Langara Continuing Education Photography Program

[alsex]

Hey guys,

I was just curious if anybody here has taken the Continuing Education version of the Photography program at Langara and what you think of the program in terms of quality?

I'm thinking of registering for some courses in the coming semester.

One thing I want to know is what people think of the entry level course Basic Digital Photography? What I want to know is, if I know how to operate the camera (maybe not knowing it inside and out) and have knowledge of composition rules, would I benefit from this course?
I'm a still noob at this so don't want to challenge it if I'm going to miss out on something that it be hard to learn afterwards in Intermediate level.

I know I should be asking the advisor about this, but I've emailed him 2 times with no response and it's been over a week now...so I really want to find out.

Thanks in advance.

- Alex

[Levitron]

I know there's a few photographers that frequent this forum who is in the Langara program...though I don't think they're in the cont. ed. side of things.

You seem to have a good eye, so that's a start. Should be good to get some formal training to complement it.

I also think it ultimately comes down to what you want to achieve from it.

[alsex]

Originally Posted by Levitron

I know there's a few photographers that frequent this forum who is in the Langara program...though I don't think they're in the cont. ed. side of things.

You seem to have a good eye, so that's a start. Should be good to get some formal training to complement it.

I also think it ultimately comes down to what you want to achieve from it.

Thanks for your kind words. That's really encouraging.
I'm definitely wanting to take courses but I just don't want to take the basic level course if it's for absolute beginner's who has never picked up a dslr because I just got married recently and have to be cautious on what I spend. So if I can move to an intermediate course then I'd rather do that.

My goal is to maybe one day, if I get good enough after some schooling,to go back to freelancing but with photography(I've done 3D modeling and web design previously, freelance). I'm definitely having a lot of fun with photography. I've recently helped some friends of mine shoot some shots for them(they were an engaged couple at the time) and realized I really enjoy shooting photos of people.
I'm thinking weddings or fashion or something to do with people.

Anyways, any info about the langara program or if u have pointers for me, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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[Blinky]

I agree with Levitron - you have an eye.

I have no experience with the Langara program. That said, it looks like most of the typical CE-type courses at places like Langara, FocalPoint, Vancouver Photo Workshops are pretty much the same - how your camera works, basics of exposure and maybe a tiny bit on composition.... mainly technical with a touch of artistic. So ask yourself the following:

On the technical side of things:

- are you familiar with the concept of white balance? shooting RAW or JPEG?
- are you familiar with the concept of exposure?
- can you shoot full manual exposure?
- do you know how the variables of shutter speed, aperture and ISO affect your exposure?
- do you know how the variables of shutter speed and aperture affect your final photograph? Do you know how to manipulate these variables to achieve a given effect?
- do you know how to use the camera's meter?
- do you know how to shoot in a backlit situation (no fill flash)? what if there is an abundance of reflective surfaces, such as a a subject on a snowy background?
- do you know how/when might it be useful to shoot Aperture priority, Shutter priority, and if so, how/when to compensate with exposure compensation?

The things above can be self-taught and there are probably free courses on the web. If you "know" the above stuff, I wouldn't bother. If you don't know the above stuff, consider trying to learn a bit on the web and figuring it out yourself, as your time and money is precious.

I took an intro course at Focal Point and 70% of it was a bit of a waste, as I was familiar with most of the technical stuff. We did do two studio sessions though (one still lifes working with metering situations, the other with models) and that was fun.

[J____]

im all for continuing education but for photography, you're better off using that tuition to buy a camera and teach yourself by shooting alot with it and browsing the forums and going to photo meets. There's no real 'form' in photography like in other things that would be wise to start off in the right direction from the get go. You'll learn a lot more and will have a deeper understanding of photography from the mistakes you make, not from following orders a teacher gives you, because all in all, it just comes down to pushing buttons. Start off with auto mode, then slowly move to manual. Ask yourself this, would you need a class to teach you how to read a book or work a TV remote? If not then you don't need photography classes.

That being said, I've heard good things about their program for super beginners that dont know how to work a camera.

[CP.AR]

you cannot teach nor learn photography in a classroom setting IMO

[alsex]

Originally Posted by Blinky

I agree with Levitron - you have an eye.

