Express Photography Boot Camp - Indiana , PA October 16-17, 2010

Express Photography Boot Camp

By Jeff Cowell - usphotographers.com
A Two-Day "express" adventure in Learning and Experiencing Photography

Once you've learned to make a good exposure you'll want to arrange your subject matter appropriately. That's what we commonly refer to as Composition, and that's what the 2nd classroom session of this day is all about.

What you'll learn in this class:

I'll teach you how to compose your images in such a way that your viewers will be captivated and you'll command their interest. We'll discuss ways of improving your images so you can truly take them from being snapshots to being real photographs. Your friends will be waiting for you to come back from trips so they can see your photos, and they'll really enjoy seeing them.

This segment is geared towards providing you with the concepts of composition so you'll be able to effectively communicate your subject to your viewers (without you being there to guide them through your albums).

Here's some of the many topics we'll discuss:

· Depth-of-Field - The first element of composition.
· Rule of Thirds - A place for everything and everything in it's place.
· Framing - Bring out the best of your subject while you focus your viewers' interest.
· Balance - Making sure your viewer feels comfortable looking at your photos.
· Mergers - Avoiding the ones you should and creating the ones you need.
· Simplicity - Yeah, you know, that old principle... Keep it simple...
· Perspective - Bringing your viewer into the scene you want them to experience.

Day 2 - The Camera, Flash, Light and Metering

Now that you've got an understanding of how you want to compose your images and how to get the proper exposure, you need to get more familiar with the camera and all of it's parts.

What you'll learn in this segment:

We'll talk about all those buttons, wheels, switches and dials on your camera and lenses. Our goal here is to make sure you can take all your knowledge about Exposure and Composition and bring it together quickly to create the photos you're after. We will discuss how to handle your camera correctly so you'll be able to capture those shots you want before they get away, and about keeping your camera safe from harm and functioning for a long time to come.

Here's some of the many topics we'll discuss:

· Body - Where things are located and what they do.
· Function Dial - What's on it and what it all means.
· Shutter Speed and F/Stop Controls.
· ISO Settings.
· White Balance Settings.
· Shutter Release, Cable Release and Self-Timer.
· Hot Shoe and Flash connections.
· Depth of Field Preview.
· Auto-Focus Switch and focusing.
· LCD Display.
· Viewfinder.
· Lens / Lenses.
· Shutter functions.
· Handling the Camera.
· Using a Tripod.

Now that you know how to use your camera and compose your images and handle your camera well enough to get it all done, you need to know how to use the light you have or supplement it with flash.

What you'll learn in this segment:

Getting the exposure you want with the available light, and how to use flash to illuminate your subject or to supplement to available light. We will also spend a good deal of time dealing with metering your light to be sure you're going to get a proper exposure.

Here's some of the many topics we'll discuss:

· Measuring Light and Light Meters.
· Handling low light problems with flash.
· Reflecting your flash or the available light.
· Bouncing and diffusing flash.
· Adding color to your subject.
· Using filters to enhance your image.

File Management

Ok, so you've got all these great photos and you're saving them on your computer, now what?

The book includes a section on File Management, although we do not cover it in the classroom.

What you'll learn in this section:

Methods of managing your files so you can find them when you want them. Using those images for some of the many applications that you have for your photos.

Here's some of the many topics covered:

· Handling images as they come from the camera.
· Storing images in a managed fashion on your computer.
· Protecting your images from damage or loss.
· Resizing your images for various applications.
· Emailing your images.
· Preparing your images to print.

Add a Day-Long Photo Field Trip:

On the Monday following this 2-day Boot Camp, I will take a maximum of 12 of the students for a day-long Photo Field Trip.  Transportation, Lunch and Dinner will be provided as we travel the region to practice everything you learned over the past weekend.  Of course I will be with you throughout this day-long trip to provide additional assistance as needed.

To qualify for the Member Rate, you MUST be a member in good standing of usphotographers.com , so Join NOW for $30 and you'll save on this Boot Camp, plus you'll be eligible for future discounts. You don't have to wait for anything to come through, just fill out the registration form and make your $30 payment and you can go ahead and register for this School at the Member Rate.

Here's what the students are saying:

Hey just wanted to say THANK YOU! I am learning so much and we have just been sitting here this morning talking about your class and just how knowledgeable you are! Looking forward to learning more...you are AWESOME!!!    Lisa

Jeff, believe it or not, I really did learn a lot.  I look forward to attending one of the photo excursions... Denelle

The last 5 weeks (were) a lot of fun. I always enjoy your banter and the text book was very well written and illustrated. We were a diverse group of students, each unique and interesting... Mary

...just fyi, and this is in no way a suck up........I thought the class was
fantastic. I'm a true believer that a person can take amazing
photographs with a modest camera if they know what they are doing, and
you are proving me right. Thanks !!!  Tena

I really enjoyed Friday's digital photography seminar and am looking forward to the field trip on Aug 31!  I'm more motivated than ever to continue improving my knowledge, and am already working on upgrading my equipment... you'd be proud, it's a Canon.  ;)  Thanks again, see you in August!   Michelle