Are online photography courses truly worthwhile?

In today's world, information is more accessible than ever thanks to the Internet. Experts from all fields can share their expertise globally, and educational institutions are embracing this shift by investing in online learning programs. Photography, being one of the most appealing and easily accessible skills, is often considered an ideal subject for online teaching.

Is learning a valuable, artistic, and lucrative skill like photography from the comfort of your own home too good to be true? It's a bit of both. Advocates of online courses argue that they're perfect for individuals who lack the time or flexibility to attend traditional classroom programs. People with full-time jobs and family responsibilities can study whenever they find an available hour. Additionally, online education offers access to far-off institutions for those residing in rural or remote areas.

However, some critics question whether online courses can provide the same level of instruction as a traditional classroom with an in-person teacher. While face-to-face interaction can be essential for learning, online education offers a more relaxed environment without the pressure of a teacher constantly overseeing you or pushing you to complete tasks. This requires strong self-discipline and motivation to succeed in the online setting.

We interviewed photographer and author Mark Jenkinson, who remains doubtful about the effectiveness of online education, stressing that group critique is irreplaceable. According to him, feedback from peers is invaluable for students.

Despite skepticism, many educational institutions offering online photography courses believe they provide sufficient opportunities for group discussions, even if it's done virtually. On the next page, we'll explore the details of how these programs operate to help you determine if an online photography class is worth your time and investment.

How Online Photography Courses Function

Every institution has its unique approach. In the most basic form, online photography courses feature written lessons with accompanying images for clarification. Assignments can be submitted online, allowing instructors to provide feedback. Several programs also offer group critiques in student forums where comments and questions can be exchanged.

We spoke with Chuck DeLaney, Director of the New York Institute of Photography (NYIP), who clarified that some online courses are synchronous, where classes occur at specific times for live discussions. Others are asynchronous, enabling students to study and complete tasks at their own pace. Kerry Drager from BetterPhoto.com explained that classes cater to all skill levels, from beginners learning the fundamentals to advanced photographers mastering the latest techniques.

In addition to online resources, DeLaney mentions that NYIP sends students printed materials, full-color lessons, and audio/video instruction. When you submit your work, the instructor provides commentary and a link to download and listen to their feedback. Faculty members also frequently record podcasts discussing the top student submissions for "photo challenges."

DeLaney believes photography is more suitable for online learning than other subjects due to its accessibility. He has even heard well-known professional photographers admit to being self-taught. While you can't learn to fly a plane or perform heart surgery online, he argues, photography is a different story.

DeLaney also contends that online photography education surpasses the traditional classroom model in at least one regard. In a typical classroom setting, students often adopt the instructor's personal style or artistic preferences. However, online learning minimizes this influence, allowing students to develop their own unique style without the close proximity of a teacher.

Despite the advantages, some worry that online courses are not taken seriously by the professional world. Although online programs may still struggle for respectability in certain academic fields, Drager points out that photographers are judged based on the quality of their portfolios rather than certificates or degrees.

In the end, your decision may hinge on the type of learner you are. You might choose to teach yourself photography through books or free online tutorials if you're driven and creative. Or you may recognize that you need the personal interaction of a physical classroom. For those in between, online courses can provide a suitable middle ground.