Classes

[evetan83]

I am in the midst of buying a new dslr (have my 18-200vr on the way). This is my first dslr ever, I've only used p/s cameras before. I was contemplating buying my camera from wolf to get the free classes they offer. Has anyone taken those, and what do you think. Or should I buy one elsewhere for cheaper? Does anyone know of affordable photography classes (basics, like aperture, shutter speed, f-stop) around the Dallas or Houston area? Honestly the only reason I'm thinking of buying the camera from wolf/ritz is for the free classes, since those I've looked up elsewhere seem to run around $100-300 anyway. Thanks!

[photosbymorgan2]

Originally Posted by evetan83

I am in the midst of buying a new dslr (have my 18-200vr on the way). This is my first dslr ever, I've only used p/s cameras before. I was contemplating buying my camera from wolf to get the free classes they offer. Has anyone taken those, and what do you think. Or should I buy one elsewhere for cheaper? Does anyone know of affordable photography classes (basics, like aperture, shutter speed, f-stop) around the Dallas or Houston area? Honestly the only reason I'm thinking of buying the camera from wolf/ritz is for the free classes, since those I've looked up elsewhere seem to run around $100-300 anyway. Thanks!

I would suggest looking at the training CD's that are available at some camera stores and also online. They can teach you a lot and you can keep going back to them.

[Roadrnr]

You know, I never did take those classes through Ritz. That's where I got my camera from, but never followed through with the classes.

FWIW, I learned more on here and with Scott Kelby's book "Understanding Exposure" and just a lot of hands on experimenting that I probably would have learned in a class.

YMMV though...

[evetan83]

I was looking at the online classes through LVS, does anybody have experience taking those? They're so cheap at $30, I figure what the heck, and I'll at least learn the basics.

[Rox74]

I would buy the camera from B&H and save the $100 to invest in Brad's basic class.
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=53177

I took his last class and got a lot out of it and I had only had my 1st DSLR for about a year. It was well worth the money.

[lightsright]

I bought a P&S from Wolf and they threw in a bunch of "Free Class Tickets". They claim they were something like $250 value.
I went to a couple of the classes.
I did lean a few things--but I was coming from knowing nothing about photography. They taught me things like 'rule of thirds' and other basic composition. As far as $250 worth--ahhh....maybe not.
I wouldn't include the value of the classes as a factor in the decision. Think of them as an added bonus, kinda like a free lens cleaning cloth or something similar.

[MRCPix]

Brad teaches a great class for anyone that is new to dslr's. I have gone to a few of his workshops and highly recommend him.

[Patti Edens]

I think it all depends on how you learn. I do much better with an instructor telling me how to do something, with the ability to ask questions if I don't understand. I can read a book, but it's just not the way I prefer to learn.

I took a basic class at Leisure Learning taught by Kathy Adams Clark. It was excellent. I eventually took all of her classes and have learned something valuable from all of them - especially the flash photography class.

I would recommend the Basics of Photography - One Day Workshop class she has on September 15th. If you already have your camera, bring it to the class and she will make sure you understand all the concepts for your particular camera.

There are other photography teachers at LLU as well, but I don't know anything about them.

Good luck,

[klryder02]

Evelyn-

I did not buy my camera from wolf, but took a few of the wolf classes. You can buy 6 classes for $40. Do not take the intro to digital. They talk about stuff like batteries, the basic auto setting on a camera (more for p/s cameras). I then skipped to the Imaging 102..or what ever the 2nd class is called. By that point, I had already taken a look at a couple of websites that someone recommend from this forum...but the class was still useful to me.

Like someone already said, if you can learn from a book or a website, you can save yourself $40. If you like a classroom environment, then the $40 is an ok deal.

I cannot remember who on TPF recommended this website...but I think it was very useful!

http://morguefile.com/archive/classroom.php

[chase_pedigo]

When are some classes coming up around Houston?

[chase_pedigo]

I would really like to learn from some wedding photographers