Many have said that photography, like most artistic forms of expression, is impossible to teach. There is a misconception that someone must simply be ‘born’ with the photographer’s gift.
However, there are many who would suggest that is not the case. At the very least, a photographer can learn to take decent pictures, if not the most ‘artistic.’
So, if you’re looking to learn about photography, and are hoping to take an online course, how do you choose the best one for you?
Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the best online photography classes.
Color and Shadow
Taking a decent picture requires understanding color, light, and shadow, and how they work together. Sure, some people will want bright pictures, like portraits, but many people also like a natural picture.
Furthermore, if you’re hoping to take pictures that aren’t completely lit up for the occasion, you’ll need to understand that intersection of color and shadow, how they highlight one another, and more.
If your online photography class doesn’t make any mention of these, then you’re going to be better off elsewhere.
Lenses and Filters
If you’ve ever known a professional photographer, you’ve probably noticed that they have a wide variety of lenses and filters. Photographers can even apply filters to pictures with their cell phone. But with phones, people add the filters after they take the photo, not during.
However, via manipulation of lenses and filters, a photographer can take one camera and utilize it to do many different styles of photography.
If the course doesn’t even mention lenses and filters, it’s not a course worth taking.
Digital Work And Photoshop
While there are still those who like to maintain a belief that old-school film will make a comeback, the reality is that we live in the digital age of photography. Pictures are recorded onto Micro SD cards and hard drives, then manipulated via programs like photoshop.
If the course you’re considering doesn’t include some sort of training on digital photography, it’s not a course worth your time or money. Stratford Career Institute’s course goes above and beyond in this respect and talks about a variety of digital tools.
Video
While there is still a market for ‘still’ photography, video is becoming more popular, more utilized, and more useful. In a world where people’s attention spans seem to be continuously shrinking, video keeps them engaged and grabs their attention.
If you’re taking a course on photography and it doesn’t talk about video, you’re not getting your money’s worth. Video photography is the way of the future, and it is going to constantly be in greater demand.
Going Pro
So you’ve got your camera, you’ve got your tripod, maybe you’ve even got a few lights. What are you going to do with them?
These days the average photographer makes more than $32,000 a year, and those who get to work with more prestigious institutions or businesses can expect to make much more than that.
A good online photography course can prepare you to go from hobbyist to professional photographer–the kind of person who photographs concerts, advertising pictures, and more.
Enroll In a Photography Class Today
You can view the curriculum of the photography class offered by the Stratford Career Institute. It has all these elements of a great photography class and more.