Course Descriptions
The Courses
The courses are split into four modules which may be taken indivdually or as a whole. Unless you already have a good understanding of your digital camera it is reccommended you complete modules 1 and 2 before going on to modules 3 and 4.
- Dgital Photography 1 Basic Photography (Sat morning)
- Digital Darkroom 1 - Fundamentals of image editing (Sat afternoon)
- Digital Photography 2 - Creative Photography (Sun morning)
- Digital Darkroom 2 - Adobe Photoshop (Sun afternoon)
Module 1 Digital photography 1 - Basic Photography
Saturday Morning 9.30am-12.30pm
$80.00 (see special discounts)
This module is for both complete novices and for those with some experience who:
- Want to learn about digital photography
- Need to better understand their camera controls
- Want to improve their picture taking skills
- Need a refresher in photographic fundamentals
Topics covered
- Basic concepts of capturing an image including the relationship between aperture, shutter speed and film (sensor) sensitivity for correct exposure.
- The nature of light and its role in photography including understanding white balance
- Camera controls, batteries, memory cards etc.
- Composition. What works, what doesn’t and why.
- The most common mistakes in photography and how to avoid them
- How to critique your own (or others) work to improve your photos.
Module 2 Digital Darkroom 1 - Fundamentals of Image Editing
Saturday Afternoon 1.30pm- 4.30pm
$80.00 (see special discounts)
However skilled you are, chances are your pictures can be improved by some basic digital manipulation. In this module, we look at techniques to easily organize and improve your images utilising readily available (and often free) editing software.
Topics Covered
- Getting your pictures onto the computer
- Overview of available editing software including many good freebies
- Organising your pictures
- How to make basic adjustments for colour, contrast, colour etc
- Effective cropping to give your images impact
- Easy enhancements and repairs such as sharpening, red-eye removal etc.
- Preparing your pictures for printing, emailing, website.
- Introduction to Photoshop
Module 3 Digital Photography 2 - Creative Photography
Sunday Morning 9.30pm – 12.30pm
$80.00 (see special discounts)
This module is for those who have completed the Digital Photography 1 or are already familiar with their camera and want to take their photography to the next level. Although not essential it will be of most benefit to those who have or are intending to get a digital SLR camera or at least a compact with semi-automatic or manual controls and zoom lens. Get the most out of your camera and start shooting like a pro!
Topics covered
- In-depth look at shutter speed, aperture and film sensitivity.
- Lenses, focal length, depth of field
- Understanding and using the histogram to monitor exposure.
- Varying depth of field and perspectives for more creative photography.
- Back-lighting, side-lighting, sunrise/sunset, night photography
- Flash and studio lighting techniques especially in relation to digital
- How to take successful portraits
- Critique of several image styles
Module 4 Digital Darkroom 2 - Photoshop
Sunday afternoon 1.30pm-4.30pm
$80.00 (see special discounts)
To get the most from your digital photography, sooner or later you will need to learn to use an advanced image editor. With Photoshop, the de-facto standard for professional and advanced amateur photographers everywhere, you have available a huge array of tools and techniques to manipulate your images in any way imaginable. Unfortunately, it is quite daunting to learn from scratch but after this course you will be armed with enough knowledge to really take advantage of this powerful program.
- Overview of the toolbox and use of basic tools
- Adjusting images using levels/curves
- Removing unwanted objects with clone tool/healing brush
- Layers. How to use them and why they are so useful
- Introduction to blending modes
- Dodging and burning. The power of layer masks
- Tips and tricks to quickly improve your pictures
- Resizing, resolution for printing/emailing
- Sharpening techniques
- File formats RAW vs. JPG
- Colour management
- Successful printing
Special Discounts
Book any 2 or 3 modules and pay $75.00 each. All prices include GST
All day Saturday or all day Sunday only $150.00 including a delicious lunch.
Groups of three or more...we can run a course especially for you at a time to suit you and at a surprisingly low rate. Individual tuition also available...please enquire!
About the Trainer
John Harrison, a photographer with 25years experience runs a successful photography and picture framing business from his studio at Cedar Creek in the Hunter Valley. His style is friendly and approachable so you can feel comfortable to ask questions and learn regardless of how much or little you already know.
Having made the transition from film to digital himself a while ago, he understands the challenge of changing technology and has designed this course to make it easy for anyone to quickly get up to speed in the world of digital and significantly improve their photography.
Money back guarantee
We sincerely believe the course will not only be enjoyable but will help you improve your photography. If, after completion of the course you don’t think you have learned enough to produce better pictures you may re-sit the course for free, alternatively we will refund the fee.