Classes

[Rox74]

Has anyone ever taken the Photography classes at Collin County Community College? I am interested in taking some courses, but am not sure where would be the best place to go. I work full time so I'm not sure if it's going to be hard to find a class that's close by or not! OR, does anyone have a suggestion on where I could take some courses at? I have a friend that has taught me quite a bit but I hate to keep asking him questions.

Thanks!

[Mandy]

I'd be interested to hear people opinions on CCCCD's photog courses too. I was just looking at them the other day.

[scott1120]

I am attending New York Institute of Photography (NYIP). There are several other members here that are enrolled or have taken courses there.

[Rox74]

Thanks Scott! I just looked on their website and have requested some information. I have heard of them before but wasn't sure how credable they were. I have learned so much from people on here and friends but still there is sooo much more to learn! How far have you gotten with your course?

[TJPhotoGuy]

The problem I always have with classes esp at junior colleges is they move waaaaay too slow. I can learn better and faster from reading a book.

[scott1120]

Originally Posted by Rox74

Thanks Scott! I just looked on their website and have requested some information. I have heard of them before but wasn't sure how credable they were. I have learned so much from people on here and friends but still there is sooo much more to learn! How far have you gotten with your course?

Rox, I signed up in November 2005. I think I am ready to submit my unit 1 assignments. I am in the process of reading unit 2. If you wait a few days after you recieve the info, they will send out a discount coupon. I have tinkered with photography since way back in the 80's, but have learned soo much. I visualize alot of shots; even when I don't have my camera, with the topics I have learned.

TJPhotoGuy - I agree about the jr college classes. That's one of the reasons I signed up at NYIP. You get 3 years to complete. I can't see how you can put your concepts learned in class to use in a few weeks.

[Rox74]

My biggest problem with a junior college is the time! Between my family and a full time job, I'm afraid of getting burned out. I am very much a hands on person, that's the reason I even considered CCCCD to begin with. Of course, the ideal situation would be to go to work in a studio or with a professional or something. Since I don't see that happening, I think I'll resort to taking some classes somewhere. I looked at the NYIP website and it looks to be very interactive! I know, I'm high maintenance, lol. Someone suggested going on some of these photo shoots, but it seems like everytime there is one, I have something going on! Scott & TJ, are you as beginner as I am or am I the lone ranger that needs help here? :)

[Mark A. Lively]

Howdy, mind if I but in?
The web site betterphoto.com has classes (4 weeks to 8 weeks) on various photography subjects so you could choose what to take depending on what you are needing more knowledge in. Personally I've never taken one of these courses but they are highley reguarded. Plus photographer Jim Miotke is the founder, which says a lot in my opinion!

[Rox74]

Thanks for the info! I really appreciate it!!

[firefly]

I have taken several classes at CCCCD and found them to be excellent. There darkroom is first rate and the program chair, Byrd Williams, is an outstanding intructor and photographer.

[engstrom]

Originally Posted by firefly

I have taken several classes at CCCCD and found them to be excellent. There darkroom is first rate and the program chair, Byrd Williams, is an outstanding intructor and photographer.

Greg, do you know if they offer a digital photography course? I really don't want to have to shoot film again - I spent some time with developer and fixer already - and would love to have a course that used digital output for assignments.

[firefly]

Hey John,
Yes they offer digital as well. The instructor is a guy by the name of Tim Boole. He is a fashion guy and shoots for some major publications. (he has a web site if you will google his name) His digital one is very basic but explores some very efficient ways of using photoshop. They have a great digital lab there with about 20 mac g3's. They also just received an epson large format printer capable of printing murals. Digital II class is reinforcement of Dig I with some more advanced photoshop techniques. Please keep in mind that the couse title should read "Photoshop I" and Photoshop II. He gives challanging assignments and, although anal, he is very personable and serious about his craft. Hope this helps

Originally Posted by engstrom

Greg, do you know if they offer a digital photography course? I really don't want to have to shoot film again - I spent some time with developer and fixer already - and would love to have a course that used digital output for assignments.

[scott1120]

Originally Posted by Rox74

Someone suggested going on some of these photo shoots, but it seems like everytime there is one, I have something going on! Scott & TJ, are you as beginner as I am or am I the lone ranger that needs help here? :)

Rox - by far I am sure you are not the lone ranger. I consider myself a beginner, I don't even have a dslr (I shoot with a 3.2mp Canon). My problem is trying to convince myself to push my camera to the limit(s) before looking at upgrading. I feel the same way about the photoshoots - I don't want to be the only one there without a huge camera and alot of gear.

[LindaJ]

Originally Posted by scott1120

Rox - by far I am sure you are not the lone ranger. I consider myself a beginner, I don't even have a dslr (I shoot with a 3.2mp Canon). My problem is trying to convince myself to push my camera to the limit(s) before looking at upgrading. I feel the same way about the photoshoots - I don't want to be the only one there without a huge camera and alot of gear.

Scott, you said what I've been feeling. I love photography but have never progressed beyond the p&s level. I have a nice camera - not a dslr - but I just haven't really learned how to use it properly. I just sort of flail around. I have purchased "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson and have given myself the assignment of working through it. I also plan to take a class at Betterphoto.com. I think I probably don't take enough photos and would benefit from a structured learning environment.

OTOH, I have not had a problem tackling Photoshop, so there must be something in the way my brain is wired that makes it difficult for me to retain information about camera operation. I think I have something down and then I see something I want to photograph and just go blank.

Linda

[Rox74]

Ok, so you guys are making me feel better, lol. I'm not alone after all. I am slowly learning how to use my camera properly, but it's remembering it or as you said Linda, being able to use it once I am in the right situation. I have learned that it's not all about the settings, it's about the picture itself and that's where I have the most problems. I tend to get very frustrated with myself after taking a lot of pictures and only getting a few that are worth anything. That is where digital is a great thing though! As for Photoshop, that is a whole other story! I need a class on that also, lol.

And Scott, that is the same reason that I haven't gone to any photo shoots. I think it would be a feeling of intimidation!