“The Basics” – Class One

1 Evening – $49

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 (your camera’s sensor: resolutions and file types, automatic exposure modes) Accessories (the role of hoods, filters and other attachments) and Language (camera and photography terminology you need to know) Our instructors will have you complete a variety of drills to hone your automatic exposure and focus control 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:

* How to set your camera up to start shooting
* How to effectively use your camera’s automatic exposure modes (Portrait, Landscape, Sports, etc…)
* Learn how to read the exposure settings of an image and copy it in manual for the same results
* How to control which focal points are selected
* Techniques for creative focusing and tracking moving subjects

“Exposure” – Class Two

2 Evenings – $159

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 to create the exposure you need.  If you own an SLR camera and are shooting in automatic modes you might as well just bought a point and shoot camera. This class will give you a thorough understanding of your camera’s Creative exposure modes (Aperture/ Shutter Priority, Program, Manual), how they work, when to use them, and why.  Exposure is the heart and soul of photography; understanding the concepts taught in this class mean you could pick up any camera and know what you need to do to get a good looking photograph out of it.

You are ready for this class if:

* You have a Digital SLR Camera and you know how to control your cameras focus (Point selection, tracking moving subjects, etc…)
* You are able to manually input an exposure
* You are comfortable with the overall operation of your camera including selecting Image Type, Size & Quality
* You are ready to move beyond Automatic and see what your camera can REALLY DO by shooting in the Creative Modes of Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Program

You will walk away with:

* How to use your Aperture, Shutter and ISO to control light and what side effects each setting brings
* The freedom to NEVER have to use an automatic exposure mode again
* How to avoid using the on camera flash as often as possible
* Exposures for Portraits, Landscapes, creating Motion blur, freezing action, shooting in low light and much more
* Control and compensate for your cameras metering
* How to adjust your color balance

“Composition” – Class Three

2 Evenings – $159

So you’ve got your focus and depth of field under control, the correct amount of light is getting in and motion blur is only happening if you want it too!  So now your pictures are technically sound but guess what… they can still be BORING!   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.  Don’t think you’re creative or artistic? Don’t sweat it, there are simple composition rules that anyone can learn and follow.

You are ready for this class if:

* You understand how to create a properly exposed/focused image with a Digital SLR Camera (Classes 1 + 2)

* You are ready for your photographs to go from being mere documentation to works of art!

You will walk away with:

* An understanding of the most effective compositional techniques and how to apply them
* The experience of having your images reviewed and critiqued by a professional photographer
* Quick adjustments to bring out the best composition in the images you already have

“Lighting” – Class Four

2 Evenings – $159

One way to distinguish between a true photographer and a picture taker, is how aware they are of the lighting that exists in and around the scene. Do they know where the light is coming from? How is the lighting impacting their subject and background? If the light is coming from the sun, what can be done to modify it to flatter your subjects? If the natural lighting isn’t enough for a proper exposure, what can you do to get the shot and prevent it from being blurry or Under-Exposed? Great lighting makes all the difference in any photograph!
This class/workshop is about learning how to make the most of Natural and Ambient Lighting.  The first half of this class is a live outdoor shoot with a volenteer model.  The second half of class is a photo review/critique and we will also cover the use of Speed-lights indoors.

You are ready for this class if:

* You understand how to create a properly exposed/focused image with a Digital SLR Camera (Classes 1 + 2)
* 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
* How to deal with direct sun and other harsh lighting
* The ability to use natural lighting and basic modifiers to create back, front, side, soft, main and fill lighting for your subjects
* How to use Speedlights on and off camera for basic indoor lighting

“Photoshop” – Class Five

2 Evenings – $159

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. We’ll teach you how to process your Raw and JPEG images in today’s most popular software program Adobe Photoshop Elements. Come learn the art of processing Raw images, color balance, exposure corrections, enhancing contrast, cleaning up skin, digital make up, altering eye/lip/hair color, body reshaping, improve composition/lighting head/face/eye swaps and more!  Come learn how to make your pictures POP with an efficient Photoshop class designed by working professionals for photographers!

You are ready for this class if:

* You understand how to create a properly exposed/focused image with a Digital SLR Camera (Classes 1 + 2)
* You are ready to shoot in RAW and make your images POP!

Students must bring their own laptop or computer with Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 or 10 installed. (Trial version is ok)

You will walk away with:
* A process for processing/editing a Raw/JPEG image
* Professional grade edits to improves you images
* A practical understanding of Adobe Photoshop.