When you’re starting out as a photographer, the first choice you have to make is whether you want to shoot using film or using digital, and the point of this article is to help you figure out which is right for you. While it’s true that most new cameras are created for the digital market there is still a thriving film community. However the learning curve associated with film cameras is much higher than with digital cameras, provided that you already have basic computer skills. Learning to use a darkroom on top of learning how to use camera, while valuable, definitely increases the amount of time it will take for you to master your new craft. If it turns out that you don’t have basic computer skills, it is probably time to learn anyways.

That being said, there is a lot you can learn from the film experience that is missing from the digital experience. If your primary goal is to just begin shooting immediately, however, then digital is definitely the fastest road to success. The film and darkroom experience definitely gives you a much deeper insight into the nature of photography, how it’s developed over the years, and exactly why digital photography has developed the way that it has. For those that are already familiar with digital photography, taking a film photography class can be quite rewarding. There’s something about spending time in the darkroom that makes photography seem real in a way that you just don’t get from working on the computer.

One of the major things to consider when starting up the hobby of photography is the cost of your entry equipment. Naturally, you even if you decide to go with film, it doesn’t require you to invest in your own darkroom, as many professional darkrooms exist that offer developing services at a moderately reasonable rate. However costs associated with development of your film is a major consideration, especially for new photographers, who may not be happy with every shot they pay to develop. Digital photography, on the other hand, allows you to take a virtually unlimited number of shots then process and review them for free on your own computer at home. While a digital camera has a higher initial cost than a film camera, once you’ve purchased the camera and a media card that is compatible with your computer and camera, that is more or less the extent of your cost to start shooting. There were very few recurring costs, provided that you are careful with your equipment.

Ultimately, of course, it really comes down to personal preference. Some people really just prefer shooting the film SLR, and some people really just click with a digital camera – no pun intended. Whatever floats your boat, the real goal is to get out there and start shooting!

When you’re looking to improve your photography skills, one of the first things you’ll think of is learning from a more experienced photographer; someone who has spent years perfecting their photographic skills, and who has the passion and temperament for passing on their knowledge to others. Maybe you’ll consider taking some sort of post-secondary photography education, but this can rapidly become prohibitively expensive. One option that you might not have considered is that you can learn just as much as you would in a photography class by teaching yourself at home. Thanks to the internet, you’ve even got a massive, well-distributed open forum of photographers and other artists who can critique your work and give you the feedback you’d normally get in a classroom environment. It can be difficult but incredibly rewarding to become your own photography teacher.

If you decide to go the self-taught route, the first thing you’ll want to do is find several excellent reference texts to use as your textbooks. Over the course of your learning process, you’ll probably upgrade and replace these books with more advanced texts as your skills increase, but pick several that you find engaging and interesting to start with. Take the time to look for books by photographers who have a portfolio of work that appeals to you, because you’re more likely to stick with your self-prescribed learning course if it engages you than if you choose something bland and uninteresting.

Finally, make sure that you have access to an online photo sharing site like Flickr or Photobucket, so that you can get feedback from other photographers and artists. There are even several sites specifically dedicated to critiques and feedback, and among the most notable of these are the sites ‘photo.net’ and ‘photocritique.net’. Both have a vibrant online community – but make sure to watermark your images, and only upload low-resolution shots to deter image thieves and intellectual property infringement.

If you’re serious about your photography classes, you’ll want to ensure you’re getting the best possible education. The most important thing to keep in mind when you’re looking for a photography class to join (or for that matter, any class) is that you need to find a class that matches your skill level and an instructor who actually knows enough to assist you properly. If you know more than the instructor of the class, you’re almost better off teaching yourself – but conversely, if the class is well above your current skill level, it may as well be taught in Greek immersion, because you won’t receive any benefit and you definitely won’t be building your skill base or your portfolio.

So whether you have scheduled a visit to meet your potential instructor or you are just reviewing the class website on the internet, there are several things you should keep in mind during the process. Primarily, you should be investigating the photographer who will be teaching the classes. Review their portfolio of past works, and see if there is any information available about any current projects they are undertaking. See if you can find out how long they have been teaching the class, and if there are any past students who can give you an unbiased, objective review about the quality of the classes and the instructor’s skill level.

To get a taste of the class before committing to paying for a complete series, see if the instructor will allow you to sit in on the first class for free. You will get a chance to see the instructor in action, and make your own judgement regarding their skill and teaching style.

If you follow these simple tips, you can be sure that your photography classes will be full of fun and learning, and you’ll gain the skills to take your favourite hobby into the professional realm!

Hi, I’m John Smith!
I live in Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
I’ve been involved since January 14th, 2012!
I could write more about myself here if I wanted, to trick people into thinking I’m not a Disney character! (Just kidding – people always make that joke!)

My interests online are wide-ranging, and I love to contribute to my friend’s blogs to help encourage and maintain a vibrant and active online community, and I love hearing from my readers and other bloggers who are active in the same subject areas as me! My top interests are higher education and having fun – I work hard and I play hard!! ^_^ But I also love:
Soccer | Blogging | Learning new languages!! | Writing | Playing the tuba | Live bands

The Fully Researched classes I attended here in Boston have been really helpful in developing my English skills and also teaching me the basics of the WordPress blogging platform, as well as building my writing skills – it’s helped me to get a job in the field that I love! If you’re interested in any of those things, I really recommend that you check out their website and get involved – you could start working towards your dream today! If they don’t have classes in your area, you might be able to sign up for instructor training and start your own Fully Researched classes in your hometown!