Self taught photographers??? [Archive] - Digital Scrapbook Place

Karen

06-22-2004, 06:05 AM

I did 2 years at a polytech (don't know what you call them any where else in the world, it's kinda like a university) covered about everything to do with photography, from taking the photo, to developing and printing. That was about 10 years ago.

Last year I took a class through Betterphoto, a fine art flower course with Tony Sweet, I enjoyed it but didn't learn anything that I have put to use so really don't think it was worth the cost.

u.k. lady

06-22-2004, 06:27 AM

Polytech, havent heard that in a while ,they used to call "colleges" polytechs in the 70's in England I seem to remember, although I was very young at the time :D .
I am self taught, total nutter ,read everything and anything .Went digital last year ,I am a qualified interior designer but that's the nearest I come to being trained in anything arty.I just have a natural love and I hope a knack for taking pictures.I took a class last year with betterphoto ,it was digital and quite informative but I think you can learn a fair bit on photography boards and from books.
Mostly I love the emotional side of photography ,capturing that moment that never comes again.

grindavich

06-22-2004, 02:27 PM

I am self taught, or should I say it runs in the family. Then I joined the Navy and they sent me to a formal Photography School, now I have completed my Bachelors in Digital Design and I have started my Masters

kayley26

06-22-2004, 02:43 PM

Fidelis

06-22-2004, 04:43 PM

Wow looks like we've got some knowledgeable people amongst us, cool! It'll be great to share tips & advice & to help one another to solve photographic related issues!

Oh & by the way welcome aboard Kayley great to have you with us! Your images on betterphoto.com rock!

Emma. :)

Amber

06-22-2004, 06:53 PM

First, welcome Kayley!

Second- I dont really consider myself taught at all. I have not ventured outside of the auto mode on my camera. Ive taken a course at the local community college and it involved being in the darkroom and I loved that! But I have such a hard time with f-stops and aperture settings and knowing when to use what setting, etc.

I signed up for the digital photography class at LVS but I havent done any of the lessons yet. Got them all saved though!

Tina

06-22-2004, 07:12 PM

I'm self taught :)

Tina

06-22-2004, 07:14 PM

my guess is that in the US Polytech=Trade School :)

KittyieCat

06-22-2004, 11:44 PM

I'm self taught...or should I say self learning! I had a Sony Macvica & now havea Nikon 5700. I rarely go anywhere without it! :) Just wondering how many photographers are self taught here? Or as anyone been to study it through formal education or participated in online photography classes & where???

Emma. :)

Lee

06-28-2004, 09:59 PM

When I first started out i learned everything from playing around to see what it did and everything has been self taught!! But I am also in the middle of taking an online course through Thomson Education Direct. I have learned alot from the course. It teaches you everything from loading the camera to developing and starting your own business, which im working on=)

brekke

07-02-2004, 12:38 AM

That and through a great group of friends. I am not mentoring a friends daughter, still in HS who wants to get started. That's when I started too, so I am happy to help.

I learned a lot from trial and error. I hope she will learn more from trial and less from error!

Brekke

Sybrina

07-03-2004, 09:33 AM

My Mom was a shutter bug and I picked up where she left off. Went digital a few years back and only use a "film" camera when there's no other way around it. I love playing with the settings on my camera. I think this is a great place to share our common interest. It is fun to share a pic of something and know that you guys might "get" why I took it :p

Mike Wozowski

07-03-2004, 11:41 AM

anything i know is self taught.

i did take one photojournalism class in college.

i got the highest grade in the class. i am sure that was the ONLY time that EVER happened!

canay

07-03-2004, 07:31 PM

I just finished the LVS Online Digital Photography Class. Other than that I am self taught.

Canay

Audrey

07-03-2004, 08:44 PM

I'm self taught, also. I've always loved photography and now that I have a digital camera I love it even more. It's amazing what can be accomplished with a not-so-fancy camera: mine's a Sony Cybershot DSC-P52(3.2 MP, 2x optical zoom).

lthompson4

07-08-2004, 05:30 PM

I started out as self-taught, but then enrolled in the home-study course with New York Institute of Photography (www.nyip.com), and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn photography...I'm about 1/3 through it, and I love it.

