This is a one-day 2 1/2-hour class teaching you to no longer use Automatic. Instead, you will learn how to use the “Aperture Priority” and “Shutter Priority” modes. These modes give you a wide range of control over your pictures without the difficulties of shooting on Manual. This is why we don’t teach Manual photography at the beginner stage.. “Priority” modes are extremely versatile, less work-intensive and less confusing to start with. Manual photography can involve mathematical calculations, which we feel is too big of a leap forward when starting your photographic education. In fact, there are many cases where using Priority Modes is the preferred method of shooting.
The goal of the PHOTO1 The Basics photography class is to begin understanding your camera, and its settings for crafting your pictures. From this class, you will begin using your camera for what it’s really worth. You will also learn about lenses and what to look for when purchasing camera equipment.
This is a one-day 2 1/2-hour class that teaches you the most useful settings in your camera menu. We like to call theses settings “Secondary Functions”. Secondary Functions allow you to tweak your camera’s performance for focusing, fast action & motion, creative portraits and coloration. Knowing these settings helps you optimize your camera to ease frustrations and difficulties…that way you can capture the perfect moment at the right time.
You will also learn about metering; an inquisitive topic on how to control light and exposure. In the portion of the class you will learn about one single button on your camera that will give you consistent exposures with every shot.
The goal of this class is for you to master your camera’s controls so you and your camera can work together in harmony.
Topics Covered:
Faster focusing techniques for action/movement
Creative focusing for
Rapid shooting for sports & action
White Balance for color correction
Bracketing and EV Compensation
Metering and A/E Lock
Includes:
Detailed downloadable notes and photography assignments
Direct correspondence with your instructor for questions and feedback.
This is a one-day 2 1/2-hour class that focuses on using your camera’s flash to enhance lighting in your pictures. Learn to overcome the greatest difficulties in photography which is dark/indoor lighting. Also learn to produce soft, natural looking light rather than the harshness you are accustomed to seeing from your flash. Everything you learn applies to your camera’s built-in flash as well as an external flash attachment. However, one small portion of this class shows you the one thing an external flash attachment can do that the built-in flash cannot. This short portion of the class will make you drool for an external flash if you don’t already own one. Don’t run out and purchase an external flash for this class because we will talk about what you should think about when purchasing flash equipment.
The Goal of this class is to understand how to use your camera’s flash and flash settings for beautiful lighting for dark/indoor as well as daytime photography.
Topics Covered:
Using flash with Priority modes
Flash compensation
Making the flash travel farther
Bouncing a flash indoors and outdoors
Fill flash for the daytime
Enhancing light without a flash
Includes:
Detailed downloadable notes and photography assignments.
Direct correspondence with your instructor for questions and feedback.
Lightroom is an excellent software for organizing your photos and making basic edits to your pictures. This is considered the “user-friendly” editing software made by Adobe. Give your self a jump start so you can grasp the many benefits of this software to improve your images and keep them easily accessible. We recommend purchasing the basic “Photography” Photoshop CC subscription. This subscription includes both Photoshop as well as Lightroom. Please visit the Adobe website for purchasing information.
This is a hands-on class where you have the opportunity to edit pictures in class. Learn how to import & export your pictures, categorize them appropriately, file storage, differences between RAW and JPEG, create a custom watermark, and how to make a multitude of improvements to your pictures in the most efficient ways possible.
Includes:
Detailed downloadable notes and photography assignments
Direct correspondence with your instructor for questions and feedback.
The most powerful of all photo editing software is Photoshop CC. This is a very special software that allows you to achieve amazing creativity that no other software can perform. We recommend purchasing the basic “Photography” Photoshop CC subscription. This subscription includes both Photoshop as well as Lightroom. Please visit the Adobe website for purchasing information.
This is a hands-on class where you have the opportunity to edit pictures in class. Learn the use of layers with creative techniques that include: superimposing subjects, green screen, removing facial blemishes & wrinkles, body sculpting, selective creativity using layer masks, adjustment masks, distortion correction, and more. This class helps you to unlock the most amazing secrets in Photoshop so you can take your pictures to the ultimate level of creativity.
