Four Weeks to Become a Better Photographer
Assistant Editor and novice shooter Kathleen Davis challenges herself to take her photography to the next level. What amateurs and pros alike can learn along with her.
When BetterPhoto.com offered us the opportunity to take one of their online courses, I jumped at the chance. After all, of the staff at Popular Photography & Imaging, I have the most to learn.
After browsing all of their course offerings (Photoshop, Travel, Macro, People, etc.), I chose the 4-week Techniques of Natural Light Photography course taught by Jim Zuckerman. Since I own a very modest set of gear (a Nikon D40 with kit lens, and a Slik tripod) I figured I would be able to learn a lot from this course without being hampered by learning to use new equipment at the same time.
After the jump, how the classes at BetterPhoto.com work.
All of their classes are taught by working professional photographers, and you can choose a 4 or 8-week course ($188 and $297-$348, respectively) by your skill level, and within one of nine categories.
The class size is fairly small (there are 11 other students in my class) and since it’s online, the students are from all over the world. Each week the instructor posts a new lesson and gives out that week’s assignment. There’s a Q&A section for the entire class, or there’s the option to email the instructor directly.
Once the students post their images from each assignment, the other students can comment on them. Within a day of posting photos from an assignment, the instructor gives each student a full written critique. Seeing how others interpret the assignment and getting advice and feedback from a pro is what makes the experience come to life.
The low-pressure format is good for procrastinators too. There’s no
embarrassment of showing up late for class and there’s the flexibility
to turn assignments at your convenience.
Click here to take a tour and get more information
Monday: My first lesson.
—Kathleen Davis
Assistant Editor
Why would a photography magazine make someone who knows little or nothing about photography assistant editor?
Posted by: R T Geasland | August 20, 2007 at 07:29 PM
R.T. must be feeling bitter about life.
Posted by: Hilary | August 28, 2007 at 09:07 PM