learning online

example of frame within a frame
PPSOP Fundamentals of Composition

There are many choices when it comes to learning photography. Books, weekend classes, videos, workshops, whole degree programs, just to name a few. Perhaps you’ve tried some of these and discovered what works for you or maybe you’re still looking for a winning formula. My first foray into learning photography was an intensive 2-day weekend basic photography workshop. It was overwhelming. I left feeling if that was basic, I was doomed. Looking back I now understand why that particular learning environment wasn’t optimal for my learning style.  I went back to the drawing board and bought Bryan Peterson’s Understanding Exposure. Six months later I enrolled in his Perfect Picture School of Photography. PPSOP classes are online courses running 4 or 8 weeks. They all follow the same structure. Lessons are released on the web each Friday and you have 10 days to complete your assignment which is uploaded for the whole class to see. The instructor then has 4 days to evaluate your assignment by providing feedback on the images you submit. Participants in the class can also comment on your photographs and many do. You can ask the instructor or other students questions through the Q&A boards where often additional images are posted for comment.

So are these online courses for you? Here are a few things you should consider.

Course Choice
If you’ve never taken an online course before, choose wisely. Starting out with a too challenging a course might dissuade you from taking other classes. Don’t be afraid to email the instructor with questions before you sign up to find out more about the course. I found this to be a good strategy as you may not know what photographic equipment and software you’ll need before you sign up. Doing a little bit of self-assessment before hand is also good. Generally it is an advantage if you have a little bit of knowledge about the subject area before you take a class.

Self-discipline
Learning online requires self-discipline as much of the work is done on your own. Although you will likely develop relationships with the people in your class, it still requires you to sign-in for that contact and accountability. It is easy to fall behind if you skip an assignment so try to stick to the schedule and deadlines.

Engage Others
How much you learn in online classes depends largely on how actively you participate and engage others in the class. I found the more I commented on images and asked questions on the Q&A forum, the more I learned. I also developed a great network of friends who could answer questions even when classes were finished. The same holds true with instructors.

Communication is King
As all of your communication is done through email or on the Q&A forum, how you communicate is key. If you’ve ever sent an email that was misunderstood, you’ll know first hand what I mean. People will read everything you post so choose your words carefully especially when commenting on another student’s work. I respond well when others point out the things they like in my image and ask questions about the aspects that leave them wondering. For example, if the framing is off, they might ask if there was something to the left, right, top or bottom that I was trying to exclude from the frame. This would explain why there wasn’t enough breathing room for the elements that were included. Asking questions also invites others to be a part of your learning rather than giving people the impression that you might be a know-it-all. Also accept that there might be a difference of opinion between students and agree to disagree if need be.

If you are starting out on this learning journey, I would recommend Understanding Exposure  and Fundamentals of Composition. Both courses are next offered January 8, 2010.