Recommended books, classes, etc. ?

[slr_newbie]

I know there is an entire forum on upcoming workshops, but I am wondering if anyone here can recommend a class or workshop in the Houston area? I would love to take a class with weekly assignments that has you practice different techniques, submit your work, get feedback ,etc.

I am also interested in shadowing a pro or semi-pro photographer on a shoot to really see the nuts and bolts of how they think about various shots, pick which lenses and settings to use, etc. Has anyone done anything like this? I know most folks are probably somewhat cautious about sharing their craft ...

Finally, any good books you all care to recommend? I have Understanding Exposure by Bryan Petersen, a Scott Kelby book about digital photography secrets and a David Busch book specific to the Canon 30D. Anything else that I just have to have?

I know the best way to learn is to practice, but other than that ... any tips ? Thanks for the ideas!

[HotHolly]

Sending you a PM. Also - it might be helpful to post what type of photography you are interested in.

[johnastovall]

Must have on the shelf books:

Real World Color Mangement

Real World Raw

Image Sharpening

Photoshop LAB

Professional Photoshop

Practical Composition in Photography

Those are for technique.

For the mind and the eye

Revelations

Letting Go of the Camera

On Photography

Camera Lucida

And finally a subscription to Lenswork

P.S. Look at and learn to analze good photography. Just like artists have mounds of art books a good photographer should have mounds of books of other photographers' work. Go to museums and shows and look at photography think about what was the photographer doing what did he want to say.
Remember Photography is not about images but what those images communicate.

[veritus]

Not to thread jack, but any recommendations for a class on the Canon Digital Rebel XTi? I've had it about a month and I'm learning my way around it still.

Thanks!

[HotHolly]

Hey Chris! Do you need info just relative to the camera? I saw someone offering a basics class in Dallas - can't remember who. If you need info on ISO, DOF, SS, and all that stuff (and what it does) I have an ebook we give our interns that you can look at. It has pictures! Probably beneath you, but I thought I'd mention it.

[slr_newbie]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

Sending you a PM. Also - it might be helpful to post what type of photography you are interested in.

Thanks for your PM. I am interested in photography in general (everything about it, all varieties), but my primary subjects are my children so that is probably a place to start.

I would prefer classes in and around the Houston area. Thanks for all of the book suggestions, John. Lots of reserach to do now!

[HotHolly]

I LOVE child photography. Too bad you aren't up here. Begging to assist someone you admire in that area might be a good place to start. My last 2 interns are really great and a ton of fun too. If you find someone you hit it off with, competition isnt much of an issue - you end up working together anyway...Utopia or not. ;o)

The Tricoast guys are down by you. Mikey is doing a freebie workshop tonight. Wow, time flies. I thought there was another week. Anyway, there may be a guild in your area that he would know about.

[slr_newbie]

Thanks for the suggestions ... I will have to keep my ear to the ground to see if anyone is looking for an extra set of hands. I am not familiar with the tricoast guys ... what can you tell me about them?

[HotHolly]

They rock! Creative and colorful would be the 2 word summary. Here's his screen name on here. Look at their work when you have a chance. Mucho goodo!

[ITRacer121]

I am taking a class at UT Arlington and learning some good stuff. Evidentally they have 3 parts to it discussing everything from aperature to the use of flashes.
oh and the book we are using in the first one is understanding exposure.
Good Luck!

[jamiewallace]

A good list I'm trying to work through on the Strobist site:
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/04...bookshelf.html

[veritus]

Thanks for the reply Holly. PM sent.