Professional Photographers: How can I get valuable training without attending Photography School?

Photography has been a hobby of mine for the last few years. People often tell me I should pursue this as a career and I feel the same. I'm 27 so I'm definitelty NOT just starting out in life. I'm very unhappy with my current job but feel at times it's to late for me to attend a Photography School not to mention the time it will take to complete the course (2 years). I do have a family so this would be very difficult to achieve.

Are there any online classes that anyone knows about that trains you in lighting and other general areas? I really want to pursue this and hopefully one day have my own shop but being a little older sometimes makes me question whether I've waited to late to get in the game. If I attended Photography School I would be almost 30 when I complete the course.

Also, if anyone has any advice please feel free to throw it my way. I'm interested in doing portraits, especially babies. They are fun to work with. My wife is very supportive in this idea.

Join betterphoto.com. It's free. They have contests, forums, and clubs that you can participate in. You can have your own gallery that others can view and comment on... you can do the same for others.

There are amazing classes, too... but those aren't free... ; ) Contrary to what one of the posters above said about not getting interaction online, you do...

The lesson plans are clearly posted each week. If you have questions, you post them in the community square. Only you, the instructor, and other member in your class can see this interaction. If you are an active participant, you will gain MUCH knowledge. You post your assignments each week and the instrictor critiques the image and adds constructive insights and suggestions. You can even reply with further comments, images, or questions... and upload your updated version to make sure you got the concept. It is really helpful being able to read the q&a and critques of the other students in the class as well. There may be questions you hadn't thought of that knowing the answer will be helpful to you.

Hope this helps! Have FUN!!

You don't need 2 years, any art school will have part time night school. They are 3-4 month courses, usually 300ish, maybe 200 in supplies. Plus you get access to a dark room for free, which is a great deal.

Hey as always, your absolute best bet with photography is to keep shooting. No matter what keep going.
I got my initial portraiture experience at what I call the "fast-food of photography" [AKA The Picture People]. You can definitely try applying at a place like that, its better than a Target/Kiddie Kandids/Walmart type of studio and makes for greater starter experience. Once I quit there I had enough money and customers to start up my own studio. As a beginner offer your services for free in exchange for free portraits. Shoot anything people will let you! The more you get your name out there, the better. Start up a website, advertise on craigslist and make business cards.
You don't need to attend schooling. No one you photograph will care about your credentials anyway. They want to see your pictures. SO KEEP SHOOTING and more importantly, have fun! :)

I don't think you're too old to go back to school... I have a classmate who is 53 years old!

I'm going to the Art Institute, and it takes a little less than 2 years to get an Associate's, and only 3 years to get a Bachelor's... but you'll have to take 5 classes each quarter!

You can also attend non-credit classes at community colleges, photo studios, rec centers, or camera stores... just look for them in your area.

But if school is not for you, then another alternative you have is finding a part time job in a portrait studio. There are lots of places, sad to say, that hire amateurs... you just have to be good at sales. JC Pennys, Sears, K-Mart, Walmart, Target, Portrait Innovations, Kiddie Kandids, etc.

Best of luck!

Quote;- "Professional Photographers: How can I get valuable training without attending Photography School?"

Short answer is you don't.

On line colleges miss out on not having the Tutor right there with you and trying to explain the simplest of thing becomes a mind blowing chore.

A few months on a Night School course, very cheap or even free here in the UK, would make sure you have all the basics right.

Join a club, some are very active in teaching, look for a Lottery Funded one , they have to teach all aspects of Photography and Photoshop as a requirement of their Grant.

Try your local Schools sixth form courses, these are open to members of the public and Photography is extra curricula and is usually an evening course.

More important than all the above is to go on a Business Course, more Photographers' business's fail through bad business practice than from being a bad photographer.

Chris

I think you may like corrospondance and interactive courses from new york inst. of photography Link www.nyip.com
They sends good introductory letters to determine the way.
lastly to be and Artist there is no age of starting and no knowledge is enough to be a perfect.there is no end of art

First of all, you're never too old to learn, or to return to attain a higher level of education in college. You're question should be whether you want to dedicate the time to photography specifically. I've asked myself that very question on many occasions. I'm in a similar situation as you, I've been involved in photography, in some capacity for many years as it has been not only a hobby, but a passion in my life. I am 30 years old myself and very set into my present career, with a responsibility to my family as well. It's really not about whether you should go to school for "photography" or not, but whether you truly want to step outside the box and dedicate your life's endeavors to that which brings you personal satisfaction. And that is a hard obstacle to stumble over for many people, regardless of the endeavor. Whether you can be as successful at it as your career is altogether another matter. In that case, your knowledge of business will be better utilized than your ability to take a good photograph. Two totally different subjects. I can tell you this, a camera, or a degree for that matter, will not determine your ability to "be" a photographer, or whether you will succeed as one alone, it is your personal drive and determination that will set the stage for you. Education and a camera are merely tools we use to enable our desire. Afterall, that is the difference between doing what you love and being good at it (or not), and working to pay your mortgage and feed your children. One, having nothing at all to do with the another. So, should you go to school? If you feel you'll get something from it you did not have before you go, sure. There is a lot that can be learned. If you just want to learn how to be a photographer, no. Just don't assume you'll be well on your way to being a photographer because you did. As in life, there are no gaurantees. Theoretically, you could learn that out of a book, or by experience, or by working with others in the field and save yourself the $46,000 a place like the Art Institutes would charge you for a 2 year commercial photography degree (I know because I've inquired). I could get a BMW cheaper.

My opinion only. (I'm still formulating a plan myself) Good luck to you.

Try this - below... lots of specific information and trade secrets from professional photographers for photographers, simply explained.

I am thinking about on-line classes.

Good luck with what ever you decide.

I am giving you a star.