We have now taught our basic photography course in groups and private sessions to a couple dozen people. Everyone has been happy with it and they have all found the course useful. Our photography course is for anyone who wants to learn about photography, and great picture taking. The course is available personally in groups or private sessions, and will be available online soon.
Our personal photography courses consist of actual classes in small groups where you get personal teaching and assistance, and are for anyone living within the Kingston, Cornwall, Ottawa area of Eastern Ontario, Canada. (Kingston, Cornwall, Ottawa, Brockville, Smiths Falls, Perth, Athens, Prescott, Iroquois, Morrisburg, Kemptville, Carleton Place, Mallorytown, Gananoque; anywhere within driving distance of Merrickville.)
We will have our "Basic Photography" course material available on the site very soon, 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.
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 an advanced photography course shortly, and will be adding material to the specialized sections of this website as time permits. In the future, we plan to offer courses in the various specialized photography fields.
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,
or for their own private classes at their place on a schedule they choose.
(see below for course schedule for public classes)
"Basic Photography" Course Details:
Our "Basic Photography" course consists of 4 classes. Each one is about 1 hour, followed by an open session period.
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 Prices:
The prices here are for the full course, all 4 days/classes. (includes all lessons, assignments, and certificate if you pass)
The only other costs are your transportation and the processing/printing if you use a film camera for the assignments. We provide the film, and even the camera if needed.
For group sessions (see schedule below)
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 which will give you a $10 discount, or can be paid on arrival of the first class with a small deposit.
Pay $20 deposit to reserve your seat, and the balance of $65 when courses start,
or pay $75 up front and your seat is reserved and course paid in full.
For private courses nice birthday gift idea for a friend who likes taking pitures
We offer a limited number of private courses. The cost for a private course is $165* for just yourself. Have family or friends take the course with you and it's only $20 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 less than the cost of the public course)
Private courses are held at your place, or your place of choice, and on your schedule. * plus a little extra for travel expenses if the course location is more than 25km from my place (calculate travel expenses)
Course Schedule: (Pick the schedule that fits yours the best) The next classes are scheduled for the following days/times.
next schedule coming soon Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 5 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.
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. It's also an easy and fun way to learn how to take better pictures.
For more information about the course, to sign up, or to just ask questions, use the form here.