I was a runner-up winner in the Ritz Camera "Capture Your World" Contest for 2003, and I've had a 2nd place win and a finalist spot at betterphoto.com. You can see some of my photos at betterphoto at http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGallByMember.asp?mem=34407, if you like :)

I'm new to theses forums, and I hope to learn a lot from you guys.

Kayley

I was checking out the classes from the New York Institute of Photography and then went to betterphoto.com and noticed that they had classes too. Did you look into them at all before choosing NYI? Just curious since the price is a lot lower (I know they are shorter classes).

Which of the two NYI classes are you taking? Did you know much about photography before you started?

Thanks!
Lisa

emurph2

07-20-2004, 03:15 PM

I did take one Betterphoto class called "Digital Photography". I learned so much about my camera and really enjoyed the learning experience and lessons. I would recommend it to anyone who would like to learn a little more about photography. I read books, magazines and practice and experiment the stuff I read about. I also have learned TONS from talking to professional photographers. They have always been so generous in helping me and that has helped me take my photography to another level. The library is a wonderful source for information. There are so many books on photography and it's fun to explore it and see what you like and don't like. Photo boards like this one are a great place to learn as well.

Erica

SuzanneCWalker

07-20-2004, 04:03 PM

OOOOOOOh! I keep thinking that I've replied here! I'm completely self-taught... I have read everything I can get my hands on - particularly from friends who've taken classes online and elsewhere... But I've never had formal education. Honestly, I just take a ton of pictures and then just seem to KNOW when something is IT. Does that make any sense? So, I can't tell you one technical term to save my life, but I can tell you when something ZINGS me..... And then I go and find out why.

I can't TELL you how much I've learned from forums like these, though, and I really have all my parts crossed that this will be just a HOPPING place with TONS of inspiration....... Like NOW!!!!

Clark2006

02-24-2006, 03:06 PM

How much does the New York Institute of Photography Home Study Course cost?:D

Janet

02-24-2006, 04:15 PM

Well, I've taken all of Suzanne's classes which gave me a HUGE boost and a great start! Since then I've taken one class at betterphoto (on stock photography -- want to know options for the future), and am saving up for antoher one there hopefully for the April/May session.

Stacey

02-24-2006, 05:06 PM

How much does the New York Institute of Photography Home Study Course cost?:D

$900, which is why I haven't been able to sign up for it yet :(

Stacey

02-24-2006, 05:11 PM

I'm self taught so far. I read every book I can get my hands on, and I practically live at www.ilovephotography.com when I'm not here. I've learned so much just by browsing the forums over there. I would love to take the NYIP course someday, but can't justify the price right now. I'm still trying to decide if I want to be a professional photographer when I grow up ;) :p

karma

02-24-2006, 05:53 PM

I too am self-taught. Or as my DH says 'obsessed' with photography. I have been shooting for about 8-9 years and volunteered for every opportunity to shoot at my kids school or friends weddings, etc. to get experience. I ended up being the 'school yearbook photographer' at my kids high school for about 3 years. That was so fun. When I got a digital camera it really opened up the door to my learning curve as you can shoot and shoot and shoot and try all kinds of settings and get immediate feedback on what you're doing - right or wrong. I think it has been the biggest tool for me in becoming a better photographer. I am STILL 'obsessed'!!

mbarnes252

02-24-2006, 06:29 PM

I am self-taught also. I have requested the info to start the home-study class at (www.nyip.com), but have not sent in app yet. I can't wait to start it. Thanks Kayley for the thumbs up on the program. It gives me a little more ammunition for DH to say lets do it! ;)

cherebus

02-24-2006, 08:25 PM

I'm mostly self taught. My dad was a shutterbug and gave me my first camera at 7years old. I took a couple classes in HS which included darkroom time and shooting for the yearbook. Then in college I took a creative photography class. Other than that I just play with the camera until I get what I want. It's much easier to do with digital because I can just delete mistakes. I worked for a photolab for seven years when I was shooting film, in order to suppliment my habit.

