photo course - advice appreciated

[quaaack]

Hi,

I am a keen photographer, but have only brushed across the technical aspects in college and since have just taken pictures of anything that intrigues me, from an angle that feels right and if there's something I don't like about it I can't explain what it is, It will just bug me, so it stays on memory, never to see the light of day etc.

However this was my Groupon deal http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/nottingham today. I am very excited, and very nearly just clicked and bought away. But I thought I'd ask some pro's to see what they think...

Obviously the price is good, but do you think you can really learn that much though an evening class? Or should I just carry on muddling my way through? Ive seen similar courses that seemed to offer a lot more instruction, which could be the reason it's "too good to be true."

I'm quite happy to carry on reading library books if I will learn just the same!

Any advice would be lovely

[Rosie]

Personally I would consider whether you think the tutor has the skills that you want to learn. I've had a quick look at his portfolio http://www.andywallisphotography.co.uk and don't find his shots particularly special. I would save your money and put it towards a course run by a better skilled professional.
Courses are a great way of learning new skills, but as long as the tutor has the skill and the knowledge to share with you.

[simon3116]

If you've got a good teacher then you may learn loads and this may inspire/motivate you to go out and take more photos but as Rosie says his website is nothing special and wouldn't inspire me but he maybe a good a teacher and if you feel that you need help with the basics of setting up a shot then it maybe worth it.

The main question you need to ask yourself is what type of shots do you want to take? From your post it seems like you are finding it difficult to compose your shots and struggling to decide what to put in or leave out of your shots. The skill to this comes with practice, reading, learning and then practice some more.

Delete the shots you are un-happy with straight away that way when you view them on your computer you will hopefully have more keepers.

Post some of your shots in the gallery, there are lots of good photographers on here that will give you pointers, help and advice.

Good luck, save your money, buy a subscription to DP instead, I'm not on commission but I'm open to free gifts....

[andrewallis]

"Fantastic workshop. I learnt a lot. I now know a lot more about my camera. I now need to practice so its second nature. Thanks a lot Andy"

"A thoroughly enjoyable day learning the basics of photography. Andy was relaxed and informative and the workshop was pitched at the right level. It's amazing how a lesson demonstrating the basics can give you both the skills and confidence to see photography in a new and exciting way! I'm officially off the auto setting (the first time in 6 years!)"

"I had an excellent day, and was shown everything i needed to know, Andy was great and always had time to answer any questions.
Andy also made sure everbody understood what he was teaching us, and never left anybody out.
An alround great course and i was over the moon with what i learnt, i now understand how my camera works and i can get more creative!"

Lots more where that came from.

It really good to see im being mentioned though. I am a weddings and events photographer first and foremost. perhaps the images chosen for my website or the design of my website dont appeal to all.

Not how people should judge my teaching methods or knowledge.

But as i said im just thrilled to see a mention here.

[simon3116]

Surely we should be judging you from your photos what with you being a photographer just like we judge all professionals from their jobs and the results they produce?

[Troy]

Surely we should be judging you from your photos what with you being a photographer just like we judge all professionals from their jobs and the results they produce?

But the point he is making is that he is not selling his photos, he is selling his teaching ability and his knowledge of the subject. I'm sure a professional sports coach knows what he is talking about, but he may not be good at the sport himself. Or something like that anyway

[Rosie]

All I'm saying is I would rather learn from someone who's work I admired both in terms of subject and technical ability and I don't think this course & tutor
would fill me with that much confidence. It's nothing personal, I just don't like his photos.

[simon3116]

Surely we should be judging you from your photos what with you being a photographer just like we judge all professionals from their jobs and the results they produce?

But the point he is making is that he is not selling his photos, he is selling his teaching ability and his knowledge of the subject. I'm sure a professional sports coach knows what he is talking about, but he may not be good at the sport himself. Or something like that anyway

Surely we judge all professionals by their results no matter what profession they are in, a good sports coach must only be as good as the results he produces.

[NigelD]

I think that there are a lot better courses around. Not money related but value for money in terms of what you get out of the course. If you're in the Central/Peak District area, I can personally recommend Simon Watkinson - I've done two courses with him and his team and they're excellent. Also, if you do Wedding Photography, they have a specific course.

[quaaack]

Thanks for your responses!

had a good think about it, and I think I was getting too click happy

Definately planing to find a decent course though, think it's worth spending a bit more to develop an interest, and I suppose if I learn a bit, plus practice it's definately money well spent!

[photographyxfactor]

Hi,

In addition to on-line training, another option would be to sign up for a local "photo safari", workshop or seminar in your city. Don't know where you live but most large metropolitan areas usually have something like this where local photographers take groups of students around the area to teach different subjects.For some other on-line resources take a look at www.photographyxfactor.com which has listings for various photography schools and other offerings.The Mentor Series also offers photography training and tours for all levels and have found them to be very helpful and informative. Hope this helps.

[GaryDean]

There's loads of courses online specific to what you want to do and your skill level (beginner/novice, you know what I mean) here.

http://www.coursesplus.co.uk/course-sea ... phy&q_g=GO

I did a Wedding photography course about 8 years ago. Although it never really stops the nerves going on the big day and the fear of ruining someone's treasured memories (Had my main and back up cameras go wrong on me once and had to use my third, so lucky it was in the boot of my car as I don't usually carry it!) it's a great confidence boost to feel like you have a check list of things you know how to do!

[patrickwilson86]

Hi,

If you want to learn about photography and become perfect photographer without giving any money then read photography tips articles http://www.photographytalk.com/photogra ... hotography which is the best way for beginners to learn about photography basics.

[photographer39]

When I was in my college time, I was very interested about the photography. Nowadays I am working with a wedding photographer unit , that group also gave the training for photography. They advised me to purchase a DSLR for a professional looking photograph. When taking the picture, continue to move closer until you are sure your picture will represent the subject.

[parker1986]

Be sure to exhaust the free stuff before you plunk down any cash.

http://learn.usa.canon.com/

http://www.photographytalk.com/photogra ... hotography

http://www.nikonusa.com/Learn-And-Explo ... index.page


among others.