Each week we hold a different topic – each night will be a little more challenging as the series builds on your skills learned. If there is room, you can take single classes but this is not suggested.
Classes begin Saturday March 4 at 4:00 – 5:30 p.m., thru April 1st
With so many lectures available through local colleges and online classes, we go a different direction, our classes are based on guided discovery. You are welcome to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn collaboratively from others.
The skills you learn in these classes can be applied to multiple photography specialties. For many of our classes, we will have local models to pose so that you can practice the skills as you learn them. Portraits are often the most difficult photos to practice, because it is difficult to ask people to model until you are good at it… and you can’t get good till you practice. Dwayne knows and has worked with many local models who have the patience for beginner photographers.
Classes cost $200 for the full series. A special thanks to Cate at Quicksilver Photo Lab for the space so I can offer this class at a great price. Please secure your spot via the PayPal link below.
All classes will be held at QuickSilver Photo Lab – 1417 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225.
Class 1 – Intro to Photography – March 4
Introductions – Expectations – Protecting Your Gear
This is the true beginner level course. If you have no experience at all, you will learn all you need to know to really start taking better photos. Those of you with some experience, you will get a good review and a new perspective, literally.
In this class you get to know your instructors and classmates, discuss what photography is, how a camera operates, become more familiar with your camera, learn how to protect your camera, and a little bit about how to keep your camera clean. By the middle of class, you will be taking pictures around the room and outdoors (if weather permits). We will also cover how to hold your camera to get the best photos.
After a little practice, we will gather again to discuss what a good photo is, what the difference is between a good/artistic photo and a snapshot. This discussion will include many examples (not your photos yet), and some in-class critique. This critique is to get everyone comfortable with constructive criticism. Learning how to accept criticism as a good thing!
Then we practice again. Do you see a pattern here? Learn – practice – repeat.
We will finish the class with an overview of how to protect your camera and equipment including basic cleaning. The class will also cover proper protection and holding of your camera (how to protect the camera – straps, lens cap, haze filter, camera bags, charging cables, tripping on cords).
For homework, post one selfie to the Google album created for this class series. We will be sharing these in the next class with kind, constructive criticism.
Class 2 – Your Digital Camera – March 11
Basics of How Your Digital Camera Operates
We will look at the photos posted by you and your classmates. This will be kind, constructive comments. Don’t compare your photos to your classmates, comparison is the thief of joy, look at your photos and your classmates and see how you can do better next time.
Here, we start to get into some technical aspects of photography such as exposure triangle, .jpg vs RAW, practicing the exposure triangle (portraits and inanimate objects, but without a flash).
A portion of this class will also cover different photography genres such as portraiture, landscape, product, food, lifestyle, wedding, events, and more. Why are weddings different from events? We will look at different camera settings, and your approach to each of these genres.
One of the fun things we do in this class is long exposure photos. This technique is great for photographing waterfalls, and it’s also a good concept (to avoid) as you take sports photos. For this we will be setting up tripods, so please bring one if you have one.
We will also be going over how to interact with people when you are taking their portrait. This is challenging for most people, so we will make this comfortable for everyone!
Will a great camera take great photos? Or is it the photographer?
Homework for class: submit 2 photos with visually different depths of field, or visually different shutter speeds to the Google album before the next class.
Class 3 – Better Lighting – March 18
Paying More Attention to the Balance of Light and Shadow
Again we will review photos posted by you and your classmates. Be kind, be considerate, and be honest in your comments.
We will start this class with a short review of previous classes. Then, we will move on to a more detailed review of some important technical points that most photographers find very helpful as they work on their craft. These include how a sensor works (ISO), shutter speed, and aperture. Where is your in-camera light meter and how do you use it? There are literally hundreds of YouTube videos, classes, books on this, but YouTube is not hands-on. These classes are hands-on, so you hear, see, and do each of the lessons. Let’s make this as simple as possible and practice!
We will discuss and practice the use of leading lines, depth of field, lighting, motion, shutter speed, white/color balance, and tripods to get the look you want.
For homework, take 2 photos and post them to the google album. These photos taken with intent in manual mode. Try to use leading lines, depth of field, perspective to your advantage.
Class 4 – Adding Light to Photos – March 25
Changing the Light and Shadow Balance in Photos
Sometimes you want a particular look – something that you can’t easily get from ambient light. In this class you will learn how to pay more attention to the light and shadows of your photos. You will also learn some tricks to manipulate these to get more or less drama in your photos.
In this class we will work on lighting, on-camera flash, reflectors, diffusion, white balance/color profiles, different angles, practice in still life, product, landscape, and portraits.
Each student will submit 2 photos with different lighting to the google album with a self-critique of each photo.
Class 5 – Emphasizing Subjects – April 1st
Using different techniques to emphasize part of your photos
There are a lot of photo techniques used by the pros which include: leading lines, depth of field (what do you do with skies), contrast (high key vs low key) all to manipulate the way a person’s eye moves around a photo. Using lots of examples, and answering your questions should explain these concepts well. During the lengthy practice session tonight, please ask any other questions you have!
We will set up scrims, reflectors, and off-camera lights for you to use tonight. This is the big practice and question class.
We will also have a round-robin set up with still life, product, portrait, and landscape opportunities for you to take photos and ask individual questions.
Of course there will be a critique of the class, cookies may be available for those that participate.
Register Here
Please answer the two questions and then pay for the class. You will receive a confirmation from PayPal and then begin to receive e-mails from me to get you started.