DSanchez

02-24-2006, 11:23 PM

I dont really consider myself taught at all. I have not ventured outside of the auto mode on my camera.

lol, I feel you, all that I have learned and still sooooo much to learn. I have a lower end digital where self settings aren't really possible, so all I use is the auto setting and my only real choices at this point is "To Flash or Not To Flash" that is the question, LOL

Anywho, when I can afford a better camera I am sooooo sure there will be sooooo much more to learn but I take it one day at a time. As for classes, don't have the time with a husband, two kids, sole income, full time job, part time business and all the other daily drama, which as you can imagine also puts me at the no extra money end of the line situation :rolleyes:

hoskinsjan

02-25-2006, 04:20 AM

I'm self taught (if that's what you can call it, lol). I don't really have the time or resources to undertake lessons or anything. I've only really been doing digital photography for about a year though, and really have no idea what my camera is capable of. As soon as I start reading the manual, if it starts to get too technical it just goes straight over my head. I'm a real point and click type of person and as long as I get a good shot, I'm happy.

yessenia1974

02-25-2006, 05:33 AM

I don't know what mean taught, but i'm a freelance photographer, my father has a photographic title from the old school and I learn with him a view about black and white photographs. Also years ago in the school I did a small course of photography for manual cameras and now sice I have digital camera view months ago I'm trying to learn everything about digital. I love photography!

PeggyC

02-25-2006, 09:29 AM

I'm self-taught. I did take a photography course at the local college last year and spend a lot of time at the forums at dpreview.com. Thankfully, the people there have been very gracious and give tutorials on macros, night shots, portraits, etc. I've learned so much there!!

Sandersmr

02-25-2006, 11:05 AM

What is LVS? I'm interested in finding a good photography course, and online may be the only way to go for now. Also, how's the cost? Reasonable?

aussiesunset

02-25-2006, 11:17 PM

I only did high school photography and loved it. Can't remember all the info for manual stuff as I haven't been able to afford a SLR camera....one day though I will get one. The rest is just trial and error and went digital about 3 years with a real cheapy. Upgraded to another cheapy but better and saving for my next but better camera. All my kids get into taking pics and have just all bought themselves a canon A410 each. They are learning heeps the way I did trial and error with imagination thrown in for good measure lol I just sneak off with their cameras sometimes lol

Shutterbug1975

02-28-2006, 12:50 PM

I'm self taught too - but i had my first camera at age 13 and never stopped since then! Now I am in love with my digital Canon Rebel XT :) My kids think I'm their papparazzi!~

DSanchez

02-28-2006, 01:01 PM

My kids think I'm their papparazzi!~

I can so relate to that, lol.

I also invested in a couple of camera's for my kids this christmas. I want them to see and learn the love I have for photography.

Jennifer

03-03-2006, 02:54 PM

Selt taught..... does it show?!??? LOL I love learning, absorbing, viewing, studying, trying, playing, practicing, editing, EVERYTHING.... :)

SonyaL

03-04-2006, 11:26 PM

I am self taught I learned the most from Trial and Error.
I started with a Canon 35 MM years ago lots of spare lenses etc, got a second Canon 35 mm used them both until I got the first point and shoot digital back then they were 1.3 MP it was a HP. Got a second digital it was a Kodak easy share takes great pics by the way and it was a 3.2 MP.
Recently I purchased the Canon digital SLR Hybrid its 8.0 MP and I am still learning the camera. I am so addicted to taking pics in 5 weeks I have taken almost 2000 pics. I know I am so bad.

Alot of people think its all in the camera but truly a good photographer can take a great pic with any camera you just have to have an eye for photography and composition.

My favorite photography shots were done outside natural lighting is the best.

Sonya

karma

03-05-2006, 11:27 AM

"Alot of people think its all in the camera but truly a good photographer can take a great pic with any camera "

This reminds me of a great analogy I heard once...

Someone complimented a guy on his great photos and said 'Your pictures are great, what kind of camera do you have?'

