I am very interested in photography but I am not sure how to proceed. I want to learn more about photography, how to take good photos, how to pose, lighting, camera's - digital and film, etc., and I have been looking into schools. On the one hand there are school that only offer classes and no certificate or diploma and are not accredited. On the other hand there are schools like the Art Institute that offer training in all aspects and offer degree programs. Would I only need a portfolio type thing to show my work and therefore I can attend just classes without gaining a degree, or should I have the paper that says I completed schooling? Does this make sense? Please help. Thanks. :)