Learning photography has never been more popular than it is now. This is due to the advent of digital photography and the present easy accessibility of the photographic medium. Another major reason is it's considerably cheaper than it used to be! Yet with this revolutionary development, a great deal of questions have arisen about what is the best way to actually learn photography.
Numerous online course have appeared, as well as courses at private schools and a plethora of degree courses at colleges and universities. So, 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 that offer photography courses. With these, I would suggest some caution, as many are expensive and do not always fulfill the candidates expectation. A simple online check for reviews by former students 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. 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 teaching me, and he was 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 is in photography. You can then make sure the degree course you are choosing offers that as a strong 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 course choice.
For example, Brooks Institute gives students an option to specialize later in their degree course, in either advertising photography, commercial photography or portraiture.
Whichever form of photography learning you choose, online courses or even a degree course, make sure you research it fully so that you will not end up disappointed. One final point: 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. Good luck.