Will someone Recommend a good online photography course?

[cfrederick]

I am technically poor in photography and would like to take a couple online courses. There are so many to choose from and its hard to tell their quality.

Any suggestions?
cfrederick

[halesr]

I don't feel I can recommend a specific course, but I can recommend an online site where you might be able to find a course to fit your needs.

The site is http://www.betterphoto.com

I have taken 3 courses there (one 4-wk and two 8-wk). When I wanted to learn more about photoshop, I took a course from Jim Zuckerman. Here are the images from the assignments
http://www.pbase.com/halesr/creative_photoshop_course_images

I got a new macro lens and wanted to know how to use it. I took a course from Brenda Tharp. Here are images from that course.
http://www.pbase.com/halesr/macro_experiments

The classes are not cheap. You have weekly assignments and critiques. I found the quality of the critiques to be excellent. You can select from a wide variety of courses targeted to your learning needs. I enjoyed all of the classes that I took. They do have a money back guarantee. If you decide it is not working for you prior to the 3rd lesson, you can get your money back.

I am not affiliated with BetterPhoto and get nothing for making this recommendation. Hope this helps--Rene

[betterphoto]

Hello Rene, just wanted to say your photos look fantastic and I am so glad you enjoyed the course. I love the image of horses and peonies. Jim Zuckerman really is a great teacher and we are proud to have him on board. Check out our new course listings - we are excited with the improvements.

[fayewhite]

I would also highly recommend BetterPhoto.com.

[clickaway]

Before you commit your dollars, I would first take a look at what you could achieve by looking around on the web at things that don't cost you a penny.

Out there you will find tips on composition and photoshop, as well as what you might find 'technical'.

I have never taken any course. I get my inspiration from photos on here and in magazines etc. I find buying a magazine like Photography Monthly (published in the UK, not sure of availability in Germany) helpful.

Ray

[annayu]

Instead of online courses, find a good photographer who lives near you and make friends with him/her. Sometimes they want to supplement their income by giving private lessons. Find one who has a studio.

[betterphoto]

Hello again,

To respond to clickaway's comments, I must say that I agree. You can find so much good, free information and tutorials on how to make better photos - at BetterPhoto and many, many other sites.

The thing that you get in a BetterPhoto course is direct interaction and feedback on your photos. This is where it gets really exciting, and where the learning becomes especially accelerated.

Getting in-person instruction from a local photographer would of course give you this interaction, too, as would joining an on-location photo workshop (I love the latter because they are such fun adventures). However both of these options are much more expensive than an online course.

[mhphoto]

Betterphoto.com is the place to go.

[halesr]

I agree betterphoto is quite good. I have taken 4 courses there. But, I was very disappointed in the last 4-week course I took. I can't say I didn't have any warning as the instructor raised the question about it being the right course for me in the first week. Guess that was my clue to see about changing courses or getting my money back.

The critiques were rather inane and OVERLY nice. At the site you fill out a survey saying how you want to be critiqued and I always check the brutally frank type as I feel I have had enough experience to take it like a woman.

Also, the instructor asked a question and I answered it and he just sort of disappeared. Never heard from him again. Thought that was a little odd as he was asking how I had done something and I responded with specific steps.

So, bottom line, whatever place you choose, you still have the issue of selecting the appropriate course to meet you needs.--Rene

[armalite44]

http://www.ppsop.com/index.html

I am finishing up Bryan Peterson's "Understand Exposure" class and gotta say I loved it. $400.00 for 8 weeks. He also has a book out under that same name and it's one you should have. The class pretty much is the book but with better explanations. I would highly recommend his course.

[pnd1]

Have you seen my "Cyberbook on Expressive Travel Photography?" It's not an on-line course, but it might make a useful reference for you. I have posted over a thousand images in more than 40 galleries on different aspects of the art of travel photography. I would welcome your comments and questions and I will be happy to respond.

Good luck,
Phil Douglis
http://www.pbase.com/pnd1

[kerrym]

Wow, these courses are costly! Maybe join a local camera club.... ? People usually like to share their techniques in clubs.

[macha]

I have been looking on-line myself and was wondering if anyone out there has even taken the New York Institute of Photography courses.

I'm trying to follow my heart and become a professional without moving away from my rural area and family. On-line seems to be the way to go.

Any input is, as always, is greatly appreciated.

[halesr]

You might want to check this thread. There was a long discussion of NYIP.

http://forum.pbase.com/viewtopic.php?t=18564&highlight=york+institute+photography

I think some folks actually tried it and you could follow up with them more directly.--Rene

[macha]

Thank you Rene for the link. I did a search and came up dry.

Peace