...Which came first, the camera or the photographer?...

Well...Your guess is as good as mine.  What I do know is that if you really want to be a better photographer...a really, really good photographer...where you "wow" people with your photographs...Then you need really, really good instruction, lessons and training, and that's where I can help you be a better photographer.

It takes time, practice, committment and, most of all a desire...and I mean a real burning desire that you feel inside...to be a better photographer.  If you have the desire, the passion, to be better then you are right now, then you are ready to learn from a professional photographer.

Having a camera...any camera, from a point-and-shoot compact to a full-size digital SLR camera system...is the first step.  The next step is learning everything you can about how your camera works, what the various functions are, and how to get your camera to do what you want!

The best, and most effective way to learn photography, is with personal instruction, either one-on-one with individual lessons, or in a small group lesson.  You probably took lessons when you learned to drive; lessons if you learned to dance; lessons if you learned tennis, golf, or swimming; but did you ever take a photography lesson to learn to take better photographs?

If you are just beginning photography and want to learn how to use your camera and what the various functions are, then this lesson is for you.  Topics covered will include:

Basic camera care, how to change lenses, formatting your memory card, adjusteing the diopter or view finder, how to hold your camera with various lenses, how to choose a tripod, etc.

• Lens apature or F-Stop, and what those numbers really mean.
• Shutter speed.
• What the ISO is and how to choose the right ISO setting for your photography subject.
• Color choices on your camera, from Vivid, Standard or Neutral, Black & White, Sepia, etc.
• How to read your camera's built-in light meter.
• How to use and set yoru camera on Manual.
• What the different shooting modes or icons mean, such as Shutter Priority, Apature Priority, Program, Tv, Av, Manual, etc.
• What shutter speed to best use for your lens.
• How to read your camera lens and what the numbers for the focal lenght and apature or F-Stop mean.
• What filter to use on your lenese.
• And more...

Individual lessons are $40 an hour, and generally the first lesson is 1 1/2 to 2 hours long.

Lessons can be arraged for evenings and weekends, around your schedule.

Most group classes are 3 hours long

Two students per class - $110 each

Three to five students per class - $85 each

Six to nine students per class - $65 each

Powerful Portraits With A Point-And-Shoot Camera

• Understanding what your camera is capable of and knowing its limitations
• Composing specifically with a point-and-shoot
• Understanding lighting and how it affects your subject.

Understanding Basic Camera Functions

• Exposure relationship between ISO, f-stop or aperture and shutter speed
• What those camera icons or symbols mean
• White balance settings
• How to read your lens barrel
• Understanding the focal length of different lenses

Photographing In Manual Mode

• How to use your camera in manual mode
• How to read and meter the light in manual mode
• The advantages to photographing in manual mode

Discovering An Awareness Of Light For Any Photography Situation

• How to "see the light"
• Diffused light vs. direct light.
• Bounced and reflected light
• Various qualities of window light

Flash-Photography

• Various types of on-camera flash available
• How to use your bounce-flash adjustment
• When to use on camera flash
• Flash settings explained
• Flash sync speeds explained

How To "See" In Black & White

• Conceptual class designed to get you to think differently about how you see photos
• When and why to photograph black & white
• Light, composition, and form in black & white vs. color
• Color tones in black & white vs. color
• Why a color photograph does not always convert well to black & white

Everything You Wanted To Know About Wedding Photography But Are Afraid to Ask

If you are seriously thinking of becoming a professional wedding photographer, or will be photographing your first wedding, then this class is a for you!  This is your opportunity to learn the ins and outs of wedding photograph before photographing your first wedding.  We will discuss all-things-related to wedding photography including:

• Pre-wedding consultations with the bride and groom
• Looking and acting professional under pressure
• Timelines for the wedding day
• Arranging family photos and groups in the most efficient way for photography
• Photo shoot lists, do you need one and why
• Most commonly used lenses for photographing weddings.
• Walking through a venue and looking for the best light
• What gear to carry, including tri-pods, light stands, reflectors, etc.
• Working with different personalities
• Do you need an assistant?
• Engagement sessions with the bride and groom
• Photographing in mixed lighting and outdoor lighting
• Best locations for photogrpahing the wedding party and families
• Lens choices for photographing the details, the cake, etc.
• Lens choices for photogrpahing families, brides, grooms etc.
• Insurance and why it's a "must have"
• Making the bride and groom feel comfortable in front of your camera
• Manageing your stress while photographing
• Pacing yourself during the day
• Why being a wedding photographer is like running a marathon
• How to be passionate about your photogrpahy with the bride and groom while photographing their wedding
• How to be creative under pressure

• "Point and Shoot" lessons  
• DSLR camera training  
• Natural light (indoors & out)  
• Flash photography (indoors)  
• Outdoor flash fill  
• Outdoor  
• Studio lighting  
• Night photography  
• Black & White   
• Family portraiture  
• Head shots  
• Fashion & glamour  
• Wildlife  
• Landscape/ nature  
• Macro (flowers, small objects, etc.)  
• Sports  
• Photojournalism (documentary)  
• Weddings & events  
• Concerts  
• Architecture / real estate  
• Commercial (product shots, etc.)  
• Starting a professional photography business
  
  
  Individual Lessons Immediately Available!
  
  Small Group Classes Starting Soon!
  
  Call or e-mail for more information...