To all potential photographers
It all depends on what you want to achieve at the end of the day. Gone were the days when photography used to be getting your hands on a MANUAL camera (eg, Yashica FX-3, Nikonmat, etc), read the accompanying User's Guide, buy rolls and rolls of film, load, shoot, process, and see your mistakes. One may attend a course along the way to see where one has gone wrong. (I started on this path, and to date, I still have my very FIRST camera, the Yashica Electro 35).
Nowadays, one can buy a fairly decent digital camera (say, 3 megapixel), shoot, look at the LCD screen, and see for yourself whether you like the photo or not. Like, keep. Don't like, delete. It's that easy. There are times when a certain photo that appears good on the LCD screen, when downloaded into the computer, becomes out-of-focus. Then you begin to wonder: Is it the camera, or my skill. Of course, its the camera, you dumb dumb. Surely, it cannot be me, right? Must be the camera not so good. So? An ad is posted under Buy and Sell, (WTS). And one goes to buy a better digital camera.
Next puchase: Don't want to repeat the same mistake. Bought the LATEST prosumer 8 megapixel digital camera in town. Why? Because the higher the pixel count, the better the camera, the better the picture, right? Set to full auto and shoot. Great! Pics appear good on LCD. When downloaded into the computer it AGAIN! is out-of-focus! Now you really want to sue the d*** salesman who told you this is the bestest (best until cannot best already) digital camera available.
This scenerio seems familar? A lot of people equate high pixel count with sharp image. That is totally false!! There are other variables like aperature, shutter, flash guide number, etc...etc...
By attending a simple course, one can find out the meanings of these terms and how they affect photography. One can also maximise the use of one's camera effectively, be it a 3mp or 14 mp digital one, or a film SLR camera. As photography is a practical skill, one has to choose a course that emphasizes practical. Theory is important, but practical is MORE important. I like to cite this illustration: One cannot learn driving by simply passing the 2 theory tests, important it may be. One has to be competent AND confident while behind the wheel of a vehicle!!
PSS and SLCC are both players in an industry that caters to the needs of a growing hobby, with the popularity and affordibility of digital cameras. Where one goes for a course depends on several things:
1. Time: I believe PSS offers 12 lessons. SLCC offers 8, I believe? If there is a course that allows one to learn more in a shorter span of time, I'll go for it. For a working professional, a saving of 4 lessons means considerable savings, in terms of petrol, time, and parking fees! Plus, you get to free yourself for 4 lesson-time to practice your skills!
2. Money: With working professionals, what's a few dollars more? If, by paying say, $50 more, I can get more out of the lecturer, I'd go for it!! You have already spent thousands on your camera. Why be so "kiam siap" with the few dollars? Compare this with someone who bought a new car and keeps it at home because petrol and parking is expensive. No logic!!!
3. Content: A good course provider will ALWAYS be willing to tell you what they are offering you. Just look at the previews to the MBAs and Masters programs offered by the various institutions of higher learning. They will have nothing to hide.
Finally, to the potential student, hunt around for the course that suits your needs. As I mentioned, PSS and SLCC are 2 major players in the photographic community. Don't forget the CCs. Some have quite good instructors too. Remember point #3: A good course provider has nothing to hide!!
Remember this and I believe you will find the deal that best suits your lifestyle and your pocket.
Cheers.......................
