Digital SLR Photography Classes
Welcome to your premier destination for learning Digital Photography. We offer a fresh, new, hands-on approach to learning how to create amazing images with digital cameras. We like to compare learning photography to building a lasting relationship. From the basics of using your first SLR, to taking Studio Portraits, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Your Camera, Our Classes, In Style.
Classes
Introduction To Your Digital SLR Camera - Class One
Looking for a camera specific training course to learn how to use your Digital SLR camera? You've found it! In this class we will go over all of the basic functions of your camera and demonstrate how they work. You'll learn about your camera's: Body (using the dials, buttons, features and switches) Eyes (how lenses work and what the numbers and letters on them mean; focusing techniques) Brains (using the menus, and understanding how your camera's sensor/computer work) Accessories (the role of cables, straps, cases and attachments) and Language (camera and photography terminology you need to know) Our instructors will have you complete a variety of focusing drills to hone your selective focusing skills.
You are ready for this class if:
* You have a Digital SLR Camera
* You want to understand how to operate it in plain and simple terms
* You want to get to know your camera's buttons, features and capabilities
You will walk away with:
* The ability to control and direct the focus of your camera
* An understanding of how and why to change your cameras shooting mode and what happens when you do
* A clear understanding of how to change your camera's Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO and White Balance
Getting To Know Your Digital SLR Camera - Class Two
So why did you invest in an SLR anyway? Chances are it was so that you could take your photography to a whole new level that is just not possible with most point-and-shoot cameras. Maybe you're looking to create that crisp frozen look of stopped sports action from a fast shutter speed. Or perhaps you love the look of an aperture blurred background in the pictures you take of people. And let's not forget that tender moment in low lighting where a flash isn't appropriate. These and many others are what we hear from people in response to why they stepped up to a DSLR. In this class you will learn how Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO work together (or not) to create a well exposed image. This class will give you a thorough understanding of your camera's Automatic and Creative modes, how they work, when to use them, and why. We'll also introduce you to essential photography principles like: Composition, White Balance, and Lighting.You are ready for this class if:
* You have a Digital SLR Camera and you know how to Focus in Manual, Auto and Selective modes
* You are able to change your camera's Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO and White Balance
* You are comfortable with the overall operation of your camera including selecting Image Type, Size & Quality
* You are ready to move beyond Automatic and start shooting in the Creative Modes of Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Full Manual
You will walk away with:
* The technical know how to create properly exposed images consistently
* Vital photography skills for measuring and discussing Lighting
* An understanding of how and why to change your cameras shooting mode and the trade offs that take place when you do
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Your Creative Outlet: Composing Art - Class Three
Great relationships require time, effort & commitment. Once you've got the technical basics of camera operation down you're ready to focus on the most enjoyable part of learning photography - Composition! Pressing the shutter button to snap a picture is easy. Creating great Compositions that Capture Moments, Tell Stories, and Draw People Into Your Photographs requires an awareness of the artistic elements that make up great photographs.You are ready for this class if:
* You have a Digital SLR Camera and you know your way around it
* You understand how to balance your camera's ISO, Shutter and Aperture settings to create a proper exposure indoors or outside with out using Flash
* You are ready to learn more about the Art of Photography: Capturing The Moment and Telling The Story with proven Compositional Techniques
You will walk away with:
* An understanding of the most effective compositional techniques used in professional photography
* The experience of having your images reviewed and critiqued by a professional photographer
* Five quick adjustments to bring out the best composition in the images you already have
* You'll know the difference between a "picture" and a "photograph", and understand the most common techniques professional photographers use to draw you into their images View Schedule of Classes
Capturing The Light In Your Life - Class Four
One way to distinguish between a true photographer and a picture taker, is how aware she is of the lighting that exists in and around the scene she wants to take a photo of. Does she know where the light is coming from? How is the lighting impacting her subject and background? If the light is coming from the sun, what can she do to modify it to flatter her subjects? If the natural lighting isn't enough for her to get a proper exposure, what can she can do to get the shot and prevent it from being blurry?If you've decided that the relationship between you and your camera is worth developing then it is time for you to really understand lighting. This class/workshop is about learning how to make the most of Natural and Ambient Lighting.