The photographer replied 'When you have a great meal do you ask what kind of pots and pans were used?'

I have always gone back to this story and just smile when people ask that question.

SonyaL

03-05-2006, 11:50 AM

LOL I have not heard the pots and pans version.

I have seen people with high dollar cameras who can't take pics worth a darn and I have seen people with simple point and shoot cameras take very proffesional pics.
I tried to teach our kids how to take good pics early on.
The one who listened the most was our youngest whos 14 he has a good eye for it. The other 3 don't take time to get that perfect pic.
So now I am working on our 3 yr old grandaughter she has my first digital she pretends to take pics when I am taking them its so funny because she closes her eye and pulls the camera down pushes the button an then gets a pic of the floor. When viewing her pics on the viewfinder she tells me I did it I did it. I just laugh. I am starting her off early so it has time to sink it LOL.

Sonya

sshantii

03-05-2006, 12:00 PM

Im both self taught then i went to college to do an advanced digital photography course and to be honest was totally dissapointed with the content of the whole thing. I ended up doing a lot of the explaining different things to class mates, and we spent most of our time in photoshop rather than in depth on the camera stuff. I would have gotten more from it if i didnt already have a thorough background with photoshop, so just attended the classes to attain my certificate!
:rolleyes:

sadiebeth799

03-06-2006, 04:27 AM

I'm self taught as far as photography, but I do have a bit of art training. I took art classes all through high school and was majoring in it in college before I had to drop out.

I didn't get into photography until my husband and I bought our first digital camera in 2002 (Sony Mavica CD-200). I loved being able to just shoot and shoot until I got good pictures. My art training really helps me with composition. I just upgraded to the CD500 and love it. I have been learning all the settings and things and I have macro, wide, and telephoto lenses for it, as well as a tripod. We took a nature walk today in our neighborhood and I think I got some good shots that I'm going to play around with.

I'm all self taught on Photoshop too. I didn't even read any tutorials until I got CS2 last year. I only did then because I wanted to start making the most of this program. I have come a long way, I'm embarrassed of my work from then like you would be a yearbook picture.

nancy1021

03-06-2006, 11:42 AM

I just enrolled into New York Institute of Photography. Last week I received the first 3 lessons. I am so impressed with them. I tried to memorize the F stops and the shatter speed, but could not. After these 3 lessons, I got it! The explanations were so clear. I am havin a time of my life lerning photography. Before that I used to use camera only on automatic.

Clark2006

03-15-2006, 02:31 PM

I was checking out the classes from the New York Institute of Photography and then went to betterphoto.com and noticed that they had classes too. Did you look into them at all before choosing NYI? Just curious since the price is a lot lower (I know they are shorter classes).

Which of the two NYI classes are you taking? Did you know much about photography before you started?

Thanks!
Lisa

HYIP sounds really expensive, but you get to take 30 courses for $748 (with full payment plan)! Whereas at better photo, you only get one course for around $300. NYIP is actually a better bargain! I just enrolled. Can't wait to get my stuff and start learining.

Clark2006

03-15-2006, 02:33 PM

I have a Canon EOS Rebel. Not the digital one. I love it. I would love to one day own the Digital Rebel XT! But as the saying goes...It's not the camera, it's the person holding the camera!

SonyaL

03-15-2006, 02:34 PM

What was it in their lessons that made the memorizing easier?

Sonya

Clark2006

03-15-2006, 02:34 PM

HYIP sounds really expensive, but you get to take 30 courses for $748 (with full payment plan)! Whereas at better photo, you only get one course for around $300. NYIP is actually a better bargain! I just enrolled. Can't wait to get my stuff and start learining.

And with the full payment plan you also get a FREE professional camera bag, a professional monopod, a professional cleaning kit, and the national geographic photography guide!

It's really awesome!

