Stinky, HE, or other photography-types

TheDuckis

I've been thinking about taking a photography class, but I'm kindof overwhelmed by the choices. The local community colleges all seem to want me to take a full course-load of classes when all I want is the basics. Some of them even have film-camera prerequisites. I don't need a degree in photography, I just want to take 1, maybe 2 courses.

We have a really nice DSLR camera that I know next-to-nothing about. I'd like to be able to actually use the thing without feeling like a fool, and be able to take nice pictures on trips and stuff. I'd also be interested in some basic photo editing.

What kind of classes should I be looking for? Would just something through Wolf Camera fit my needs, or are there specific classes I should be looking into at the community college level?

**Stinky!**

I know HE took some classes, but I'm not sure where.

I'd go for something through a camera shop first - they have bare-bones, just-the-basics classes pretty often. Watch for "Canon/Nikon Nights."

One of the best tips I got early on was to read your manual front to back. Don't just skim - sit there with your camera and learn how to use it as if it were any other piece of electronic equipment. I've done that with both my cameras and there were many "Huh. So that's what that does" moments.

Can you talk to an instructor at the CC? Ask them if they think their class would be good for you.

*Barbie*

Ritz Camera offers classes and a "photography club" type group where you get together with others and can pick up tips or techniques that way. (At least the one in Philly does...)

I do not have a fancy camera, but I like to take pictures, and have been fooling around with photoshop elements a lot.

TheDuckis

Thanks. Reading the manual is good advice, actually. I tried it once, but need to actually follow through. I think I'm going to take something through a camera shop to get started, and then decide if I want to expand beyond that.