Online Photography Courses

[Darkhorse]

Although I'm a photographer by profession, my academic credentials in this field are rather lacking. I've just taken a basic course in university. I know very little about lighting, studio settings, doing more ambitious things etc.

I've seen adds for online courses for this stuff on facebook in between the hideous MAKE A BABY ads and JOIN THE FBI ads. Has anyone here done anything like this? Good idea? Bad idea?

http://www.academyart.edu/

Because I share a car it's difficult for me to go to the Photography school at Orange Coast College for instance. I thought that since I work independently as a photographer then an online course would be perfect. However many people pooh-pooh credentials obtained online.

Also, I feel I learn better with someone. However I need very little instruction to get going. This has happened a few times in the past years. All I need is for someone to show me how to do something and I'm pretty much good with little problem. Reading about doing something doesn't imprint on me as much.

Anyway I'll quit rambling. Thoughts?

 

[easyrider]

If you are making it financially as a photographer, why worry about academic credentials?

Just lay yourself out a plan. Know your cameras and lenses. There are lots of videos and online resources dealing with studio and outdoor lighting. Make a list of what you want to learn and maybe find someone local who will tutor you. There are also lots of workshops that are short term.

I do not think that academia is the answer.

Tell us what you shoot!

 

[Darkhorse]

I'm a numismatic photographer. I actually photograph coins for a company called Professional Coin Grading Service. I photograph some very very expensive pieces of metal. Up to and including in the millions of dollars. It's a limited niche.

Lately I've needed to expand my skillset for a broader array of subjects like headshots, product, videography etc.

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

Although I'm a photographer by profession, my academic credentials in this field are rather lacking. I've just taken a basic course in university. I know very little about lighting, studio settings, doing more ambitious things etc.

Wow!...talk about running before you can walk! - if you are already a professional through 'knowing very little' ( I wonder how? ) you seem to be doing fine without 'academic credentials'! and could probably progress a little by just listening to the hundreds of experts around here!🙂

 

[Damaso]

Credentials are not all that important in this field so I wouldn't worry about it. There are lots of photographers (including myself) that offer online courses. What I would recommend is finding someone to work with one on one. You'll get more out of it at the end of the day...

 

[John Lawrence]

I second Damaso's comments above.

I've learnt more in a few hours working one to one than I have from any of the correspondence courses I've taken.

The only cautionary note I would add is to make sure you get the right person. From my experience (and to my cost) I've found out that there are people out there who only want to show you their way of doing things (including their vision) and will insist that you replicate it, even going so far as having to own and use the equipment they own and use.

John

 

[Damaso]

The only cautionary note I would add is to make sure you get the right person. From my experience (and to my cost) I've found out that there are people out there who only want to show you their way of doing things (including their vision) and will insist that you replicate it, even going so far as having to own and use the equipment they own and use.

John

For sure. A good teacher will show you what you want to learn. But nearly every teacher will be biased. Find someone whose work you respect and take it from there...