Stacey

03-15-2006, 03:02 PM

nancy1021

03-15-2006, 03:05 PM

I did not check out Better Photo. I put into search "photography schools" and came up with NYPI and school in San Francisco. I checked out that one. It cost $1,800 per class. To get AA degree cost $32,000. I wanted some accredited school, that I could put on my business card or website "graduate of......" So $749 did not seam that much for what I was getting.
The explanation of F stops and shutter speed was so simple, that I did not need to memorize it, I actually understood it. There was also a DVD to put into a DVD player and watch on your TV where they show what they are talking about. Two guys are having a conversation, asking each other questions and aswering them. I liked it.
I also checked out "Not your normal photography" course http://www.artbyfarr.com/Pam%20Farr%20School%20Info.htm
and decided that it was a gimmick for them to make money at our expense.
Prior to this class I liked photography, but used only point-and-shoot camera, did not have money or time to invest into photography as a hobby. It was too expensive for me.
Congratulation, Stacey! Fellow student!
Maybe we can share our questions and experiences.
Did you do any photography before?

Stacey

03-17-2006, 09:15 AM

"Maybe we can share our questions and experiences."

Sounds great, Nancy! I can't wait to get my materials. I've only been an amateur photographer up to this point. Self-taught. I'm so excited about taking classes and learning and getting better!

Bethanne

03-17-2006, 10:39 AM

Clark2006

03-17-2006, 11:33 AM

I can't wait to get my things either. They will also teach you how to develop your own pictures. I've always wanted to know how to do that!

Stacey

03-18-2006, 07:52 AM

Stacey.....will you keep me posted on how you like it? I'm considering going that route as well.

Absolutely, Bethanne! :D

okieinalaska

03-18-2006, 02:55 PM

I had looked into doing the NYIP as well but at the time I only had a film slr. Now I am moving up and probably this fall will sign up to take the class. GLad to hear you all have good things to say about it. : )

Amy in Alaska

Clark2006

03-21-2006, 03:21 PM

You can use a film SLR with NYIP class. I love my film camera, lol. I am getting an upgrade though. I just always get my photos on disc when I get them developed, so that works for me.

okieinalaska

03-21-2006, 03:58 PM

Yeah, I know but I didn't want too. I wanted to wait until I got a dslr.

: )

Amy

nancy1021

03-22-2006, 11:40 AM

Stacey

03-22-2006, 02:50 PM

By the way, I would like to share with all of you that because I am a student at NYIP, I was able to buy a program "Neat Image", which gets rid of the noise in digital pics, for a discount price. Saving of $25. I scaned my student card and sent it to them, and got Neat Image Pro+ instead of Neat Image Home+.

That's awesome, Nancy! I have heard that some places will give you a discount with your student card. Very cool! I'm still IMPATIENTLY waiting for my first unit to arrive!!!

Sandersmr

03-22-2006, 04:44 PM

Hmmm - wonder how much PSCS2 would be with a NYIP student card? $900 for card plus....

nancy1021

03-22-2006, 05:33 PM

Not all companies offer a discount. However, I have seen ads for software for students, or something like this, or try this site http://wareondemand.com/

Sandersmr

03-22-2006, 07:58 PM

Are sites like this really legitimate? I can't believe that PSCS2 is only $69.

nancy1021

03-22-2006, 11:17 PM

I am not sure, I would not be able to afford $600 program. If it did not cost that much, maybe these sites would not exist.

SonyaL

03-23-2006, 12:15 AM

Our daughter is a college student she got MS Office 2003 at the student rate of 35.00 at the bookstore at her college.
So students do get a good rate this is a 400.00 program.
Most new computers just come with MS works.
Oh her college has the PSCS2 is 300 there and Elements is 69.00

Sonya

Sandersmr

03-31-2006, 08:33 AM

For those taking the NYPI courses, how are they working out? Are they worth the bucks?

nancy1021

03-31-2006, 06:03 PM

Unit 1 consisted of 3 lessons was great. I learned a lot. I am waiting for unit 2 and 3 now. I sent them email asking why I did not get it yet. The next day got a message back that they are sorry for the delay, it will be sent out shortly. I think it's worth the money. It's a prestigeous school. I suppose I could take classes at BetterPhoto.com, but every class cost $300 and total becomes much more then for one course of NYIP.