Learning photography - How to Choose the Right Course?

Learning photography is more and more popular these days with the advent of digital photography and the present accessibility of the medium, not to mention it's considerably cheaper than it used to be! Yet with this revolutionary development a great deal of questions have arisen about the best way to learn photography.

Numerous online course have sprung up, as well as courses at private schools, not to mention a plethora of degree courses, of varying levels of depth. It's not surprising the beginner has trouble choosing which course may be right for them.

Why Do You Want to Learn Photography?

First, it's necessary you decide what exactly you are looking for in view of learning photography. If you are just looking to improve your digital photography as a hobby, and already have a busy career or family life then you might just be better off checking-out many online web sites offering digital photography tips and tutorials.

But if you are looking to actually gain a degree, then your criteria will be quite different.

Perhaps at this point I should mention private schools, giving photography courses. With these I would suggest some caution, as many are expensive and do not always fulfill the candidates expectation. A simple check online for former students reviews is therefore always a must, in my opinion.

Where degree courses are concerned, you should really find out the level and experience of your future teachers, as this one factor will govern three to four years of your life, and in theory, your photographic career.

I had the good fortune of having a working professional of thirty years plus teaching me, and at a stage in his life where he wanted to pass on his knowledge to the next generation.

So, make sure you find out more about the teachers from former students, or the faculty, where possible.

Your Course Content Requirements

Instead of just deciding to do photography as a career in general, it would be better to decide where you feel your main interests lie in photography, and make sure the degree course you are choosing offers that as part of the course.

There are many different kinds of photographers such as photojournalists, wedding photographers, commercial photographers (products and stock photography) and fashion photographers, to name but a few. You don't have to decide on one necessarily before gaining experience, but deciding on your general area of interest is important so you can make a valid choice of course.

For example, Brooks Institutes' degree course offers a choice for students to specialize later in their degree course in photography in advertising, commercial photography or portraiture.

Whichever kind of course you choose, online photography courses, a short private school course or a degree course, make sure you research it more fully so you don't end up disappointed. Photography can make for a varied and exciting career, but no matter what you choose, personal motivation is always a must and will be needed for a successful career.

lawrence o donnell rachel maddow dodgers magic johnson jetblue pilot solicitor general neighborhood watch