What they say about my Beachfront 'Hands-On' courses.....

"i never got my head around all the different settings, but Dave had me off 'Auto mode' in no time..."    

Anna, Seafront Graduate - Spring 2010

 Introduction

These courses are firmly aimed at aspiring photographers who want to get better results from their digital SLR cameras, and develop their creative skills. The courses' ‘hands-on’ practical approach, mostly on-location at suitable venues within Brighton & Hove  in a variety of ‘live’ situations, will show you all the basics you need to become a competent photographer,  take you beyond the ‘AUTO’ button, whilst having some fun along the way with some new pals...

Equipment required: 

Preferably a Digital SLR, or a 'Super Zoom' with Aperture, Shutter and Manual modes, and a tripod of some kind ideally. If you have a point and shoot you wont get the full benefit of this course. You should also know at least the basic operations of your camera, where the different modes are – even if you don’t currently use them!  You will need to be computer and web savvy, and know how to save files to your PC. You will also need Photoshop Elements or similar if you are doing the Part 2 course.

Week 1: ‘Camera Controls

Exploring the main camera functions and when to use them – Aperture, Shutter, Focus ( AF, AF Macro, Manual) Zoom ( optical and digital), flash options, timer, image resolution settings, battery, multi-shot mode, manual overrides to control depth of field and focus. Practical’s:

· Panning vs. static shots

· Slow exposures to create blur vs. short exposures to freeze subject.

· Forced flash vs. no flash in bright conditions

· How to Control what you want to be in focus/blurred.

Week 2: ‘Shooting the breeze'

Putting skills learnt in week 1 into practice on a roving shoot along the beachfront. Practical’s:

· Depth of field control

· Focus control

· Experimenting with shutter speeds to create effects

· Use of tripod

· Use of Zoom / Wide-angle to frame a shot.

Week 3: ‘Putting it all together’

 Adding the creative element to skills learnt, with advice on developing own style, including Composition  rules and how to break them, creating silhouettes, the ‘Golden hour’ etc.  Practical’s:

· How to crop a shot to maximise effect

· Taking a subject from different POV’s.

· Creating  silhouettes

· Bracketing / covering the angles

· Basic advice on Photo Shop

 Part 2: Main Course

  Week 4: ‘The Digital Darkroom’

Laptop based session with advice on how to get the most from your shot, by use of cropping and Photoshop controls, from a selection of 2-3 shots taken on the course so far. Practical sessions Include:

· Brightness/ Contrast

· Levels

· Hue/ Saturation

· Retouching

· Cropping/ Size/ Saving formats TIFF, Jpeg etc

· Special effects  e.g. sepia.

Week 5: ‘Printing, Framing, & Display’

Advice on how to get the most from your shot once edited. Including:

· Uploading to on-line Labs

· Use of local Labs for large format prints

· Canvas mounting

· Framing and canvas methods and Trade savings

· Ways to have your works shown/ sold

Week 6: ‘Getting it Covered’

Final session to tailor specific advice on how to handle an ‘event’ of your choice: Session includes:-

· Use of shoot list/ Preparing kit

· Logging shots, filing on PC

· Power back up

· Positioning to gain best view

· Grabbing moments - Getting the shot!

· Special Modes ( as applic) 

Main Course dates and costs:

 Aug/Sep Main Course Part 1 - 2.30- 4.30pm £70

Week 1  - 7 Aug

Week 2  - 14 Aug

Week 3  - 21 Aug

Main Course Part 2 - 2.30- 4.30pm £70 (£125 for 1 and 2)

Week 4 - 28 Aug

Week 5  - 4 Sep

Week 6  - 11 Sep

EXTRA COURSE

A couple of people missed the Aug course - so i'm thinking of running an extra late Summer course for 3 weeks starting SUN 5 SEP - pls email me if you are intrested ASAP.

One-2-One

If you cant make any of the above planned sessions then I can arrange a series of ‘One 2 One’ sessions to suit your specific needs and schedule. Prices are based on £25 per hr. Please email your  ability level, availability and timescale.

TO BOOK

Main courses are bookable on-line or email me. New courses - email me. All courses are limited to 10 (except One-2-One), with a minimum of 3 for a course to take place.  Should you have any further questions please drop me an email – davestreeter58@yahoo.co.uk or call me on either of these numbers:- (01273) 723526 or 07803 743782 

Cheers Dave

"Thanks for a fantastic course, I really enjoyed it and learnt so much, and because it was all so practical

I know I'm not going to forget it!  It’s really inspired me to get out and practice."

Hayley, Seafront Graduate - Spring 2010