Professional Photography courses

[xsighted]

Hi guys,
Woud appreciate some input here. I am looking to take a few photography courses part time, to pursue this as a hobby. I am looking for some serious courses, which show more than just how to use a camera.

Preferably, I am looking for something that would teach me most of the necessary theory (the physics, optics, lighting, the math behind this). I have tried looking into most colleges, but I either found complete programs in photography, or just introductory courses.

I do not want to enrol in a diploma program. Ideally, I would like to be in a course (or courses) where I get the foundation a pro photographer would need over a period of a few months. Prefrably something over the weekend or weeknights.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[TheFuteballer]

my brother took some concurrent (i think) education courses at George Brown on the weekends for about 2 months.

They had a nice set that they would practice with and he learnt ALOT

[N1QUE24]

www.nyip.com

I'm currently enrolled in this program.. flat rate of $1000.. they mail you the assignments + course books etc.

Just take pictures, send it back to the school.

Personal instructor will critique it via audio tape, they send u back feedback.

Repeat the process until you finish the program.

[xsighted]

www.nyip.com

I'm currently enrolled in this program.. flat rate of $1000.. they mail you the assignments + course books etc.

Just take pictures, send it back to the school.

Personal instructor will critique it via audio tape, they send u back feedback.

Repeat the process until you finish the program.

not bad .. thnx! my first preference is something in class ... but .. this looks like a very good plan B. how is your experience so far with this?

[Pete Jones]

Preferably, I am looking for something that would teach me most of the necessary theory (the physics, optics, lighting, the math behind this). I have tried looking into most colleges, but I either found complete programs in photography, or just introductory courses.


I know this isn't what you're looking for but...

There are TONS of books that will teach you the boring technical stuff. In fact, if you're mathematically inclined, it shouldn't take you more than a few minutes -- it really is that straightforward.

But...

The "art" of photography is something completely different. This is what a photographer should really be concentrating on. The techie stuff will come on it's own. You can learn the art from great photographers, but ultimately the best thing to do is just get out and shoot.

--Pete

[xsighted]

I know this isn't what you're looking for but...

There are TONS of books that will teach you the boring technical stuff. In fact, if you're mathematically inclined, it shouldn't take you more than a few minutes -- it really is that straightforward.

But...

The "art" of photography is something completely different. This is what a photographer should really be concentrating on. The techie stuff will come on it's own. You can learn the art from great photographers, but ultimately the best thing to do is just get out and shoot.

--Pete

thnx .. that's good advice ... i do get out and shoot .... although, i dont think i've had any results yet that i'd be proud of .. but .. besides the art, i am looking to understand some of the technical stuff as well ... and i know i wont be able to read the books on my own ...

besides, the art is not really something that can be easily taught ... it comes from within ... so .. i m looking to learn what i can .. and .. develop the art on my own ...

[Pete Jones]

i know i wont be able to read the books on my own

Huh?

So you're basically telling me that you're too stupid to read a book and that you want someone to spoonfeed you what you want to know?

Please, tell me that's not what you meant.
(Although I'm afraid, based on a lot of the messages I read on RFD, it's probably not)

This stuff isn't rocket science. (actually, there are good introductory books on rocket science too) It's just a few simple concepts.

-Exposure (iso<-->aperature<-->shutter speed -- they're all inter-related)
-depth of field (some people mistakenly refer to it as "bokeh")
-lighting (where the sun's at makes a difference)

Start there. There's more, but that will come later.

--Pete

[3weddings]

To go alone with Pete.....

I finally have my first real DSLR, and am finding so many photographers online who are willing to help. I have a friend who is a pro and she sends me weekly challenges and then critiques them. Look around, the info is out there for FREE!

You are right, it's not just the technical, it's the artist in you as well.

[xsighted]

much to your disguist (seemingly) .. i cant read on my own ...

not because i am stupid .. or because i want someone to read it to me, but because i have a short attention span .. i loose interest when it comes to reading any material if it's longer than 10 pages ...

give me a newspaper ... i'll read it from start to finish ... give me a book .. i probably wont read past the introduction ..

i can only do it if i am working in a group, or if i have a deadline ....

@3weddings ... any particular resources you would recommend? I havent found any good forums yet ... although, did manage do download some ebooks .. but again .. couldnt read past the introduction .. :confused:

Huh?

So you're basically telling me that you're too stupid to read a book and that you want someone to spoonfeed you what you want to know?

Please, tell me that's not what you meant.
(Although I'm afraid, based on a lot of the messages I read on RFD, it's probably not)

This stuff isn't rocket science. (actually, there are good introductory books on rocket science too) It's just a few simple concepts.

-Exposure (iso<-->aperature<-->shutter speed -- they're all inter-related)
-depth of field (some people mistakenly refer to it as "bokeh")
-lighting (where the sun's at makes a difference)

Start there. There's more, but that will come later.