I have no experience with the Langara program. That said, it looks like most of the typical CE-type courses at places like Langara, FocalPoint, Vancouver Photo Workshops are pretty much the same - how your camera works, basics of exposure and maybe a tiny bit on composition.... mainly technical with a touch of artistic. So ask yourself the following:

On the technical side of things:

- are you familiar with the concept of white balance? shooting RAW or JPEG?
- are you familiar with the concept of exposure?
- can you shoot full manual exposure?
- do you know how the variables of shutter speed, aperture and ISO affect your exposure?
- do you know how the variables of shutter speed and aperture affect your final photograph? Do you know how to manipulate these variables to achieve a given effect?
- do you know how to use the camera's meter?
- do you know how to shoot in a backlit situation (no fill flash)? what if there is an abundance of reflective surfaces, such as a a subject on a snowy background?
- do you know how/when might it be useful to shoot Aperture priority, Shutter priority, and if so, how/when to compensate with exposure compensation?

The things above can be self-taught and there are probably free courses on the web. If you "know" the above stuff, I wouldn't bother. If you don't know the above stuff, consider trying to learn a bit on the web and figuring it out yourself, as your time and money is precious.

I took an intro course at Focal Point and 70% of it was a bit of a waste, as I was familiar with most of the technical stuff. We did do two studio sessions though (one still lifes working with metering situations, the other with models) and that was fun.

Thanks for all those points/self assement questions you brought up. I understand almost all those items. Some more familiar than others. I just don't quite know it like the back of my hand yet, as in I'm still slow and still requires time for me to think. I suppose a bit more research and going out there and doing more shooting would fix that. I've been bringing my camera around and shooting a lot ever since I got my first digital slr (canon T1i) over a year ago.

I've definitely learned a lot in the past year from going out and shooting and also researching online.

Thanks again everyone for taking the time to post your responses!

[alsex]

Originally Posted by J____

im all for continuing education but for photography, you're better off using that tuition to buy a camera and teach yourself by shooting alot with it and browsing the forums and going to photo meets. There's no real 'form' in photography like in other things that would be wise to start off in the right direction from the get go. You'll learn a lot more and will have a deeper understanding of photography from the mistakes you make, not from following orders a teacher gives you, because all in all, it just comes down to pushing buttons. Start off with auto mode, then slowly move to manual. Ask yourself this, would you need a class to teach you how to read a book or work a TV remote? If not then you don't need photography classes.

That being said, I've heard good things about their program for super beginners that dont know how to work a camera.

hmm...so far the majority of people I've asked, friends and also you guys on this thread, are suggesting or leaning more towards learning on my own; which is something I've been doing for the past year by searching through forums, reading online tutorials, watching videos, and looking at inspiring work produced by other photographers.

I totally agree with you about learning through the mistakes I make. I've learned a lot from taking shots and having it turn out all wrong and either I adjust my settings for the conditions I'm shooting in or if I can't figure it out, then I'm force to do research.

Saving the money for tuition and using it on a better camera and an L lens or two has crossed my mind many times...

Btw, do you guys have regular photo meets on here? I noticed there was one back in Sept I think or end of August...I wanted to come out for that meet but I was weeks away from my wedding so didn't have time for anything but wedding errands. I'm definitely interested in coming out and will keep my eyes out for the next photo walk or meetup.


So I have another question for you guys (if you don't mind me asking and hopefully I'm not being too forward):
How did you guys get into photography and how did you get to where you are now in terms of skill level and/or career (was it through school or self taught)?

[Senna4ever]

Originally Posted by Captain Picard

you cannot teach nor learn photography in a classroom setting IMO

That's why you shoot either in studio or outside somewhere and then get a critique from the instructor.

[alsex]

Originally Posted by Senna4ever

That's why you shoot either in studio or outside somewhere and then get a critique from the instructor.

Hmm, that's very true too. If I don't do school, I will miss out on the crits.

[ddr]

there are success stories from both settings; i tend to think it's easier and quicker to learn when someone's there to give you pointers (i.e. spoon feed you lol)

i went thru countless articles, forums, books, to get the hang of things myself and still am an amateur. but when i go shoot with my even more noob friends, they get the benefit of me telling them things they're have to read a article from, or dig thru a forum to get the answer from. not saying the instructors will spoon feed you for sure, or give you all their tips first hand and not require you to read articles, but i always wished someone told me the things i knew now to cut my learning time in half at least.

[BinsentoW]

Originally Posted by Captain Picard

you cannot teach nor learn photography in a classroom setting IMO

Not trying to steal thread, but how do you recommend (total) beginners to learn how to shoot good photos? I just bought a dslr and been reading the manual.
Was thinking about buying a book, since its all together, unlike the internet.

[Shead]

its like riding a bicycle, u'll eventually get it. then soon u'll wonder if u can ride without hands