17 replies to this topic

[Black.Ghost]

Well an offer has appeared on Groupon for iphotographycourse.com, for £49 (apparently reduced from £399 but I doubt anyone has actually paid that). It looks fairly detailed and I have plenty of time to do the course.

Has anyone done it, or know of anyone doing it? I doubt you could go seriously wrong for 50 quid but thoughts on it always welcome.

Alternatively, am I better off just sticking to photography sites and learning from them?

Edited by Black.Ghost, 17 June 2013 - 08:17 AM.

[Old Bob]

Structured learning is always the best way - it gives you a fuller understanding of the basics which will stand you in good stead.

 

Unfortunately, it won't make you a great photographer but it should help you make the best of your own ability.

 

Bob

[Carlos W]

As Bob says, there are 2 things that make you a good photographer, technical ability and an eye for a good shot!

I've got technical ability but lack the arty good shot thing!

I think you can either teach yourself, or be tought the technical stuff, but the other part is a lot harder if you haven't got it naturally!

What kind of camera have you got, and how long is the course?

Edited by Carlos W, 17 June 2013 - 09:27 AM.

[Dru in Australia]

If you got 50 quid and the time to go... you don't have much to lose?
Offers like these are made to try reel you in but no doubt they will show you (or use) some good techniques, pay attention

[thebullet]

As said, you need to be able to see it. Working the camera is not the hardest part, as long as you know your shutter speeds etc and what you want to do in the shot. These courses basically just teach you what the manual does. They may teach you a few other things but they won't turn you into a pro, that is down to you :) 

3 points I mostly like to work with. 

Fore ground, Middle ground,  Back ground is generally the rule and works well in photos. 

Don't be afraid to try new stuff, I always try new stuff, I like to be different. I think anyone can point and shoot in the center of the frame, stand out from the crowd :) 

If any of you are at Brands at the weekend and spot me trackside, I don't mind helping out :) 

 

Edited by thebullet, 17 June 2013 - 11:01 AM.

[Nick Warwick]

The internet is a free course, thats how i did it

[Black.Ghost]

I'm fairly good with gadgets so working out the actual camera won't be too hard at all. I have a rough idea of what shutter speed and aperture adjustments are for (but this was from basics taught 5 and a half years ago over a day and a half max). I have a Nikon D3100 and standard 18-55mm lens.

[thebullet]

Here is a quick lesson... 

Slow shutter speed you need a small aperture - bigger number
fast shutter speed you need a wide aperture - small number

try and keep the light meter in the middle or just under in your shots 

This is if you are confident in manual mode, I never come out of it. 

That will be £49 please? ;) 

Edited by thebullet, 17 June 2013 - 02:23 PM.

[Tamworthbay]

Slow shutter speed looks fast
Fast shutter speed looks slow
Another £49? Or do we have to split it?

[thebullet]

We can split ;) 

 

[Tamworthbay]

We can split ;)

Woo hoo!

Do I get 2/3 if I mention the D3100 has a special autofocus mode for snapping moving objects like cars?

[thebullet]

Like most cameras? haha Servo mode :) 

Yeah why not

Any of you coming to brands can Judge my photos in the programme anyway, on the Mini 7 Racing Club page they are mine. :)

[Tamworthbay]

Like most cameras? haha Servo mode :) 
Yeah why not
Any of you coming to brands can Judge my photos in the programme anyway, on the Mini 7 Racing Club page they are mine. :)

Sshhhh! Don't tell him that, I was soundin ded cllevvver an stuf for a minet

Won't be at brands but would love to be. Are you going to post them up on here after? Might be good if you put them up with basic info so people can see what settings you are using.

[thebullet]

Can do! here are a couple. Copied from facebook so the quality is rubbish. 

Looking for something slow and different, use the surroundings, grass, barriers.

This one from Rockingham is about 1/30th shutter speed which is very very slow and you need steady hand, don't expect to get a perfect shot at this speed every time. Which ofcourse means an aperture of probably about 32 because we have alot of light already going in from the slow shutter. I had to tweek the ISO lower too to stop it over exposing. And the focus point was obviously where Max's car is.  



This is one from Silverstone, a fast shutter speed, and when I say fast I mean anything up to 1/8000 because at F4 there will be alot of light being let in and you have to compensate with a fast shutter speed so there isn't any over exposing and ofcourse at F4 you get a nice depth of field as the cars in the background slowly blur way. You may think there is alot of tarmac there and not enough car, but look how nice it looks at F4, the tyre marks that have been already put down look great. And always get low, low is best. 

Edited by thebullet, 17 June 2013 - 03:34 PM.

[Carlos W]

We haven't talked about depth of field!

I'll be at brands, sat on the grass at paddock hill bend drinking strongbow!