I'm new to photography and want to take some classes to get to know my camera better and more about phtography. What would you recommend:

You can usually audit college classes for a fraction of the cost of tuition.  Basically, you just get to sit in on the class - nothing is ever graded, and you don't have to turn anything in.  This is a great option for a lot of things, including bored retirees that just want to take classes for the heck of it.  Something to ask about...

Sorry, I don't know about the Ritz classes to be of much help with specifics. 

great idea! Thanks!

That is a good idea and all that I can add is that when we go to the mall I spend my time at Ritz never to buy anything but because the guys that work there are photo buffs and many of them teach the classes.  They are very interesting to talk to and seem to know their stuff.  To far away for us to take a class but if I was closer I might think about it.

Bret

also check out your local School District's Adult Education program. these will often be cheaper and easier to get into than a Community College.

Im not sure where you live but here in Ga. there is a great school called Showcase. There is no grading only class critiques of your work. They have tons of great classes. Some last 1 or 2 days and others are 1 day a week for 6 weeks. It is SO awesome!!!!!!!

Just curious, where in GA is the classes? How much does it cost?

Thanks BBurrell

BBurrell~

http://www.theshowcaseschool.com/site/Default.asp?Page=17

Here is a link to the school. The prices are incredible and so are the classes. I have taken 2 so far and will take my 3rd in feb. Where are you in Ga?

I've taken some classes at Betterphoto.com.  They offer a wide variety of things and I took a "getting to know your camera" class that I really learned a lot from.  It's nice because you can do it at your leisure...

 Good luck!

are any of these online classes? I live in a rural town with no college classes or adult ed classes within 45 miles...

I really LOVED taking classes at the community college - even when I had to drive a ways.  I learned so much, and met alot of people that I'm still great friends with.

I took a studio lighting course one summer as an adult education selection from our local community college.  It was only 8 weeks I think (one evening a week), no grades or course credit, but I loved it.  Very good instructor, good class and it gave me the nudge to get lights and expand beyond just outdoor portraiture.  I think local CC's can be a great option for a variety of photography courses.

Need more advice please :)

Well, I'm sure a 15-week, 3 hour credit course would cover things in more depth, but the shorter one might get you started and then you can decide if you want more structured instruction or if that gives you the info you need to get going on your own.  I'd call and see if you can talk to the instructor if there is no course info.  If so, I'm sure they would be happy to give you more info on what it covers.

Has anyone tried this school? I came accross it on the internet www.mlkstudios.com Just curious.

I taught a continuing ed class in our town and tailored it to the people who came out to the class.   Everyone had a great time and they taught me some things.

i am in northeast ga about 1 hr north of Atl. Thanks for the link'

BBurrell

SLP:

I'm new to photography and want to take some classes to get to know my camera better and more about phtography. What would you recommend:

classes at Ritz camera or taking a full semester at community college? The only reason I hesitate for the college course, it's 15 weeks long which is fine but I'm not really looking to get a grade or get credits from the class, which is what I will be doing. I do want to learn as much as I can though and so will go the best route. Is there another option I'm missing? I've looked for private classes on craigs list, but there aren't any out there.

Thanks!

I'm not sure where you are located, but here in Charlotte one of the camera stores puts on classes taught by incredible instructors. 

stephie

BBurrell

The continuing education Department at Gainesville College offers photography classes.  I think the ones for the winter semester have already started, and I'm not sure when the spring will start.  I haven't taked any of the classes yet but my sister and I have talked about it.

I took a great class with snapfactory here in AZ.  This was taught by 2 photographers.  I bet you could find some trainings put on by photographers in your area.

CArrie

BBurrell:

i am in northeast ga about 1 hr north of Atl. Thanks for the link'

BBurrell

 

Theres an AWESOME school called Showcase in Atlanta. The classes are amazing and the prices are awesome! Heres the link http://www.theshowcaseschool.com I know its not very close but its so worth it!

SLP:

I just got the 30D but don't know how to change any of the settings or what they even do really. I had a few classes more than 10 years ago. The manual is not much help! :)

The best and biggest classroom is sitting right in front of you...your computer screen.

No mater if you chose to pay for clases or not, the amount of information you can get in the internet is amaizing. My mother once told me that the secret to success is to read everything that comes infornt of you...even if you're not interested in it, or if it doesn't make sense to you at the time. The more you read and research the more the little dots start to get connected.

Study other photograpghers work...studio, nature, commercial,weddings, sports, all of it. Pick up magazines at the news stands. Buy books form Amazon. Lurch around photogrpahy forums. If you are serious about learning more about photography you can never go wrong by researching on the net and the best part is that you can do it all while still wearing your pj's! Good luck and don't be afraid to show us some of your work!