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Class to make me a better photographer

dmaxdmax

dmaxdmax

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Oct 26, 2006
773
175
I’ve taken thousands of photos over the years with the vast majority being quickie snapshots of the cats or friends at a picnic. Can anyone recommend a course that will help me raise my game? I‘m not quite at ground zero, I know about the rule of thirds and depth of field but I’d love to really take advantage of the 13 MaxPro that’s in transit.

TIA
 
A course is great to learn skills, but what is your vision of you and photography.

I took a Zone System course at one of the top art schools in the US. Come mid-terms I sucked at the Zone thing, but when viewing my submission the instructor was most impressed with the content of my work.

Seek what makes you seek.
 
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This stems from visiting a stunning garden last week and coming away with some nice shots but nothing jawdropping.
 
dmaxdmax said:
This stems from visiting a stunning garden last week and coming away with some nice shots but nothing jawdropping.
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Plenty of people can make lovely images with a phone. But a phone is harder to get "jawdropping" images from since the depth of field is so wide (you can't make a "blurry background" unless you use the computational power of portrait mode), and of course the sensor is small.

But, that said, outdoors in good light, your phone should be adequate for your needs. I hesitate to recommend a "photography" class because most of the things you would learn there would only be applicable for someone using a camera with manual controls. Some apps will let you do that on the phone, but not quite to the same extent as on a big camera.

I would suggest you learn about composition, lighting (and not adding in extra light, but how to use the available light well), etc. Things that are external to the device you are using for photo taking and that would apply to any photo you want to take. There are quite a few tutorials on the site I linked above that can make a big difference for you if you take the time to read them.
 
A simple technique of framing your subject makes a better shot.
GGB.JPG

Trees, branches, architectural formations, can add a lot to enhance an ordinary point and shoot picture.
 
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If you happen to be in the Las Vegas area I would recommend classes at the College of Southern Nevada. They have an amazing photography program.

While it doesn't focus on composition, check out the Strobist. Simple lighting can go a long way to enhance a photo.

And one piece of advice I always give to people asking how to take better pictures: take more pictures. With digital you can immediately see the image. You don't have to wait, and pay, for the negatives to be developed. Shoot more.
 
Age old advice still applies with a new twist. With digital it is incredibly easy to make a copy, then pull the saturation levels and view in B&W. Getting rid of distracting colours will make it much easier to see how strong an image is, or is not. If it's bland in B&W it's likely to be weak in colour. This is the photographic equivalent of an artist learning to sketch before they learn to paint.

Another tip is to slow down. A typical 4x5 image took at least 30 minutes to set up and cost me anywhere from $1-5. Suspect they've gotten much more expensive 20 years down the road. Believe me I did not bother to set up the camera or release the shutter until I was sure the subject was worth the time and expense. Nowadays the approach would involve taking not just one image of a subject, but working from several different angles then picking only the best.
 
i think some of you missed the point that the op wants to learn how to use the camera on his phone. that’s much different than learning a p&s or entry level ILC. he can take advantage of editing apps and computational photography.
 
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Regardless of what tool one is using to create an image, as described by author Bryan Peterson the principle basic elements of good design still apply:

Line
Shape
Form
Texture
Pattern
Color

Keep these in mind, keep the emphasis on whatever your primary subject is and remove distractions and that will go a long way towards making images that you and viewers will enjoy.
 
To be honest the best way to hone your craft is to learn how to use your gear. Teachers can only give you so much information to work with. You need to learn how to make the images look their best.
 
MacNut said:
To be honest the best way to hone your craft is to learn how to use your gear. Teachers can only give you so much information to work with. You need to learn how to make the images look their best.
Click to expand...
I agree with your views above. To practice with the camera at hand is the only way to realize how to make the most out of it. One can learn photography-related techniques from a book, video, or from others.

A former supervisor of mine takes amazing photos of people with his cellphone. "I keep the light on my back," is what he said.
 
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Not only look at the scene first and fire off a couple of shots after you've decided what you want to capture but also take the time to walk around, try different perspectives, different angles, to see what else you can create with this scene.....
 
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