If you've ever wondered - How do I capture my son playing indoor basketball without using my flash and still have him show up clear? Why can't I photograph a child blowing the candles out on her birthday cake without the flash going off? What is the best time of day to photograph people outside? Can I take studio level photos inside my own home? - Then you'll enjoy this class!
You are ready for this class if:
* You have a Digital SLR Camera and you are comfortable shooting in Aperture, Shutter and Manual modes
* You understand how to create a properly exposed image both inside and outdoors using Manual shooting mode
* You know how to balance your camera's ISO, Shutter and Aperture settings and interpret your camera's Histogram
* You've got experience adjusting the White Balance on your camera to produce the proper coloring of your images
* You really want to know why lighting is so important to photographers
You will walk away with:
* An understanding of what Great Lighting looks like including where, when and how to find it
* An awareness of the importance of finding Great Lighting before you start shooting
* The ability to use Natural and Studio Lighting to create back, front, side, soft, main and fill lighting for your subjects
* Experience using affordable, easily found materials as light modifiers and reflectors
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What To Do With All Of Those Memories - Class Five
With a firm grasp on the technical and artistic aspects of creating images, it is now time for you to move into the amazing world of Processing, Editing and Finalizing your images for your desired Output, also known as Workflow. You'll learn how to effectively organize and process your images from the snap of the shutter to the storing of the final archive file. We'll teach you how to process your Raw and JPEG images in today's most popular software programs. We'll show you Ten Top Edits that can transform your images from flat to fantastic!You are ready for this class if:
* You understand how to create a properly exposed image with a Digital SLR Camera
* You want to learn what to do with your images after the initial capture (including Raw vs JPEG)
* Developing your own style of photography is important to you
* You have access to photo editing software such as: Canon's Digital Photo Professional, Capture NX, Adobe Elements, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, or Aperture
You will walk away with:
* An easy to understand - easy to follow - Workflow process for editing and storing both Raw and JPEG images
* The ability to select, sort, color balance, crop, touch-up, finalize and store your images efficiently
* Experience editing your own images in at least two of the software programs mentioned above
* Expert recommendations on which software programs you should purchase to best meet your needs
* The steps required to make sure your printed images look as good, if not better, than what you see on your monitor
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Sharing Your Photos Using The Internet & Social Media - Workshop
Now that you're comfortable creating, editing and finalizing your photographs it is time to share them! There has never been a time when the means by which we can share our photographs with our family and friends (just about anywhere in the world) is so readily available. If you are looking to use a Blog, Social Media (Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, Twitter) or even your own website, to post your photographs for others to view and experience them, then this class is for you! Similar to what you've experienced in learning how to take great images, there are some important steps you need to follow if you want to stand out as a true photographic story teller.You are ready for this class if:
* You understand how to create a properly exposed image with a Digital Camera
* You want to learn how to create interesting content that supports your photography in a story
* You have access to photo editing software (installed on a laptop that you can bring to class is very helpful)
You will walk away with:
* Your very own up-and-running website to share your photo stories with friends and family
* The ability to select, prepare and post imagery to the web
* We'll help you set up and customize a Social Media account that best suites your needs
* The skills to create your own Digital Scrapbooks
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Photography Workshops For SLR Users
Introduction To Studio Lighting Level 1 (includes models for portfolio work)
This is the first of a multi-part series of workshops designed to advance you from a "natural light" only photographer, to a well rounded "any light" photographer. While these workshops are designed to be stand-alone, we recommend taking them in sequence to maximize your learning experience.
Who Should Attend:
Photographers using DSLR Cameras who want to learn how to do lighting with studio strobe units. You will need to completely understand how to set your camera’s shutter, aperture, and ISO and be comfortable shooting in full Manual mode. An understanding of Exposure - including how to read your camera’s histogram-would be beneficial as well. (If you want to take this workshop but need some additional training to be comfortable shooting your camera in full Manual mode then please see the classes above.)
What Will Be Taught
You will learn how to set up an in-studio photo shoot with one strobe. As a beginning course you will learn how and where to position the “main” light to achieve the look you desire in your photograph. We’ll show you how to meter the light before and during the flash so that you clearly understand what, if any, additional lighting is needed. We’ll demonstrate how to use a single studio light to create depth and interest in your studio portraits.
What You Will Walk Away Knowing How To Do
You will be able to set up studio portrait sessions using a Main light source and reflected Fill. You’ll understand how to measure the exposure of a studio light and adjust it to achieve the optimal balance between highlights and shadows on your subject.
