Beginners DSLR Photography Classes

Are you new to the world of photography? Maybe you got a nice new DSLR camera as a gift? Or had a film camera in the past? Beginners DSLR Photography Classes are for you!

There are 4 different Beginners DSLR Photography Classes that I am teaching during the winter of 2016. They are:

How to take better pictures with your DSLR – Level 1

Taking pictures with your new DSLR is easy, just set it on auto and shoot away. Capturing GOOD pictures with your new DSLR…that’s harder. Quality photography starts with understanding how to set your exposure manually. This is NOT difficult to do. In this 3 hour workshop we’ll cover aperture and shutter speed and show you how to change them on your camera. Next we’ll discuss how to use these settings to create the image you want. Bracketing the exposure is a very key part of this and will set you on the right path. We will also cover the use of polarizers and capturing images in the RAW format.

How to take Better Pictures with your DSLR – Level 2

This class is for anyone who has already completed the Basic DSLR Class or someone who has a firm grasp of shooting images in the manual mode.
We will learn about different lenses and how to use them effectively, delve deeper into aperture, depth of field and shutter speed and discuss how to master these settings to create stunning, unique images. The class will also cover more advanced details of focusing, use of a tripod and tips on how to capture images at night. Bring your camera bag and get ready for some fun!

How to Compose a Perfect Picture

“Having an eye” for photography is definitely an acquired skill! Once you learn the basic tools and practice you’ll have it. In this class we will cover the basics of composition: subject placement; use of the horizon; reflections; leading lines; the Rule of Thirds; framing and more. We will study in the class room and also spend time outdoors, practicing what we learned. Anyone with any camera will get a lot from this class. This class is for anyone with any type of camera!

Introduction to Photo Editing

Have you ever beheld a fantastic scene, captured it on your camera and were then a little (or maybe more than a little) disappointed with the results? A good example is taking images of a sunrise or sunset. When you’re there, in the scene, the colors are so rich, and the light perfect. But creating an image that does justice…not so easy. The human eye can see more than even the best camera can capture. This is where photo editing comes in. To create an image that looks just like what you saw, especially in low light situations, you are going to have to edit the image. This class is intended as the first step into the world of photo editing. We’ll discuss different types of editing software, spend time editing images (students are encouraged to submit images for editing in the class) and learn tips and tools for you to use in your journey into this new, exciting world.

These classes are available (with a few small variations) in Burlington, Bellingham, Anacortes, Marysville and Friday Harbor. Beginners DSLR Photography Classes start in January, 2016. All classes are offered through each towns Parks and Recreation Department. Costs vary from town to town.

Here is a link to the calendar and schedule of classes. Find the month you’d like to attend, click on a class and you’ll see the time, cost  and location details and a link to register.

Would you like to get photo training out in the field? I offer Photography Tours as well. These tours are for anyone who is interested to take their imaging skills to the next level. Small groups (1 to 4 people) intimate knowledge of the area and lots of advice on setting exposure, composing images and more make these trips a wonderful experience. North Cascades Photo Tours, Tulip Festival Photo Tours, Night Sky Imaging Tours and more. Find out more about Washington Photo Tours here.