Photography Classes @ Studio D
March 16, 2010 by vard · Leave a Comment
OK…here we go! This might be all over the place, but I’ll try to keep it together. And I’ll put this out there right now; this is my first foray into trying to show someone how I shoot, so if it feels like I’m shooting (pun #1) from the hip, I probably am. And, an even more important point – these classes will be based around what I know about image making, which is limited to what I’ve been able to teach myself in the last 6ish years. I’m still teaching myself photography, and I hope these classes can show you how to do that as well.
We’ll lean HEAVILY towards DSLR shooting, particularly in the 1 on 1 sessions. If you’re more comfortable with, or only have, a point-n-shoot, we can definitely discuss that more as well. And, if those last 2 sentences didn’t make any english sense to you, please ask…I’ll be happy to explain.
Small Group Classes:
These classes will be limited to 5 people per class, on a first come, first served basis. To reserve a spot, the course fee will need to be paid in full. If you’re thinking about attending any of these, get a hold of someone at the studio ASAP. We can’t reserve a spot until the fee is paid. And on that note, each class is $75 and will be held at the studio.
The dates are:
- Wednesday April 28th 6-9 – Camera Control – ISO, aperture, shutter speed
- Wednesday May 12th 6-9 – Digital Darkroom – file management, workflow, editing
- Wednesday May 26th 6-9 – Lighting – natural, on-camera, off-camera, mixing
Camera Control
To me, this is where it all starts. If you don’t know what the camera is doing, you’re never going to get any better at making images. ’P’ mode works in very few situations. Actually taking control of the camera is essential to getting YOUR creativity into the image. And seriously, it’s easier than you think. MOST of the ’stuff’ on your camera can be ignored…understanding ISO, aperture and shutter speed, and how each plays into your image will allow you to make better images, more often, in more situations.
Digital Darkroom
This should actually be first, but I realize most people just want to shoot and might not KNOW that they SHOULD care about this part…by the end of Camera Control, I’ll have you convinced at just how important this part is, particularly to digital photographers. Don’t skip this class just because it might sound boring on the surface – I promise it wont be!
Lighting
Oh baby, do I love me some light! I can’t stop looking at, analyzing, playing with or talking about lighting. Ask Connie…it’d be a problem if it wasn’t a passion! :D (ooh…that was good…tweeted!) Understanding lighting and how YOU are in CONTROL of it will make for better images instantly. From simple to complex, we’ll talk about it all. Class note – if I jump around like a monkey trying to make my point on lighting, toss me a banana and wait for me to calm down…I like it THAT much!
I’m going to focus (pun #2) on having fun in these classes – cause seriously, has anyone ever picked up a camera with intent of irritating themselves? It’s about creativity and sharing with the world how you see life happening one frame at a time. I can’t tell you too much about the class setting itself, cause THAT’S one of the surprises for attending. I will say this however; I’m going for MORE than you’re expecting! 
Alright…so that brings us to the 1 on 1 classes…a tad less info here as these are going to be specific to each person. But here are the details:
1 on 1 Photo Classes:
- Scheduled almost any time there’s an opening for your schedule and mine
- First class is a 2 hr intro class at $75. The intro class is designed to help me better understand your needs so I can tailor future classes accordingly.
- After the intro class, sessions are $50/hr, booked in 1-3 hour blocks
- You can also schedule a batch of classes for a reduced rate – 6 session hours for $250, scheduled however you’d like.
- Most classes will start in the studio – we’ll decide together where were headed from there if location work is the order of the day
- I have a basic plan for how I’d like these to go, but it’s YOUR PERSONAL class. We’ll work on whatever you’d like.
The Nifty 50
March 11, 2010 by vard · Leave a Comment
Definitely one of the coolest parts of this gig is talking to people about not only the images we’re about to work on for them, but also about the images they may want to make on their own. DLSR camera’s have made it easy and affordable to make better images. The feedback, either instantly from the back of the camera, or shortly thereafter on a computer screen, give you a chance to make adjustments and corrections, reshoot and see first hand the results of those changes, usually immediately. At least for me, this is a GREAT way to learn. It’s linear and just makes sense.
The question I get asked most often is probably ‘what does it take to be a professional photographer?‘ The quick answer, a business degree! I get the feeling most people don’t want to hear that, but it’s all but true. That said, it doesn’t take a degree of any sort to make better pictures; just the desire to do so. If the image is pleasing to you, you’re good to go. Everyone has opinions, preferences, likes and dislikes, all of which can help you see things from different points of view. In the end however, being comfortable with yourself and what you’re doing with a camera is all that really matters.
