adminAre Photography Classes Worth It?
Thinking about kick-starting your hobby or career with professional photography classes? As someone who has taken a lot of photography courses, I know first-hand that they have both advantages and disadvantages. I’ll break them down for you so that you can determine if photography classes are the right choice for you.
Pros:
Photography classes can be a helpful way to learn the basics
If you’re just starting out, photography classes can be a great way to learn the ropes. They’ll teach you basics like what equipment to use, what settings your camera has, how to identify the right angles, how to light and frame a shot, and maybe even how to do some introductory editing. For a beginner, photography courses are a good way to get up to speed quickly!
An online photography course costs less than a professional photoshoot
Photography class prices range from free to around a hundred dollars, depending on the level of instruction. If you’re looking for free online photography courses, there are lots of options. For something a bit more formal, opt for some affordable ones on SkillShare or Udemy, where classes can be found for around $15-$25. At the end of the day, even an advanced photography class with an experienced instructor will probably cost less than a photoshoot with a professional photographer.
You will get critical feedback from students and instructors
One of the tricky things about photography, as with any form of art, is that you never know how your work is progressing. It’s difficult to give unbiased criticism on your own shots. The honest feedback you receive from a photography instructor or your peers will help you recognize your strengths and weaknesses so that you can develop your skills and improve over time.
You will make connections in the photography community
Aside from learning how to take good photos, photography classes are a great way to get out into the community and meet people with similar interests. You could make friends or even valuable connections with your instructor, guest instructors, or fellow students. Networking is an important part of professional photography! Even if you’re not looking to make a career out of photography, having friends or colleagues with whom you can shoot or compare work is always fun and helpful.
You will build your portfolio
If you’re aiming to turn this hobby into a career, or if you’re just hoping to get some decent art to admire for years to come, a photography course is a great way to build a quality portfolio. As you improve, you’ll find more and more of your work is worth keeping. Show it to friends, family, or even potential employers or clients. Learning photography is hard work… you should be getting something concrete out of it!
You will have access to camera equipment
If you’re just starting out, you may not have anything other than a standard camera. Maybe you don’t even have a camera yet! Many in-person photography classes offer the use of professional camera equipment, either included in the cost of the class or at a small additional price. You might also have access to advanced lighting equipment, editing software, and more tools to help develop well-rounded photography skills without breaking the bank or filling your closet with gear.
You will be able to ask a real photographer questions
Unless you’ve made a mistake in choosing your course, the instructor will probably be an experienced photographer themselves. That means you have instant access to a professional who knows how to answer your questions and help guide you. Not sure how to light your shot properly? Ask! A little confused about your camera settings? Just ask! It’s their job to be by your side as you learn the ins and outs of photography.
Having lessons to follow will make it easier to stay focused and on task
Maybe you’re a fantastic self-starter with endless amounts of determination and focus. Or… maybe you’re like most people and occasionally struggle to keep your head in the game when things get tedious or challenging. Not only will photography classes help keep you focused by laying out the necessary tasks in front of you, they will also speed up your progress because each course is specifically designed with learning in mind. Each lesson is designed to teach you certain skills, so you can move through the course quickly and efficiently.
There are many different types of photography classes
Aside from standard photography classes aimed at different skill levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced, etc.), there are also specialty courses to help you hone different areas of your skill. For example, you can choose to focus on your lighting skills with a class dedicated solely to lighting. Or, if you know what kind of photography you want to specialize in, you could take classes specifically for food photography, event photography, and much more.
Taking photography classes means you have to be committed to it, no excuses
This is on both the pros and the cons list. This can be a good thing; having a commitment to a class will help keep you focused so that you see it through to the end. You’ll have an instructor and maybe even peers who expect you to show up and learn and who motivate and encourage you even when you’re feeling like you’re not progressing. Stick with it… it will be worth it in the end!
Cons:
Taking photography classes means you have to be committed to it, no excuses
We just discussed why this can be an advantage. But it can also be a disadvantage. Sometimes life gets busy with responsibilities, or maybe you just decide that photography really isn’t for you. Unless your class was free, that means that you’re now on the hook. Should you just count your losses and quit? Or should you force yourself through it just for the sake of not wasting the money you paid for the class? Neither option seems great, so be sure you’re ready to commit to a full course before signing up.
Photography classes can be expensive
Even if you’re having fun and learning a lot from your photography class, the more thorough or specialty courses can be a bit pricey. So unless you’re lucky enough to have a lot of expendable income, a paid class may not be an option for you. Luckily, as mentioned toward the beginning of this post, there are lots of free options out there!
Does not always teach you the business of making a successful career in photography
With so many different courses out there, you can definitely learn the skills necessary to become a talented photographer. But as many artists know, being talented doesn’t always mean being successful. Making a career of photography requires business skills as well, which aren’t taught in your typical photography class. Fortunately, there are also free and affordable options for learning how to launch a successful photography business, so be sure to add that to your agenda as well if you’re serious about going pro.
Your class may not be a good match for you or your experience level
There’s a huge difference between course material in a beginner photography class vs. an advanced class. If you’re not careful, you might wander into a class that is being taught at a higher level than you’re prepared for, which makes it very hard to keep up and learn. Even worse, you might end up paying for a full course just to find out that it consists of material you already know! Both of these situations are very frustrating, so be sure to read the course description and lesson plan thoroughly before signing up.
Not all classes (or instructors) are created equally
As I mentioned before, a photography class should be taught by someone familiar with the skill. You’re spending your time and money to learn, so your instructor should be knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. Always research the teacher first to ensure they are educated and experienced in photography. If you’re looking for classes on a platform like Udemy, be sure to check the instructor’s ratings as well to ensure they are a good fit for you.
You still have to practice to improve your skills
While they do teach valuable skills, photography classes do not an artist make. You’ll still need to take the initiative to practice on your own to hone the skills you learned during the course. This means a lot of trial and error, and tons of lousy photographs. When I first started out, I practiced constantly. That continued effort helped me learn what to do and what not to do, as well as helped me develop my own personal style when shooting. Once the course is over, the responsibility falls on you to continue learning and practicing in order to improve and get the results you want from your art.
You have to leave your house to go to the class (unless it’s online)
Hear me out. If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly short on time. Between work, personal responsibilities, and having a social life, it’s difficult to find time for hobbies, let alone hobby classes. Plus, if it’s an in-person class, you’ll have to spend time just driving to get there. And gas is expensive! Online classes save on gas and commute, but they still require a lot of time spent doing coursework and practicing. That kind of commitment isn’t for everyone!
Takeaway:
Photography classes offer a lot of value for beginner and intermediate photographers who are ready to commit to their practice and work to improve. As long as you hunt around for affordable options and experienced teachers with holistic lesson plans, a formal photography class can definitely be worth your time and money. If you’re still just dabbling and unsure of whether photography is right for you, perhaps try out some free guides online to give it a shot before committing to a course.
If your goal for taking photography classes is picking up some quick photography skills to capture an event or take a home family portrait, instead consider hiring a professional photographer. We’ll save you the time and effort, and you’ll get great images to enjoy for years to come. Plus there’s a photographer for any occasion, whether you’re looking to record your wedding day, surprise your sweetheart with a steamy boudoir photoshoot, or take a professional headshot for your LinkedIn profile. I offer a variety of photography services in Southern California, so book online or contact me today to learn more!