Come Prepared to the Photography Class
For the photography sessions, you will typically have to bring specific gear, depending on the type of lesson. This would differ between a casual one-day course and a 20-hour intensive program, for example.
The instructor will usually let you know what type of equipment you need. It could be that a DSLR is ideal or that a basic single-use camera is more appropriate.
Taking the right photography class for you provides you with the maximum opportunity to grow your skills. Look at course guidelines and decide if they fit what you’re looking for education-wise. And then go for it! I hope you enjoy the shots that come out of it along your photo journey.
Good food for thought. Thank you!
Thanks for taking time here, Peter. Wishing you much photography success.
Great tips!
Nice to hear!
To all inspired photographers…do a course, I did & know more now than I thought I did
Way to go, Pete! You’re a photographer success story :)
I think you have some good points here, Christy
Thanks Sue!
😊
Nice info
I appreciate your amazing topic. Thank you so much for guiding right photography classes. It is very helpful. Keep sharing.
This is such an insightful article on taking photography classes. It’s something I’ve thought of doing myself since I have an interest in photography but have never gotten around to yet. Research is definitely important as there are so many different kinds of classes out there (theory vs practical) and each one has a different approach. Being prepared is so important too and you said it well. I also think before we sign up to a class there needs to be a want to learn and a want to get something out of the course. One day I hope to take a one-on-one photography class and learn to work with different photography landscapes.
Great tips! My husband and my kids and myself have all been thinking about photography classes!
I just started college for my associates in digital photography and am beyond excited. Thank you for sharing this
Is it alright if I bring my Autochrome Lumière camera?
It would depend on the class, Xea. Ask the teacher beforehand or bring it with you there. :)
Great tips Christy as always. There is something magical in photography, indeed !
I am not good with the camera. Point and shoot type camera has been my best friend so far but I am feeling a necessity of a better
… camera and of more expertise in photography. Your post will be helpful in choosing a course. Thank you for writing this post.
Appreciating your diverse topics, Christy.. :)
Gosh, photos on WP usually are so much better than mine. Something to think about