--Pete

[codex]

I just finished taking Digital 1 at Humber. While it was an introductory course in that it started from the basics, I did learn quite a bit. It was great because it was very hands on--we had assignments nearly every class so each day we learned a new technique or developed a specific skill. It also covered both the photography and some basic Photoshop--both of which are necessary aspects of digital photography. IMO the course was a good mix--simple enough that someone new to photography wouldn't be lost, but in-depth enough that even experienced photographers would learn things. The students in the class ranged from complete newbies (just bought their cameras), to those who knew the basics but wanted to learn more (like myself), and even some much more experienced photographers who just wanted to refine their skills and earn the certificate.

Digital 1 is a part of the Certificate in Photographic Techniques (http://calendardb.humber.ca/LIS/WebCalendar/CE/ProgramOffering.do?name=04821) (part time program). However, I took the course with no intention of completing the entire certificate. Sheridan and George Brown appear to offer similar programs/courses.

As far as books go, you'd be surprised and you may want to give them a chance... I'm similar to the OP though in that it's easier for me to learn this sort of thing by being taught rather than just reading a book. However, now that I have the intro course under my belt I am finding the books infinitely helpful in demonstrating new techniques and helping me see photographic opportunities in new ways. A lot of these books are written in such a way that you can just read a couple pages then go practice the techniques taught. It's not like reading a novel or a textbook at all.

Recommended books I've read:
- John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide (written for film, but an AMAZING book nonetheless. great if you're interested in outdoor photography. note that parts of this book are a bit advanced so maybe not the best place to start--goes into a lot of depth so if you don't like to read it may not be a good choice)
- Learning To See Creatively by Bryan Peterson (good book on composition and learning to see the world in a creative light--tons of sample photos, and not too wordy)

Books I've heard are great:
- Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson (just bought it, at the top of my to-read list, apparently an amazing book on learning how to set set exposures accurately, etc.)
- The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby (supposedly a really good reference guide demonstrating a bunch of different techniques... apparently each page covers a new technique with sample photos)

And some others I've heard good things about:
- Perfect Exposure: Jim Zuckerman's Secrets to Great Photographs
- Creative Nature & Outdoor Photography by Brenda Tharp
- Photography and the Art of Seeing : A Visual Perception Workshop for Film and Digital Photography by Freeman Patterson
- Photos with Impact by Tom MacKie

[3weddings]

.

@3weddings ... any particular resources you would recommend? I havent found any good forums yet ... although, did manage do download some ebooks .. but again .. couldnt read past the introduction .. :confused:

http://funwithphotography.activeboard.com/ is my fave...I tend to MSN with the members more for advice than anything though

My friend took me and several of our friends under her wing and a few of them are now making portrait money! I've not found the time to dedicate to the hobby yet (kids are young and need loads of attention)

Google...and read online, don't go spending money ...yet...save that for lenses!! :D

[codex]

Digital Photography Review (http://www.dpreview.com/) is a great site, and their forums (http://www.dpreview.com/forums/) are really popular and quite informative.

[Pete Jones]

much to your disguist (seemingly) .. i cant read on my own ...

not because i am stupid .. or because i want someone to read it to me, but because i have a short attention span .. i loose interest when it comes to reading any material if it's longer than 10 pages ...

Forgive me for coming off like I was jumping down your throat but...

I don't even know you but I can guarantee you that you're selling yourself short. Personally, I'm a "just do it and RTFM later" person. :)

Nobody said you have to read any particular book from front to back. Just go to the local public library and check some of them out. The basics on the techie side can certainly be summarized (to the point where it will be of some use to you) in under 10 pages. Honest!

When I got into digital a few years ago, I started having fun again because I could throw the rulebook out the window and "just play". I'm not saying I'm a great photographer -- far from it. But when it's a hobby, the key is having fun.

My all time favourite photographer is Andreas Feininger. He knew the technical side of things like the back of his hand (and wrote several books about it) but on the artistic side, his stuff is sheer genius. And the best part is, here's someone who took the "rules" and knew exactly how to bend them to get the precise effect he was after. And most of his best known work was in black-and-white. Google him up and prepare to be amazed.

--Pete

[xsighted]

My all time favourite photographer is Andreas Feininger.


i just checked a few of his pictures, and I must tell you, I was impressed. particularly liked the one of the photo journalist.

i am a do it first and rtfm later person too ... i already did it .. now i was thinking of the rtfm part ... :P

thnx codex and 3weddings for the forums ... looks very good so far ...

also found a free online introductory course at betterphoto.com ... seems good as a starter ... once i get some terminology in my head, and some tech basics, google and wikipedia should do most of the trick .. if not, then there's forums ..

all other advise is well taken ... for now, i think i am gonna save my money for lenses ...

edit : if someone else is looking here for courses .. just stumbled upon this ..
http://www.schoolofphotography.ca/school/Classes/classes.html