So this is more of a question for the experienced photogs out there (I'm thinking ayah, e-stone, fu, etc.). I'm thinking about signing up for a digital photography class this summer, not a basics class, but more of training in composition, lighting, subject, etc. Sometimes I think I get it, other times I don't feel like I am. The great thing about digital photography is that you can manipulate it later in something like photoshop and crop it to your liking or whatever. I'm trying to get around that though-- I'd like to be able to compose excellent photos regardless of medium. I've taken a beginner b&w class (lordy, that was back in college many moons ago), and while I enjoyed the whole process of printing my own photos, I'm not really interested in doing that right now.

So anyhow... do you folks think composition, lighting, subject matter, etc... can that be taught, even in a digital environment? Or do you think it would do me more good to take a general photography class (non-digital)? Is it really a case of "you either got it or you don't?" Personally I feel like I'm already artistically inclined, although it has laid dormant for a while now, and I'm hoping to reawaken some of that spirit by taking this class. Anyhow, your opinions are welcomed.

on one hand i think "you either got it or you dont" but on the other hand you can always use someone elses take, someone elses perspective and being around other students helps you formulate what you like and don't like about your own choices.

I've been wanting to take photography classes forever now and have yet to pull the trigger. I think taking a class is a good ignitor of motivation and builder of perspective.

I don't consider myself an experienced photographer, but it does marry well with design, which I am experienced with.

Shoot, shoot, shoot, and shoot some more. Then shoot again. That's where you're experience will come from. You'll also find out what you enjoy shooting, and how to spread your wings from there.

Look at other photographers, both those you like and those you don't. Find someone's photographs that are not like yours, but you admire, especially if that person isn't a pro: I like Bukutgirl over at flickr.

Also, and this may get me kicked, but don't be afraid of auto or program mode. By limiting the inputs, you can concentrate on the composition. If you want to venture into manual, you can, but you're just juggling more options, especially at the beginning. I like reading Ken Rockwell because he's not a gearhead and he's not afraid of automatic.

It's easy to get caught up on your tools, but it's the person behind the camera, not the technical junk inside it. I mean, Ray Charles could bang out some soulful shit on a Fisher Price plastic piano that I couldn't come close to on a top-of-the-line set of keys.

More Rockwell advice: go out in the good light. There's no specific time, but it's the time probably 20-30 minutes before & after both sunrise and sunset. You can get amazing colors and shadows and things just by being in the right place at the right time, like (self promo alert!) here andhere.

Then shoot some more. Maybe we need some Obner photo theme contests for cash and prizes and such.

Those are lovely photos, Cory, and hey, don't worry about shameless self promotion! Yeah, this is all part of me trying to get out of my comfort zone and do something different.

btw, kinda unrelated... my sister sent me the flickr page for Dave Hingerty, who happens to be the former drummer for the Frames, and the drummer for Josh Ritter's band now. He has some interesting photos on there, and according to my sister, didn't start taking photos until 2002. Here are some of my favorites:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/davehinger ... 087025616/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davehinger ... 087025616/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davehinger ... 086555983/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davehinger ... 086555983/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davehinger ... 086904056/