What is more valuable, the class or the forum?

[Zoot]

Ok, I've been lurking as a guest for some time now and I see the same names posting. I am curious about the course, mostly because I have professional experience with film photography and developing back in he 80s and 90s (I was a photojournalist for several newspapers covering mostly high school sports).

Since the industry is now switching to digital formats, I recently invested in a Nikon D80 and would like to re-learn how to take well crafted/balanced photographs, perhaps using this course to launch me back into a photography career or a side-hobby to bring home some extra money.

I understand that this course is more for the beginner, amateur hobbyist, but I could use a refresher of the basics to reduce the learning curve. I am starting to get more comfortable with the features of this camera, but my end results are still not where I would like them to be.

So, with all of that said, would you say you get more from this course by using the forum, or are the lessons challenging and worthwhile as a stand-alone? It seems that everything I read, the poster is saying how valuable the forum is, but I already subscribe to several other forums, so it's not the personal interaction that I am necessarily looking for from this course, rather the quality of the course materials and tutelage of the instructors.

Bottom line: What is the best part of the course - the materials and instruction or the interaction of the forum?

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful replies.

[gjtoth]

The course is, obviously, the most valuable. However, the feedback provided by the forum(s) will let other eyes view your captures and allow comments as to what is liked or disliked about it and, possibly, ways to PP it to improve it.

So, I guess the real answer is they complement or balance each other.

[Zoot]

Thanks. When did you take the course and how long did it take for you to complete it? What aspects of the course did you find especially useful?

[gjtoth]

Thanks. When did you take the course and how long did it take for you to complete it? What aspects of the course did you find especially useful?

I am still taking it. I'm about to complete lesson 5 and move on.

I came in as a complete novice wanting to take better photos and learn the capabilities of the camera I had at the time (I've since "upgraded"). I had no clue as to what aperture, shutter speed, ISO ... meant or how they related to one another and it seemed that no matter what I did, I just couldn't get it through my head. Since starting this course, I've learned what all that is and how to put it into practice. I'm looking forward to the challenges in future lessons.

Bear in mind, I have absolutely NO ambitions or desires in becoming a "pro". For me, this is strictly for my own, personal pleasure.

For $86, you get MORE than your money's worth.

[coffee]

This course is certainly for the beginner. I think this online course was been started very recently from amount of traffic and the content of the forum. This is just a guess. But it seems like the number of members is rather small.

But the good news is that the course, at least from what I see, is better than the course offered at NYIP, costing almost $400.00. I joined them about 6 months ago, and was so dissapointed, that I requested my money back. Since I finished half the course there, I was able to get 1/2 my money back. So the price is certainly a bargain.

You can find the course informationm anywhere on the web for free, but it's nice having everything the beginner needs to know in one place, as well as getting feedback from an instructor.

The course gives you all the basics of photography, it doesn't key in on the digital really. So if you are loking just to refresh your photography basics, this course will be good.

[dkippen]

My 2 cents:

On one hand, the course lessons are more valuable as you are (or should be) required to think about what you're doing and what you want to see as the end result. This will come from reading the lessons and taking pictures for the assignments. As with anything else, the more practice you put in, the better the end result.

On the other hand, the forum can be just as valuable as we learn from each other, not only by sharing photos for comment, but by sharing tidbits of information or skills that we have learned or gained from the various subjects presented in the course.

I still consider myself a beginner. I am close to finishing, but my goal was to learn how to take better pictures as I don't ever see myself as a professional.

[Zoot]

thanks everyone.

The reason I am asking so many questions about the course is because I do not have a lot of money to waste. Because I have experience with photography and understand the concepts, I want to find a course that will improve on my digital skills, while refreshing on the basics.

It is obvious that this course is cost-effective, but I am wondering if it is right for me. I am also looking at Picture Perfect, but they are double the price for only one topic. Has anyone heard about or taken any of their courses: http://www.ppsop.com/courses.aspx

Are there any people who have taken this course that had a background in photography? Are there any that are looking to make this more than just hobby?

[dkippen]

I have looked at ppsop.com and as soon as I saw the prices, I did a double take. I too am cost-conscious, and so far this course has met my needs. I don't have a background in photography other than hobby, but I believe Sue is looking to become professional and will be able to provide some insight.

Another option is www.webphotoschool.com. I have taken a couple of their courses as well as this one. The difference between them and PP is that Web Photo does not have the assignment portion, based on short to long term subscriptions, no forum and once you choose your subscription time frame, you can take any or all of the lessons they offer.

[Zoot]

Thanks. I've looked into them as well but I really like the idea of having assignments - it will take me out of my comfort zone of shooting landscapes and my pets and learn more by shooting things I wouldnt normally (or practice doing).

