So You Want To Take a Photography Class

Digital photography classes are popping up everywhere: community centers, on-line sites, Facebook, and continuing adult education programs, just to name a few. A digital photography class should not be too different from a traditional photography class. Other than the White Balance setting in digital cameras, a digital camera and a film camera work exactly the same when it comes to exposure and composition. Most of the settings and features are going to look and work the same way as well.

In any photography class, you should be taught the features, settings, how to change and use these settings, and when it's appropriate to use them. You should also discuss some standard accessories such as batteries, memory cards, filters, tripods, and various lenses.

While digital photography classes are often held indoors in classrooms, great classes will include some hands-on work with your camera with an instructor who demonstrate how the settings, features, and exposure settings work on YOUR camera and allow time for you to become comfortable with your camera in the classroom environment. Homework assignments are a great tool and allow you to work on what you learned in class while at home, and help reinforce technical skills.

The word PHOTOGRAPHY comes from the Greek language and literally means: light writing. Learning how to manage and control light is the main concept of any photography class. No photography class would be complete without a discussion on light sources, how light affects subjects, how to understand the way your camera sees light, and what accessories you can use to manipulate light. Exposure (auto, programmed, program, priority controls, and manual) are the tools of light control. A serious photography class will not only provide an overview of exposure, detail the components of exposure, and how to use the components of exposure, but will also involve discussion and hands-on use to ensure you know how each exposure setting works, the advantages of each, and when to use what type of exposure.

In addition to instruction on how to use your camera, a great photography class will include discussion around your creative eye and how you see the world. Composition techniques will evolve out of creativity discussions and assignments help strengthen and grow creativity. A solid foundation of photography vocabulary will help you define your own photographic style and help reinforce your creative eye.

Another advantage of taking a photography class also allows you to set aside a specific time period each week to focus on your photography. As the adage states: the more you shoot, the better you get and homework provides you with a topic for you to shoot to help you shoot more.

You don't learn how to drive a car by reading a manual. Don't expect to learn how to use your camera from your manual either. Whether you are a beginner, a hobbyist, an amateur, or someone looking to just understand how their camera works - a photography class will not only help you become a better photographer, you are sure to have plenty of fun!