• It is a fact that digital cameras are flooding the market and getting to the hands of most of you.
• It is a fact that little has changed in the world of taking a good photograph other than the way it gets registered inside your camera.
• It is also a fact that the basic principles of camera operation, lighting and composition have not changed with the digital age.
I am offering two different short courses intended for the amateur who wishes to know what all those buttons are on their digital camera, take a better picture and then do “something” with it in their computer.
CAMERA BASICS and PHOTOSHOP BASICS ( based on the consumer version Photoshop Elements 7.0)
A new class starts at the beginning of every month.
Both courses taught in four sessions each. We meet once a week for about two hours. Classes are at my studio. 635 Greenfield St. Asheboro.
You can take either one or both if you wish.
Tuesday July 13, 20, 27 and Aug. 3rd
Morning Class: 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Evening Class: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday July 15, 22, 29 and Aug. 5th
Morning Class: 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Evening Class: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
NO CLASS IN JUNE
The classes are intended for beginners with little or no knowledge of the items described bellow as well as advanced shooters that know how to use the camera but don't realize the full potential of it. It is intended as a review of the "Basics of Photography". Students have ranged from 14 to 91 years of age and very wide number of years of experience taking pictures.
"Camera Basics" Course Description:
Photographer's "Tool Box" : Cameras, lenses and all the equipment that I carry on assignment and what it does.
Understanding White Light, color theories and the influence of color in a photograph.
Understanding Pixels and how they influence the resolution and final quality of a photograph.
Exposure: Understanding Lens Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO and their influence in the image exposure.
Understanding Depth of field and object motion.
Focusing, Metering and Flash plus several other settings on your digital camera.
Explanation of all the basic buttons on a digital camera as related to the above topics, what to do and how to use them.
Basic problems that amateurs and beginners face taking pictures.
Elements of Design and Composition and how their use can improve the looks of a photograph.
Lighting: Understanding available ( daylight ) and artificial light ( flash ). What to look for and how to best use it taking everyday shots.
Critique of class members work.
"Photoshop Elements Basics" Course Description:
The entire course is based on Photoshop Elements, the consumer edition of the most popular photo editing program.
Downloading into your computer and organizing your digital photographs, file size, file formats, emailing and preparing files for printing are some of the topics that we will discuss in addition to all the basic retouching tools that Photoshop has such as cropping, color correcting, cloning, adding text, frames and more, much more.
These are some names of people who have taken the class, you might recognize some of them to use as reference.
Dr Charles Betts, Jaci Betts, Fran Knap, Miriam Bivins, Susan Cameron, Steve Cofer, Ben Peddycord, Mini Singh, Anne Honer, Richard Garkalns, Christie Luckenback, Janis Mason, Becky Megerian, Linda Murphy, Karen Bloxsom, Lynda Ruggiero, Beth Russell, Debra Spinks, Joyce Spoon, Kelly Shipley, Bobbie Thomas
" I spent yesterday hiking through the woods in the snow taking photos. The information from your class (especially the info this past week on lighting) has helped me take the best pictures I have ever taken! I had no idea my camera could do some of the things it can. Especially when spending nearly $1000 for a camera, it is great to be able to actually use the features you have paid for! I also took some pictures outside at night during the snow and was amazed what I could do with no flash!
Thanks again for a great class!! " Richard Hepler (Jan 2010)
I have loved the class- it is a perfect blend of technical information and artistic creativity. I just wish I could have taken it years ago. “Fran Knap”
"This is not your typical point and shoot photography class. Juan gives history to help the student understand the theory behind the camera. Technology, color, and mechanics. Like the computer, the new digital cameras are capable of so much more if only you know how to open the door. Juan's class is that door." Steve Cofer
"What I have liked about the course so far is that you have been able to take the mystery out of the camera. I am no longer afraid that I'll break the camera by pressing the wrong button! I am also grateful to learn how to maximize the options I have and look forward to experimenting with color combinations, aperture and speed. It is also great to find others to learn with! " Anne Honer
" I have learned more about my camera since spending the few hours with you than I have on my own by FAR!!! I think the general folks like me are scared to death of "the manual" and you have encouraged me & guided me down a very good path." Lynda Ruggiero
"As a working mom, I gave up my SLR camera for smaller, easier cameras. It had been years since I had used an SLR when I got a Canon digital SLR for Christmas to use in my retirement. To my dismay, I felt totally out of control when using this thing. Luckily, Juan started his photography class. He has clarified the connection between the old style cameras and the new style and has demystified the use of any type of digital camera. As a photography instructor, Juan is a credit to his own photography instructors, and he had some of the best in the world." Becky Megerian
"The class has been most enjoyable and enlightening for me. You are an excellent teacher with a wealth of knowledge for my limited skills. However, the class has broadened my perceptions of photography and given me the courage to try some different "takes" and angles. I had no idea how complicated using a digital camera could be. At least you have helped me figure out some of the buttons and settings. More than anything, your enthusiasm and passion for your art and craft are contagious. Thank you." Jaci Betts
" ...interesting, informative and very professionally presented!" Miriam Bivins
"My first photography class was back in 1983, wow have cameras changed since then. This class certainly brought back many things I'd leaned in the past but with little use had forgotten that and "F" stop did not mean feet away from the subject. Thanks to Juan I am back on track and learned a great deal more. This class has rekindled a love for the art of photography and the knowledge of how to take a really good picture. I would highly recommend this class to anyone new to photography or someone a little rusty on their skills like me. Juan, thanks for sharing your knowledge and years of experience." Bobbie Thomas
Thanks,
Juan