I am a firm believer in "you get what you pay for". I own a very upscale personal training studio here in VA and we are not the cheapest in town, but all of my trainers are the best of the best, and my clients definitely experience first-hand the difference between us and the cheaper alternative of the local health club.

I try not to purchase entirely based on cost - but rather which solution will best fit my needs, keeping my budgetary constraints in mind.

Honestly all this feedback is great and I appreciate it, but I'd also like to hear from an instructor or a admin/moderator to find out if this course will be challenging to and appropriate for someone who has photographic experience but needs a refresher mostly looking to make the switch from film to digital and improve on overall skills.

I guess worst case scenario - I could sign up for the course and if I'm not happy when I finish it, I can always get a refund. This is the direction I am leaning because of all the positive feedback provided so far.

[coffee]

I would check with an adimistrator as to thier refund policy. I would assume that if you finish the course, a refund would be hard to get.

I would send the powers that be an email and talk to them about this before you purchase the course. Becasue the WORSE case would be to finish the course, be unhappy, and not get a refund.

[Zoot]

This is from the website:

We are so confident that after completing ProudPhotography Online Course your photography skills will greatly improve, that we are offering you a full 1 year money back guarantee*. Yes, all your money back still after 365 days if you cannot take absolutely stunning photos as promised.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

*To protect ProudPhotography from the abusers of our refund policy and copycats we require simple 2 conditions that you must meet to be able to apply for a refund: a) student who enrolled in the course but had never actually started it can apply for a refund b) if after completing entire course including all assignments and homeworks you are still not happy with the results.

[coffee]

Well there you go. I didn't look that up myself, but it's spelled out pretty clear. I guess you had the worse case right after all.

[Zoot]

I just signed up for the course. I'll give it a shot and look forward to sharing with everyone in the upcoming weeks.

[dkippen]

Congratulations - I don't think you'll regret it. Consider this an official welcome and look forward to your posts and pictures.

[Zoot]

Thanks - now I'm just waiting for them to process my CC and send me the info to start. How long does this normally take?

[dkippen]

I don't think it took very long - less than 24hrs???

I just noticed you equipment list - how're the donations coming?

[LensBaby]

In my opinion, the class is excellent, but the forums are my favorite part, because I have met some wonderful people on here, and they help me out whenever I need it. Some of the other boards have too many members! I am here to learn as much as I can, and the forums on here have helped me to be able to do that!

[coffee]

So howdyhi, and welcome Zoot. I would like to donate to the cause. OH.....wait .............that means I send you money right?.........

Never mind..............hehe

[jerryph]

Welcome Zoot... did you look at the course content before signing up? This info is publically available. Also, I think that even people that are familiar with the basic concepts (lke I was before taking the course), can profit from the course. My pictures did improve before and after... not 30 seconds after completing the course, but after I actively started using the information in the course on a regular basis.

Different people complete the course in different lengths of time. I was pretty much completed in under 2 weeks, while others can take over a year to enjot and comlete the course. It depends on you... how much time you devote to each module and assignment, how fast you learn and YOU decide if you are ready to move on to the next section or not.

Let us know how you like it!

[Zoot]

Thanks. I just completed lesson 1 - was kinda disappointed that I couldnt take 3 new photos to start, but dug through my computer and found some fairly recent that werent my best by any means, nor did they represent my current abilities, but matched what they were looking for so I sent them in so I could move to the next lesson.

So far it's the basics, but I think I will be pleased with the course. I'll keep everyone posted.

[jerryph]

So far it's the basics, but I think I will be pleased with the course. I'll keep everyone posted.

The whole course is about the basics, but if you concentrate on perfecting each module and consciously putting effort into bettering each concept before moving on, you will improve.

An example is of a professional boxer... he already knows how to punch with both hands, yet, when they prepare for a fight, they go right back to square one and perfect the basic movements over and over... and if they do their job right... get a KO! :D

[sanzia]

I think that anyone moving from film to DSLR needs a time of study. For me, I am way out of my confort zone as I am more of a traditional artist and artistic photomanipulator, and my pics don't have to be perfect to manip, but as I wish to learn to take good photographs, I HAVE to move out of the comfort zone and take pics of things I would never usually take. Having said that, I now realize that when I go back to my comfort zone, it has actually broadened my own zone. I can do MORE now than I ever could in my own zone. I always wanted to take pics in the dark before [a lit candle etc in a dark room], and after lesson 4, I can now do it!!! I could never do this before.
I understand aperture, shutter, ISO, EV etc, and that is so important.

Yes, the course comes first, but the feedback in the forum is an immense help, and so many here also have so much knowledge they share as we go through the course.

I agree with Coffee though and would contact admin. But I doubt you would be unhappy. :)

Sanzi