We will be offering 2 services. Free basic photography lessons through this website, and personal photography courses. The personal photography courses are for anyone living within the Kingston, Cornwall, Ottawa area of Eastern Ontario, Canada, who wants to learn about photography, and great picture taking. (Kingston, Cornwall, Ottawa, Brockville, Smiths Falls, Perth, Athens, Prescott, Iroquois, Morrisburg, Kemptville, Carleton Place, Mallorytown, Gananoque; anywhere within driving distance of Merrickville.)
The photo course will be available online shortly.
Our personal photography courses consist of actual classes in small groups where you get personal teaching and assistance. Our "Basic Photography" course covers photography in general, the basics on film and digital photography, lighting, exposure, and composition, as well as a brief introduction to some of the different types of specialized photography. Upon successful completion, you also get a certificate to prove your new knowledge. We will be offering courses in the various specialized photography fields later.
We will have our "Basic Photography" course material available on the site by September, for those living elsewhere, or those who do not want or need personal teaching. We will also be offering online tests so you can get a certificate, (if you pass), for a small fee.
We will be adding material in the specialized sections as time permits.
"Basic Photography" Course Details:
Our "Basic Photography" course consists of 4 classes. Each one is 1 to 2 hours, followed by an open session period, during which, you can leave any time if you have no questions. The cost for the full course is $85 Canadian. For this low cost you can learn how to take better pictures, and understand exactly what you are doing when you take them. The fee can be paid when signing up, or paid with a $25 deposit to reserve your place and the balance paid on arrival of the first class.
Sign up for yourself or for a friend.
Nice birthday gift idea for a friend who likes taking pictures.
You get a gift certificate to give them for a pre-determined set of classes.
(see below for course schedule)
The 4 classes are:
Day 1
Lesson 1 - Camera Basics
How cameras work
Different types of cameras
The different lenses
Lesson 2 - Film vs Digital Photography
Differences between film and digital cameras and photos
Choosing between digital and film
The different types of films for film cameras
The difference between digital image formats and sizes
General Discussion - Talk about, or ask questions about, today's lessons or anything photo or camera related
Day 2
Lesson 3 - Photography Basics
Lighting - natural, artificial, and flash
Exposure - metering, shutter speeds, apertures, and film speeds
Lesson 4 - Taking Pictures
How lighting and exposure determine the end result
Common problems (red-eye, blurry, light or dark) - causes and cures
Assignment - test your understanding of today's lessons
Day 3
Lesson 5 - Making Pictures
Being creative with your lighting and exposure options
Lesson 6 - Introduction to Photography Specialties
Portrait Photography
Nature Photography
Still Photography
Close-up Photography
Certificate - show others that you now understand photography
Course Schedule & Prices: (Pick the schedule that fits yours the best) Our next classes will begin in September 2010 and are scheduled for the following days/times.
- Each Sunday evening from Sept 5 to Sept 26 (6pm to 8pm)
- Each Wednesday morning from Sept 8 to Sept 29 (noon to 2pm)
- Each Wednesday evening from Sept 8 to Sept 29 (6pm to 8pm) These classes will be held at my place which is on County Rd 16, halfway between Jasper and Merrickville.† Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 4 people at a time, and seating is filled on a first come first serve basis, so pick your choice soon. †Transportation may be available for a minimal fee if needed.
Our "Basic Photography" course is $85 Canadian. The fee can be paid when signing up, or paid with a $25 deposit to reserve your place and the balance paid on arrival of the first class. This covers all 4 days/classes. (all lessons, assignments, and certificate if you pass)
We also offer a limited number of private courses. The cost for a private course is $195 for just yourself. Have family or friends take the course with you and it's only $25 extra for each additional person taking the course.
(get 2 friends to take the course with you and split the cost, and the 3 of you get a private course at your place for the same price as the public course)
Private courses are held at your place, or your place of choice, and on your schedule.
This is not an "official" photography course. It's more like a photography seminar split into 4 sessions, consisting of 6 courses, 2 assignments, and an unofficial diploma. The course is designed for those who want to know more about photography and be able to take better pictures, without taking a full-blown photography course. It can also be an introduction for those considering taking a full course somewhere.
For more information about the course, to sign up, or to just ask questions, use the form here.
