I really don't know how to ask this properly 
I've been really interested in photography and really like taking pictures especially of cars.
The only thing is that I don't know squat about cameras. I'd like to learn about lighting techniques and such.
Is it worth it to take a photography class? I'm not gonna be able to take one for a while, but I'd possibly like to do it.
Get a good DSLR. The average starter is around $500.00. About to leave to get my wife a better one than mine. 
I get an android tablet out of the deal. Play around with it before you decide you want to take a class. Use Photoshop and decide if you really want to spend the cash on the class. Some people naturally have the ability to take good photos. Here is my fathers website. He has no formal training.
In reply to N Sperlo:
That makes me a little more confident. I'd like to learn to use photoshop properly.
If you get a decent DSLR, the manual will teach you a LOT about how the camera settings affect the photo, at least the Canon manuals do. Things like f-stop, aperature, ISO speed, flash sync etc etc etc are covered nicely with example pics and everything.
Learning lighting is something I've been working on too, but there are a TON of online sources for info and lots of good books at the library. Lighting theory hasn't really changed since the invention of the 35mm SLR, so even old books are a good source. Equipment is starting to change though with the intro of LED technology on its way.
Most of the intro courses I've seen are more about basic composition and such. If you are enjoying taking pictures and getting results that you like, you probably already have an eye for composition. Again, there are online sources for tips on that too.
You can't go wrong with classes. Taken at the community college level, they aren't expensive and you can meet some interesting people. I know I did! Sure, the intro class is a bit slow, but you can still have fun with it.
check out your local camera shop (if you have one)... ours offers a number of classes and the price isn't to bad... and you get a free one if you buy a camera from them... the intro one they call "getting off the green" or something like that (because the full auto mode is typical a green notch on the dial)
if you don't have class options some reading will teach you a lot... Understanding Exposure, by bryan peterson
also the magic lantern guide book to whatever camera you get is nice if you have a basic understanding if you understand the basics of the different settings...
I started taking those kind of classes, but then Ron Jeremy was the guest instructor and he's kinda creepy. It was embarassing leaving work early when I had to say why, and I had a hard time with performance in front of people, my wife was asking questions and then...
Oh wait, I read that wrong, you mean photography classes...
nevermind, carry on...
If you have always wanted to do it, why not? I have been shooting for just about my entire life, and I still feel like I'm always learning something.
I just looked at the local photography program at the local community college and I can't find individual classes, only for majoring in photography. At least on the online catalog.
I'm definitely going to look at getting DSLR, since that seems to be the #1 recommendation.
I'm going to see what I can find at my local library too for books, I completely forgot about books
SyntheticBlinkerFluid wrote: I just looked at the local photography program at the local community college and I can't find individual classes, only for majoring in photography. At least on the online catalog. I'm definitely going to look at getting DSLR, since that seems to be the #1 recommendation. I'm going to see what I can find at my local library too for books, I completely forgot about books
Some evening adult programs may have a class on photography. Once you are comfortable with your camera, check out Strobist. It's a great resource for off camera lighting on the cheap.
Good idea on the library. Check out books like Photographic Seeing or Principles of Composition by Andreas Feininger. His photos appeared on a regular basis in Life magazine. Though the books are from the seventies, the salient points remain the same for digital. And digital is easier to experiment with.
Check your local camera store and/or camera club for lessons, too. I have done a few workshops offered by our local club. It was fun and I learned a few new things. (I also learned that photographing models is a lot harder than you'd think.)
check you local commity college for thier non credit classes. that would be where some of the basic camera classes might be. if not call the college and ask them is they have anything like that. if not check out your local high shcool night classes if thay have any for stuff or check the local camera shop also for stuff an the local camera club. i have taken many classes for photos and its been very cool learning things and i have even gone for doing it as side gig for trying to making a few extra bucks.
David S. Wallens wrote: Check your local camera store and/or camera club for lessons, too. I have done a few workshops offered by our local club. It was fun and I learned a few new things. (I also learned that photographing models is a lot harder than you'd think.)
Dave is correct. I used to own a studio and also taught several classes in the past. If you really want to learn, look for classes like these as they tend to be more than learning what knob to turn or button to push. Read your manual more than once, play with your camera, and then take a class.
The techincal aspects are the easiest parts to learn, it's the artistic parts that's tough for most people. I usually try to explain that "seeing" the light and using it correctly is THE most important aspect to photography.
To put it into racing terms, the technical aspects are equivalent to learning to push the clutch, change gears, and start the car, etc., the artistic part is learning the line and braking. Learning the line and braking is where the speed is, and so it is with photography, it's where the great pictures are.
I can tell you go get the DSLR . After this years last Rolex24 my mind was made up . A nice group sat down in the stands beside me with there Nikons and Canons and let me take a peek thru there cameras. Needless to say I'm ready for next year
Mental wrote: I started taking those kind of classes, but then Ron Jeremy was the guest instructor and he's kinda creepy. It was embarassing leaving work early when I had to say why, and I had a hard time with performance in front of people, my wife was asking questions and then... Oh wait, I read that wrong, you mean photography classes... nevermind, carry on...
I learned the most by just pal'ing around with a professional photographer for a while. He shared some tips and tricks and then it was just practice practice practice.
I stopped making a living off photography in 2010 because it wasn't fun anymore, now it's a hobby and I can enjoy it again.
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