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Shultz Photo School
This class is aimed right at moms, dads, and enthusiasts who bought that DSLR camera thinking that it would solve all their photo frustrations, but turns out it's just a big hunk of camera that they use as a point and shoot. You know that your new camera is capable of so much more, but all the books, online tutorials, and even local classes, aren't even close to cutting it. They either have way too much information written in greek that, when it comes down to it, doesn't even matter. Or on the other hand, it's good basic info, but it still reads like a manual...which, btw, your camera already comes with a manual that has the exact same info in it (which, yeah, the manual actually doesn't make sense either). Gracious. So, all said and done, you resort to turning the camera dial to automatic, pointing, shooting, and getting normal subpar snapshots with a $500 (or $2500) camera.
Sound familiar? We should talk.
Have you ever heard of the 80/20 rule? It states that, for many events, roughly 80% of the output (results) come from 20% of the input. I'm ditching the 80%, and focusing on the 20% of photography concepts and principals that will undeniably make the biggest difference in your ability to create compelling images. Sure, there's so much to learn about photography...it can literally be a life-long hobby, learning every day along the way. But, you're busy. Someday you'll have more time to digest the 'supplemental reading' of photography. For now, you just wish you had a handle on the 20% that really matters....the 20% that will give you 80% of the results. I hear you.
Bottom line. Shultz Photo School is about getting a grip on the core elements of creating great images. We tackle only the most important concepts of photography (that make the biggest difference). I don't want to rewrite your manual. I don't want to re-read you a bunch of books. I want to cover what really makes a difference for the normal guy/gal with a dslr that's trying to create great pics of their kids, their dog, their vacations, their parties and celebrations, their new house, their life.
I want to give you the only foundation you'll ever need to start creating compelling images and capture life!
Shultz Photo School is a month long. We meet 4 times (once a week from 6-7:30 pm). The first session is mostly in the classroom. The 2nd and 3rd sessions are mostly hands on, shooting alongside me while learning on the fly. The last session is back to the classroom, peeking over my shoulder onto the computer screen. Additionally, there's a daily tutorial / tip sent to each student Tuesday-Friday that puts into play all that we're learning during the class sessions.
Most photography courses begin with a bunch of talk about gear and equipment, then progress through shooting modes and camera settings (aka the camera manual), then, if lucky, end with some stuff about composition and lighting. Funny thing is that great photographers work through a shoot in the opposite direction. First they look for (or create) great light. Then they consider composition. Lastly, they reach into the bag and choose gear.
I'll present with the same approach as a seasoned photographer. Truly understanding exposure is the foundation to all you'll do with photography, so we start with that. But once we understand exposure, it's right on to lighting, then composition, then gear. And as a bonus, we'll lay a foundation into the enormous world of post production (editing, printing, and software).
The Course Outline:
Week 1: Understanding Exposure.
Shutter speed, f-stops, ISO?? We've all read these terms a few dozen times. But most are lucky if they remember what each of them actually means, let alone why they matter practically. Not to worry. I'll explain it in plain English with a concrete analogy that will help these concepts stick in your mind...forever. Great exposure is always just a mix of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. We'll get you there!
Week Two: Light Concepts you must understand.
No, we're not talking about studio strobes. Last time I checked, no normal person has this stuff laying around. So why is it in all the books? We'll focus instead on understanding the few principles of seeing (and shaping / modifying) natural light that will make a dramatic difference in your final image. Make no mistake folks. Lighting IS THE KEY to great photography. And there's just a few concepts that will make a world (80/20 rule) of difference.
Week Three: Composition and Gear.
We'll cater more towards composition than to the gear heads (gear is totally overrated folks), but we'll talk about gear this week because great image makers use gear (specifically lenses) for the purpose of, you guessed it, composition. Almost everyone has heard of the rule of thirds, but how many really understand how to incorporate it into a snapshot of your kid(s)? Again, I hear you. As for gear, again, you don't have to have it all. A little bit of the right gear will go a long way. We'll talk about what you need most!
Week Four: The beginning of the end: Post Production
Make no mistake, post production plays a huge role in your final image. There's no way around it. Moreover, the world of post production is absolutely overwhelming. There are dozens of software titles and programs to choose from. Dozens of printers and labs and book makers. After hours of searching for answers, you're back in the same boat. Most of it is noise, and the amount of sheer info overload is paralyzing. We'll cover the 20% that makes the biggest difference.
What's included?
1) The four classes outlined above.
2) Weekly tutorials (average 3-4 per week) and exercises to practice what we're learning.
3) A course manual.
4) Personalized, one-on-one, attention to answer questions and give feedback.
Coarse Enrollment requirements:
1) Own, or have access to, a dslr.
2) Payment via check or credit card upon enrollment.
3) Course Fee: $395. OR $295 ... see details directly below.
COURSE FEE SPECIAL!
Refer a Friend. Ride together. Save $100.
Everyone has about 10 friends who wants to learn about photography as well. Refer a friend to the class, commit to ride together to the class (this is important as we have limited parking at our studio, and you both will receive $100 of your enrollment! It's an easy way to save $100, share the love, and learn with friends.
At just $295, we're confident that the value far exceeds the investment. It's difficult to put a price tag on a lifetime worth of great images, as well as the beginning to one of the most rewarding hobbies you can pick up.
There is a (healthy sized) waiting list. Future classes are filled based on availability in a first come, first served manner.
Interested folks should simply click here to fill and complete the contact form. Make sure and select "Shultz Photo School" in the "Event Type" field. We'll put you onto our waiting list and keep you up to date on class announcements via email. You can always email or call as well.
217-415-9636