Discover the Best Photography Classes in Houston
If you have considered taking a photography class, Houston is a great place to start. They offer courses both online and in person for all levels of photographer. However, before beginning classes, consider how in-depth you would like to take your learning.
Why You Should Learn Photography in Houston
If you need a reason to learn photography in Houston, there are plenty of reasons. One of them is gaining access to a larger community. Photography is a great way to connect with others with similar interests helping you make new friends. Houston has a few options for photography clubs and groups. The Houston Innerloop Photo Club is devoted to helping members become better photographers. They offer monthly outings that typically feature a guest speaker. The photo club also hosts monthly photo discussions where each member can attend with five images around a selected topic, and the group has conversations around the concepts. Annual dues for the club are about $50.
You could also join the Houston Camera Club. This club is excellent if you want to learn or improve your photography skills, participate in competitions, learn the latest in photo editing, and spend time with other photographers with similar interests. The group has monthly meetings at a local community center on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays. Finally, there’s the Houston Photochrome Club. Founded in 1967, this is an excellent group for men and women of all ages looking to enjoy learning and help others learn about photography.
If connecting with others differs from what you are looking for when considering photography, there are other benefits. Learning this skill can also be a fun hobby that relieves stress and can help you be productive during your free time. Finally, the skills you learn as a photographer can help you flourish in your current career or help you start up a new side hustle. You can sell your photos on the side or take pictures for others, such as weddings, graduations, or family events. Photography is a transferable skill as well. Having an eye for a good shot can help you pay attention to details and improve your problem-solving skills. Learning photography has many benefits that can enhance your personal life or career.
In-Person Photography Classes in Houston
Houston has some great options for photography schools offering in-person classes. Kathy Adams Clark Photography is based in The Woodlands, and Kathy herself provides the courses. Kathy’s goal is to promote photography and the natural world through teaching. She hails that her photos have appeared in ad campaigns, guidebooks, textbooks, and brochures, with her images being displayed weekly in the Houston Chronicle. She’s had over 10,000 people attend her photography classes since 2000, so you can expect to be in good hands in one of her classes. If you consider taking the Photoshop for Photographers course offered at Kathy Adams Clark Photography, you can expect to learn a lot. The course teaches students Camera RAW, histograms, clipping, file browser, and metadata on Photoshop CC. Students will also learn a proven workflow to get their photos off their computers and into use. This course is excellent if you want to learn how to take photo editing to the next level.
Digital Photo Academy is known for its nationwide worship series dedicated to promoting the culture of digital photography. DPA keeps its classes small and taught by talented and accredited professional photographers. DPA is mainly known for its live in-the-field workshops. These workshops start with a tour with one of the DPA-experienced photographers through Houston’s most scenic street locations. All live-in-the-field classes last three hours, and students will learn how to shoot strategically, get more exciting photos, and walk away with a foundation to improve their photographs in the future.
For example, the Digital Photography Live In-The-Field @ Rice University will guide students around some Houston photogenic spots from Victorian Homes and century stately Architecture. The Digital Photography Live In-The-Field @ Market Square course is offered through DPA. The workshop is timed around sunset, giving students a chance to catch the charm of Houston’s Old Market Square. Students will also visit the Majestic Metro Theater while checking out painted murals and outdoor sculptures. If you are not quite ready for an in-the-field course, DPA offers a Master Your Digital Camera Controls (Houston) course. This one-session course is excellent for students that just purchased a Digital SLR Camera/Point and shoot camera that wants to learn to make simple and creative changes to their pictures, and even those who want to know all the basic knowledge about their camera before moving on to the next level of classes. DPA has something for all students.
Virtual Photography Classes
If you have not considered it, virtual photography classes are also a great way to learn this new trade. There are pros and cons to consider before deciding to register for your next virtual class. Some pros include attending your class from anywhere, having more class options, and no commute. Online classes mean that you can log into your photography course from your couch, front porch, or on vacation, giving you the freedom to take your class from wherever it makes you the most comfortable. In addition to being able to take a class from anywhere, you have more class options. Now that you can take a class from anywhere in the world, you can access more choices. For example, if a course in Chicago catches your eye from your Los Angeles apartment, go ahead and sign up. Just keep up with the time differences. Finally, no driving to class is required! Taking a class online means avoiding traveling to a traditional school, worrying about parking, and running into a classroom. Simply log into your virtual classroom at least 5 minutes before start time, and enjoy your easy “commute.”
The benefits are great, but you should also consider the cons of a virtual class, Namely, receiving instant feedback. When taking an online course, it could be more challenging to receive instant feedback from the instructor due to the setup of the course. Most online courses plan for this by allowing students to submit photos or questions for feedback at the end of each period or have a live instructor that allows for questions. However, some students may still go unnoticed. While this can be fixed, it can be seen as a challenge depending on the type of student you are and your needs. Another con of a virtual class, you usually need to provide your equipment. On the other hand, this is typically the requirement for most photography classes, even in-person ones.
Once you have decided that online photography classes are the best option for you, there are many options to choose from. For example, the Still Life Styling and Photography online course is offered through the Penumbra Foundation. The course is split into two sessions and will discuss the act of storytelling through still-life photography and work on techniques for creating beautiful object portraits for use as a selling tool, gift, or tribute. This course is excellent for students considering selling their work on sites like Etsy or Instagram. Or you could choose the iPhone Photography virtual course the Chicago Botanic Garden offers. A seminar is split into three sessions that help students explore and learn some of the better-known apps used for nature photography. Students can expect to learn the basics of iPhone photography, examine photos taken during class, and enhance, manipulate, or alter them. Finally, The Documentary Photography Narrative is a six-session online learning class hosted by the Los Angeles Center of Photography. In this workshop, open to all levels of photographers, students will have the chance to present their work. Other students will consider sequencing, narrative, and potential strategies to create a personal vision that resonates with the photos. Students can expect lots of discussion about strategy and individual approaches to storytelling with your photos.
Private Group Photography Classes in Houston
Private photography classes can be fun to connect with friends or colleagues. With the help of CourseHorse, you can plan a private group photography class in Houston for your next team-building event. You can check out their website to see what types they offer that would be an excellent fit for your team. On the other hand, if they do not provide the class you need, a virtual party planner from CourseHorse can help you plan your next private event. When you complete the contact form on their website, a virtual party planner will contact you within two business hours. To complete the form, you will need to know how many guests you anticipate, the date of your event, and a description of what you are looking for, and your virtual party planner will handle the rest. You can expect a booking confirmation within 24 hours. If the event includes the materials, CourseHorse will arrange for them to be sent to your guests before the big day. If you have a preferred virtual platform, CourseHorse likely supports it.
