September Workshops

Using traditional photographic techniques while shooting in RAW format with a DSLR camera,
and then post processing the images in Lightroom* and Photoshop*,
require an understanding of what is, in fact, a complicated work flow.

These workshops will guide you through lighting, exposing, and composing difficult subjects
and teach you some of  the “tricks of the trade”.

Thursday, September 16th (7:30pm – 9:00pm)

Working with Pixels

FREE

Everything you ever wanted to know about pixels.
How to set your camera to maximize quality.
What to do, and what NOT to do, with your files.
How to resize files.
Etc.

This is not about composition, exposure, or the other photographic skills covered in our workshops. It's about making sure your files are the best they can be from a technical perspective to start.

You'll tackle a different photographic objective each day, and subjects have been carefully chosen to tie together several photographic concepts.  The skills taught can be used across a wide variety of subjects.

Each day starts in the classroom with a discussion and demonstration of the techniques and skills needed to complete that day's objective.  You'll then put what you've learned to use, by JUST DOING IT.  You'll finish each day “tweaking” your favourite images in Lightroom and Photoshop.

Day One - Composition will be the focus of the day.   Colour and form, light and shadow, lead-in lines, selective focus, and depth-of-field will be used to bring attention to your subject.  Wildflowers, or cultivated flowers, are the perfect subjects to demonstrate good camera technique as there is little room for error when working so close to your subject.  The proper use of macro lenses is discussed and put to use. (Macro lenses are expensive.  Hoya makes reasonably priced close-up filter sets that are adequate for occasional close-up work.  If you have neither, a larger flower will do.  This exercise is about technique - it's what you'll learn that counts – not the equipment you own.)

Day Two - The correct use of wide angle lenses is emphasized.  These are the most misused of all lenses.  We’ll teach you how to properly fill the frame, control distortion, and create drama.  We’ll do a walk-about downtown and through Spirit Square, and then straighten lines and correct images using Lightroom and Photoshop.  We’ll also demo and practise panning, and introduce you to HDR (high dynamic range imaging) and image stitching.

Saturday, September 25th and Sunday,September 26th (10am – 4pm)

Photographing People

from posing
to lighting
to retouching images

$145.00 plus tax

Day One - We'll work in the studio because it's easier to study and understand what's happening. We'll move lights around to study their effect on face and form, and we'll learn how to use simple modifiers to add or subtract light. We'll also create a portrait using just window light. 

Most importantly, you'll learn how to direct and interact with your subject. We'll provide a model with whom you can practise.

Day Two - Light is light, and everything we did in the studio is equally applicable to outdoor portraits as well.  And just to prove it, we'll take our model outside and duplicate our studio results using natural light. 

We'll retouch our favourites by removing blemishes, smoothing skin, and sharpening selectively.  Moderately long telephoto lenses will be used for this exercise.

Combine Both Weekends and Save $50.00