SOCAPA photography camp, worth the money?
I was thinking about going to the SOCAPA photography camp in New York next summer. I really love photography and hope to make a career out of it when I am older. To anyone whos ever gone to this camp, is it worth the $2,800+ ?
I’ve never been, but even at a glance I can see that their fee goes mainly toward the camp part, not the photography aspect.
Their 3 week program is worth 3 college credits (additional fees apply http://www.socapa.org/apply/college_credit.html
You can ‘buy’ credits at CUNY, etc, for considerably less ( http://www1.ccny.cuny.edu/prospective/admissions/tuition-fees-detail-popup.cfm )
If you don’t require the credits, the same amount of learning can be had much cheaper still with a library pass and a year’s membership to a decent photography club for the discussions and feedback on your work.
Either way, the price difference could be used for other things…. like camera gear, incl. a good tripod, lighting equipment, or books on technique, books by or about your favorite photographers, your own darkroom or a stack of software, a road trip to discover your own inspirational photo locations, etc.
If you can go to SOCAPA no strings attached, by all means go. I’m sure it’ll be a fantastic experience. If not, I’d personally have a hard time justifying the expense.