When I get into a conversation about gear, particularly with someone new to photography, I bring up the lens in the image here; the 50mm f/1.8. Both Nikon and Cannon make it, as I’m sure many other camera and lens manufacturers do as well. In the ‘bang for your buck’ category, this lens stands alone, BIG TIME. Nikon’s runs about $120, Cannon’s is about $10 cheaper. When lenses regularly go for $1500.00+, the 50mm f/1.8 feels nearly free! It’s durable (the one in the image here is from my dads old film Nikon…its been beaten, dropped, tossed, shipped and forgotten about by various members of my family for 20+ years, and still takes a razor sharp image.). It’s feather light, awesome in low-light situations and IT DOESN’T ZOOM! I’m not going to get into the ‘prime vs. zoom’ argument here, that’s for someone else’s blog…but the fact that this lens is fixed at 50mm is WHY I like it so much.
This lens (and all other primes) remove the ability to zoom in or out at the the lens in your attempts to make a better image. Often, and I’m hella guilty of this myself, you’ll snap an image that looks NOTHING like what you were going for. With a zoom lens on, who hasn’t just zoomed in or out and reshot the same image? There are definitely times when that really might be all the fix you need, but I’m willing to bet in most situations you’re just closer to or further away from the same cruddy picture. The 50mm doesn’t give you that option. The only thing you can do is change YOUR position relative to your subject. Once you start moving all sorts of new possibilities open up. It forces you to open your minds eye to different approaches to your shot. Move left, move right, get on a ladder, hug the ground; different scenarios for making something awesome start to materialize quick.
I can go on all day about this rad little workhorse. Mine’s seen greener pastures, but still does what I ask of it. I use it almost every day and wouldn’t think of putting a gear bag together without this lens. If you’re looking around for something that will invigorate and inspire your shooting, give this little guy a try…
Rock On!
More blogs on the way:
- 1 on 1 and Small Group Photography Classes
- More Recent Shoots
Stay tuned…
LIVIN’ LOUD!
February 23, 2010 by vard · Leave a Comment
Getting ready to order the next set of ads to hang down at Fuel Fitness here in Berwick. Seriously AWESOME people to work with – Marc, Kevin and the rest of the team rock! Julie, Andrea and I have 2 more shoots planned in the coming months to round out a series of ‘active lifestyle’ images I’ve wanted to shoot for some time. In March or April we’re going to move the looks outside and get a little gritty with it. Some time in June (there’s not much time left in that month with some of the other things we have planned for then) we’ll be heading up to the Appalachian Trail for some backpacking/trail hiking radness…can’t wait!
Rock On!
Kat’s Cookbook Covers!
February 21, 2010 by vard · Leave a Comment
One of these days I’ll figure out a proper way to post one of these polls…until then, I hope this sloppy layout doesn’t give anyone a migraine…
Kat sent over her designs for Lindsey’s chocolate cookbook cover early this eve. So cool…really diggin how she incorporated the feel of the shoot right in to the layout. Thanks Kat for doing such a rad job on hair, makeup and covers. This was a true team effort from start to finish!
If you have a second, case a vote for your favorite, and thanks for playing along…
A Few Recent Good Times
January 23, 2010 by vard · Leave a Comment
Wanted post these quick before heading out for the day. Had a great time on each shoot. All the ladies here rock it awesome for the camera.
Thanks ladies!
Stuff From This Week
January 15, 2010 by vard · Leave a Comment
Had a blast shooting this week. No one here is a 1st timer in front of the camera…a couple of them have been here NUMEROUS times. Started off the week with Nicole – I think this is her 5th or 6th shoot in the 18 months I’ve been working with her. Always energetic and packed full of ideas. Tuesday saw the return of David to the studio. The dude’s motivated in everything he does. And we had to relive the tie+beater look again; this time with added spice!
On Wednesday we had Christine in to play around with some lighting ideas and basically have a good time. Thanks for putting up with my stupid humor Chris! :D And yesterday I go the chance to work with Sarah once again. Every time she gets in front of the camera she blows my mind.
So here’s a glass raised for everyone that finds the time to explore their own creativity while trying to have as much fun as possible. Thank you all for rockin it this week. Also, a big shout out to Allyson and Erica for rockin’ the makeup on 3/4 of these shoots – Sorry David, I’ll get you someone next time! :P
Peace Out!