Includes:
Detailed downloadable notes and photography assignments
Direct correspondence with your instructor for questions and feedback.
Each of the classes within the Beginner program are one-day classes. We like to keep these classes at 2.5 hours in length so you don't feel overwhelmed. These classes are typically scheduled a week apart from each other which gives you the chance to practice and absorb the information before you move forward.
Should I take the Beginner Photography Classes in order? Answer
It is highly suggested to take each photography class in the order they are designed Each class builds on information you have learned from the previous class. You can however take the Picture Editing class without having taken any of the Beginner PHOTO classes.
Can I reschedule a Beginner Class(es) if I need to? Answer
Yes, you can reschedule any of the Beginner classes. There is a rescheduling fee of $10. To reschedule a class, simply login to your account to submit a Reschedule Request. You must submit your reschedule request within 30 days of your missed class date. For more information on the rescheduling process and rescheduling fees, please read our Rescheduling/Return Policy.
Can I reschedule a Photo Workshop if I need to? Answer
You can receive a credit for a Workshop in the event you need to cancel your attendance. However you must submit your request 14 days prior to the scheduled Workshop date. Cancellations submitted within the 14 day window will not receive any credits or refunds. All Workshop purchases/registrations are final. You can however transfer your Workshop registration to a friend without any extra charge by calling us at 281-716-2112. For more information on the rescheduling process and rescheduling fees, please read our Rescheduling/Return Policy.
Do I need to have my own camera for the classes? Answer
We do not provide cameras to students in the class. It is suggested that you bring your own camera to class so you can learn how to navigate your specific brand and model camera. If you plan to attend the class with a friend or partner you are welcome to share a camera with them.
Is it difficult to learn with people each having different cameras in the class? Answer
All cameras are like cars in the sense that they all have the same basic functions. The big difference is that they are all organized a bit differently. During the class the instructor will explain how to access and control different aspects of your camera no matter whether you have a Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc.
How do member discounts work & how do I become a member?Answer
By attending the Beginner 3 Class Series you will automatically become a member. This is the only way to enjoy membership discounts on Excursion and Lectures. There are NO discounts for Workshops. So long as you are logged in to your account while registering for an Excursion or Lecture, your discounts will automatically be calculated. For full details on member discounts, please visit out membership page.
Is there an age limit for taking photography classes? Answer
All ages are welcome to attend our classes. The large majority of our students are adults, but students even as young as 11years old have attended our classes. We advise parents to make sure their children understand that learning photography is both artistic as well as technical. As long as your child realistically understands that learning photography inevitably has a technical component to it, then your child will do very well in the class.
What type of camera should I use for the class? Answer
It is suggested that you have an SLR, quasi-SLR or Mirrorless camera. If you are not sure what type of camera you own, check the list below to see if your camera is recommended for our classes. The key requirement is for your camera to provide the option to not use the Automatic setting. If you do not find your brand or model camera in the list below you can call for more information; your camera may still be recommended for our classes! (281) 716-2112.
Can you recommend a good camera for me to buy? Answer
We recommend speaking with knowledgeable sales people who continuously keep up with the latest products on the market. You can get well informed purchasing info from the people at Houston Camera Exchange. HCE carries the greatest variety and quality of camera gear in the Houston Area market. They are also familiar with the camera requirements for our classes. Houston Camera Exchange website: www.hcehouston.com or call them at (713)-789-6901.
Will I receive a certificate of completion after I have taken photo classes? Answer
We do not offer any form of certification in photography because there are no photographer "certifications" that hold authority. The best way a photographer demonstrates their qualifications is through their photography portfolio. A portfolio gives real examples of your photographic skills, and is always the most important representation of your abilities.
Recommended Cameras for Classes
Don't see your camera below? Call us (281)716-2112
** Cameras listed here are those most highly recommended for our classes. However, many other cameras also qualify! The most necessary camera feature required for our classes, is the ability to take the camera off of the automatic mode.