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Studio Lighting Level 2 - Multiple Strobe Units
This is the second in a multi-part series of workshops designed to advance you from a "natural light" only photographer, to a well rounded "any light" photographer. While these workshops are designed to be stand-alone, we recommend taking them in sequence to maximize your learning experience.
Who Should Attend:
Photographers using DSLR Cameras who want to learn how to do lighting with studio strobe units. You will need to completely understand how to set your camera’s shutter, aperture, and ISO and be comfortable shooting in full Manual mode. An understanding of Exposure - including how to read your camera’s histogram are required. (If you want to take this workshop but need some additional training to be comfortable shooting your camera in full Manual mode then please see the classes above.)
What Will Be Taught
You will learn how to set up a multi-light studio shoot including Main, Fill, Background & Hair lighting. We'll walk you through each step of the process pro's use to determine what the lighting setup should be to make each subject look her best. Our instructor will help you build your portfolio as she advises you while you set up your own lighting arrangement and photograph a model.
What You Will Walk Away Knowing How To Do
You will be able to set up a full studio portrait session using 2, 3 & 4 light setups. You'll have experienced each step of our documented subject and lighting analysis process and understand how to implement it on your own. Bring an empty memory card because you'll end up with several studio lighting images to add to your portfolio.
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Lighting Workshop - Shooting In Natural and Ambient Lighting
This is the third in a multi-part series of workshops designed to advance you from a "natural light" only photographer, to a well rounded "any light" photographer. While these workshops are designed to be stand-alone, we recommend taking them in sequence to maximize your learning experience
Who Should Attend:
Photographers using DSLR Cameras who have experience using studio strobe units, but want to learn how to integrate them with Natural/Available lighting. You will need to completely understand how to set your camera’s shutter, aperture, and ISO and be comfortable shooting in full Manual mode. An understanding of Exposure - including how to interpret your camera’s histogram - are required. (If you want to take this workshop but need some additional training to be comfortable shooting your camera in full Manual mode then please see the classes above.)
What Will Be Taught
Most of this workshop will be taught outdoor at an outdoor location. You will learn what to look for in your quest for great lighting whether indoors or out. You'll experience the creative power unleashed by combining studio lighting strobes with ambient/available light. White balance and custom white balance will be thoroughly addressed so that you can shoot with Kelvin confidence.
What You Will Walk Away Knowing How To Do
Some of the most amazing outdoor portrait shots were created by using natural and artificial lighting. After this workshop you'll see a whole new realm of possibilities for outdoor portraiture. You'll know how to overpower the sun and turn day into night (photographically speaking). We'll show you one of the best uses for your in-camera flash. You'll have a more developed eye when it comes to using commonplace backdrops and textures to make your images pop.
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Lighting Workshop - Canon Flashes
This is the fourth in a multi-part series of workshops designed to advance you from a "natural light" only photographer, to a well rounded "any light" photographer. While these workshops are designed to be stand-alone, we recommend taking them in sequence to maximize your learning experience
Who Should Attend:
Photographers using DSLR Cameras who want to utilize their Nikon or Canon branded flashes both creatively and effectively. Experience using studio style strobes will be very helpful but is not required. You will need to completely understand how to set your camera’s shutter, aperture, and ISO and be totally comfortable shooting in full Manual mode. An understanding of Exposure - including how to interpret your camera’s histogram - are required. (If you want to take this workshop but need some additional training to be comfortable shooting your camera in full Manual mode then please see the classes above.)
What Will Be Taught
Whether it be style, convenience or budget that motivates you to purchase a Nikon Speedlight or Canon Flash, you've most likely found they aren't much help for you if you don't know how to set them up for the scene you're wanting to photograph. You will learn what TTL means and why it matters. We'll show you how to fire your speedlight remotely (for those with the capability). We'll create studio type lighting using only Nikon Speedlights or Canon Flashes. There will also be thorough explanation of Flash unit power and how/why to adjust it.
What You Will Walk Away Knowing How To Do
You will know how to get the most out of your Nikon Speedlight(s) or Canon Flash(es). You'll understand how to position them to achieve a variety of creative lighting styles, including using them as a Main, Fill and Background light source. You'll be able to fire your flash remotely using commander mode - for models that have the capability.
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