How Do I Locate a Good Online Photography Class?
If you want to be a better photographer for fun, all you need is the drive and interest. Make sure you are dedicated enough to make it worth the expense. You probably don’t want to invest a lot of money if you can’t invest the time. Be realistic about what you have time and energy to accomplish; then choose accordingly.
If you are thinking about becoming a professional photographer, take an honest look at yourself. Successful photographers tend to have certain personality traits:
- Business aptitude (if you’re going to open your own studio or work freelance)
- Creativity
- Dedication
- Flexibility
- Independence
- Interpersonal skills
- Observation skills
- Patience
- Confidence
Finding Online Classes
You can take online courses and learn a great deal about photography in a matter of weeks or months. However, if you’re looking for a degree (either an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s) you’d need to invest far more time in a more comprehensive school.
Do you need a degree? According to some experts, you may not -- even if you want to be a professional. Although degrees open doors in many fields, it may not be necessary in photography. Superior work is usually highly valued. It won’t matter if you have a degree if your photos are not compelling.
If you decide you are looking for classes online, there are several considerations.
Free Information
You can find free information about many photography subjects online. These are not classes; they are just resources. Some websites you can find are:
Onlinephotography.net offers free articles and videos with information from professionals covering a wide array of topics:
- Black and white photography
- Creative techniques
- Home studios
- Macro photography
- Sunset shots
- Tripod use
Duke University offerings answers on many technical, equipment, and creative topics:
- Editing photos
- Printing photographs
- Purchasing camera equipment
- Storing photographs
- Taking portraits
- Using flash photography
National Geographic has a site with photography technique tips:
- Group shots
- Landscape photography
- Macro photos
- Panning
- Point of view shots
- Travel photography
The National Wildlife Refuge System provides information about nature photography, offering suggestions about the following:
- Being patient
- Finding interesting subjects
- Focusing on the subject
- Photographing in different light
- Photographing from different angles
- Respecting nature
- Using different equipment
Commercial Classes
If you really want a more formal, comprehensive, and personal approach, you need to decide what your goal is. Fun? Employment? Do you need the basics or are you looking to enhance your current skills? You want to find a course of study that is a match. Here are some considerations to help you evaluate sites you find online:
- How much can you spend? Schools vary a great deal.
- Does the school offer what you need? If, later on, you decide you want to advance further, is that available?
- Are courses offered at your ability level? Be realistic about your skills.
- How long has the school been in existence? Does it have a track record?
- How much interaction do you get with an instructor?
- Is it possible to share your work and get feedback from other students?
- Is there advising for students?
- What does the website look like? Is it attractive, easy to read, clear, and well edited? If they are in the business of visual arts, their site should be excellent.
- Who are the instructors? Have they worked professionally as photographers?