The top 10 photography classes in Toronto

The top photography classes in Toronto range from full academic programs to one-time workshops designed to help folks get the most out of their DSLR. There's even phone photography classes if you're a fan of wasting money. Most reputable schools offer a variety of classes, starting with beginner-level instruction and going right up to advanced lighting and printing techniques. And, for what it's worth, money spent on instruction will result in much better photos than a few extra megapixels.

Open Classes

Image Works

Edward Burtynsky's printing shop is also an educational hub, offering beginner and intermediate photography classes as well as diploma programs in digital design and website management. Continuing Ed. classes run $290 per session and take place over five weeks. Diploma programs are $5,000 and take place over the course of 14 weeks.

The Developing Tank

Housed at the new Artscape Youngplace building, the Developing Tank is a casual photography school primarily designed to get amateur enthusiasts off of auto-mode and into the world of creative photography. Topics covered include basics like the workings of aperture and shutter speed, as well as composition and lighting. There are also advanced and private classes. The fall schedule has yet to be posted, but you can find more information here.

Henry's School of Imaging

Henry's School of Imaging is one of the biggest non-academic options in the city, with courses covering a diverse range of subjects from astrophotography to external flash to Lightroom. Basically everything is covered in one capacity or another. Basic classes run at $75 and multi-week classes go up to $275. Henry's also offers photo tours, if you want to get out of the classroom.

Toronto Camera Club

If you're interested in less structured learning opportunities, joining a camera club could be the way to go. The Toronto Camera Club is the oldest in the country (founded in 1888) and still holds weekly meetings on Monday nights. Educational opportunities include a lecture series, photo meet-ups, workshops, and mentoring programs. Membership is $100.

The AGO

The AGO offers a variety of educational programs over the course of the year, one of which is an intro to photography. Taught over the course of five weeks, the idea is to walk students through the basics of camera operation, composition and photo editing. Enthusiast photographers looking to try something new might take a life photography course instead. Prices range from $270 for members to $330 for non-members.

GTA Photography Classes

Another full service school, the straightforwardly named GTA Photography Classes offers a variety of instruction from general classes (basic photo skills) to specific skills like product photography and Photoshop. They also do summer camps for kids and do in-field classes on street photography in neighbourhoods like Kensington Market. Photo 101 classes are $250.

Academic Options

Perhaps you're thinking bigger when it comes to your photography plans. Short-session classes can take you relatively far if you stick with them, but if it's a career you're after or you're looking to devote yourself to photography as fine art, the programs on offer from Toronto's universities and colleges might be the way to go.

Ryerson

Along with the School of Image Arts, one of the best photography and film schools in the country, Ryerson also offers certificate programs from the Chang School. The instructors are top notch at both schools, and instruction ranges from photojournalism to fine art photography.

OCADU

Unsurprisingly OCAD's photo program is focused on the craft of photography as a fine art, and much of the education is oriented around situating photographic practice within the context of art history. There's plenty of hands-on work, as well, but given the focus on cultivating an artistic vision, the program ensures that students understand that their work doesn't exist in a vacuum.

George Brown

George Brown rides the line between open classes and a more academic experience. For those looking to brush up on their photography skills, there are a variety of specific classes to enrol in (everything from Digital Photography I to the Business of Photography). There is also a certificate program composed of nine courses, which provides students with the skills they need to try their hand at professional photography.

Online

The Luminous Landscape

Started by Michael Reichmann back in 1999, the Luminous Landscape has become one of the world's leading resources on photographic technique, printing and technical matters like resolution. Both the site and its forum offer are crammed with insight and knowledge about digital photography, much of which is completely free. There are also video workshops that you can purchase as well as field workshops all over the world.

Photo by Diego Sevilla Ruiz

by Derek Flack via blogTO