Outline for previous classes Digital SLR Class
Special note to Digital SLR Users
I have started renting extreme lens for fun photography weekends from
Camera Lens Rentals.
Click on the above name to see what equipment is available for your fun weekend.
Classes are now being conducted at Edgemoore and Orchard Park Rec Centers.
Here is the current class outline.
General Photography Class
Please note that this may change as the class run.
Software Links for Finishing Off Your Photography
Thanks to everyone who attended the editing software overview. Here are some of the promised links and some additional information on editing options.
Free Software
Irfanview - Great for batch changes to photographs, adding text, and converting mass files to B&W. (Click Here)
GIMP - An incredible open source software package for PHOTOSHOP type editing. (CLick Here)
Please remember that free software is free because people who use it do donate something via the web site donation buttons. If you like any of these please send them $5 or more.
Software Editing Programs
Corel Paint Shop X2 - This is not the current version and not what I went over in class. Since it is an older version the price is a lot lower. (See below or Click Here to view the price. Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Ultimate) If you purchase X2 be sure to check out the recommended books to go with it.
Corel Paint Shop X3 - This is the current version which I went over in class. I have yet to find something I use in Photoshop which is not available in Paint Shop Pro. Having said that, I will also say that after re-visiting Photoshop Elements I can say that Elements is easier to use, but not nearly as capable as Paint Shop Pro. (See below or Click Here to view the price. Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3) Be sure to check out the recommended books to go with it.
Corel Paint It - This is a new program from Corel and is a consumer version of their Paint program which sells for several hundred dollars. Paint It has a selection of brushes which you can use to smudge or turn your photos into a painting, charcoal sketch or pencil drawing. Corel's $300 Painter tool has a lot more features and would be my recommendation for serious artists.
What makes it really cool is the automated art creator. There are 11 styles available such as Oil Painting, Impressionist Painting, Detailed Watercolor or Pen & Ink Drawing. Corel Paint It! Photo
Adobe Elements - Even though I am not a fan of Adobe Elements it is not a program to totally ignore. I would describe it as a good solution for the person who wants to do basic editing and does not think they will want ever do more involved editing. If you decide to go with Adobe Elements I recommend purchasing one of the how-to guides. While Adobe does offer good software solutions they are not known for being user friendly. Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 (Win/Mac)
More Software and Accessories to
help you improve your photography.
These classes are being taught by Art of Art's Photography, a local studio located in Valley Center, which is just North of Wichita. Art has been involved in photography for over 35 years and still has a passion for taking pictures and is eager to share his photography knowledge.
Regardless of what kind of digital camera that you own, you will find these classes interesting and challenging. Topics will be covered that you will not understand at first, but with practice these techniques will help improve your photography.
Even if you can't come to one of his classes you will want to sign up for his newsletter. Whenever a page of tips is added to the web site or one is changed we will drop you a note. You can use our CONTACT FORM to sign up for the newsletter.
What makes a great photograph?
A photograph conveys a statement that statement may be:
- We are here
- Shares/creates an impression of something you find interesting
- Recording an event
- Making a statement - political, emotional, environmental, or anything you are passionate about
Like any message, you first need a subject. The subject is the central point of interest and is usually placed in the foreground of the shot (towards the viewer). Depending upon your message you may then introduce additional elements to enhance the message.
One of the things that are as important as what you put in the subject is knowing what to leave out of the picture. Developing the photographers eye will help you learn how to see when looking through the viewfinder. This is an important part of becoming a good photographer.
What Is a Camera?
A camera is a device that is used to capture an image onto either film or record it on a digital media. It works by collecting light through the lens and creating a copy of the image on whatever storage medium is in use. Camera vary by types. Some capture still images and some capture moving images.
History
The precursor to the modern camera was known as the camera obscura. It was described in the 11th century in the "Book of Optics", written by Ibn al-Haytham. The camera obscura was able to focus light and display an image of what is outside of the device. The first portable camera obscura was created in 1685. In 1826, the first camera that was able to create a permanent photograph on film was invented. From humble beginnings today's modern technology has been created.
Camera Design
While cameras vary greatly in size and shape they all have the same basic components. The business end of the lens is seen on one end. On the opposite end is where the light passes to the recording medium such as film or the digital recording technology. Many cameras will have a flash on the front. Most cameras also have a shutter button on the top right of the camera body which is used to capture the picture.
How They Work
Cameras have a lens on their front end with a convex element that collects light from what the camera is pointed towards. This light creates an image in much the same way as a telescope allows people to look at the objects through the telescope. When the shutter button on a camera is pressed, the image of a single moment is captured and preserved on film or digital media.
Video cameras take thousands of images which when played at 30 frames per second create the illusion of motion.
Digital cameras have computers in them that "process" the image based upon a set of parameters which have been set through the menu. What most people do not think about is that even with all of the modern technology in today's smallest cameras, the rules of what it takes to create a great image have not changed for many many years.
What is Photography
Photography is an important part of our society because it records history. For families, photography records the history of the family while in the business world, photography is used for documentation, advertising, and illustration purposes.
Of course, photography as an art form is a complete web site discussion in itself.
