The Value of a 50

In the run-up to the next kick-start course (details here), I’ve been in contact with lots of photographers seeking to exploit the potential of their DSLR cameras.

To those that don’t already have one, I’ll always suggest getting a fast prime lens (such as a 50mm f/1.8). I’ve just taken a quick shot from my desk that demonstrates the value of such a lens, in this case a Canon 50mm f/1.4

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Next Kick-Start Course Announced!

It’s been a while, but the next ‘Kick-Start’ course date has been set for 14th May. 

For all the details you need, click here.

More coming soon…

Kick-Start Photo Course II

Feedback from the first Kick-Start course was very positive, so fresh off the back of that I’m going to pencil in a date for early in the new year.

MOvember team mate Johnny listens intently

As before, the aim of the course is to help participants get the camera out of Auto mode and onto the path of making better images. This is what we covered:

Exposure - Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO (that’s the big chunk of learning)
Metering, exposure compensation and using the histogram
Focus - Automatic, Manual and focus point selection
RAW and the advantages/disadvantages it brings 
Flash - When not to use, freezing subjects with flash and rear curtain sync
Gear - Camera Bodies, Lenses and accessories. What to look for and what you ‘really’ need
Data Management - Best Practices
Workflow Basics - Best Practices
Editing Basics - Overview of Adobe Lightroom (and Aperture if there are any Mac users)

In the process there were a whole bunch of tips and tricks thrown in, plus a slideshow of images illustrating what was discussed during the day.

The best way to learn this stuff is by actually doing it, so we started outdoors, shooting as we went through all of the above. The latter part of the time was spent in the pub over a pint.

The next course will follow the same format. I’ve marked January 22nd 2011 in my calendar as it’s looking like my only free weekend for the month… so if you’re interested get in touch via the contact page or leave a comment below (including details of the camera make/model and any accessories you’ll be using). The venue is the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin.

The Small Print

The course is open to anyone with a digital camera that allows full manual control, but preferably an SLR. We’ll need at least 5 people and a maximum of 10-12 so that everyone gets plenty of attention

This course is free, so spend a few quid on a fast 50mm lens for yourself instead… the last time I was in Gunns the cost of a 50mm f/1.8 was only €122. 

More coming soon…

Daithí

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Update on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 12:45AM by Daithí

We’re full!!

Unless someone that has already been confirmed pulls out I can’t take any more names. Having too big a crowd would impact the effectiveness of the course too much.

Please feel free to get in touch and I’ll hold your details on a reserve list. If the course goes well and participants find it worthwhile I’ll get another one going in the very near future.

Anybody interested in 1-to-1 private tuition covering anything from camera controls and lighting to data management and workflow setup; please drop me a mail.

Best Regards

Daithí

Kick-Start Photography Course!

I’ve been brewing the thought of giving a kick-start digital photography lesson to anybody interested for a while. The idea is to help people get the most out of their camera… in other words taking the first steps to getting it out of Auto mode and into the more advanced settings which ought to result in better images.

Camera manuals contain a whole bunch of useful information, but they can be hard to learn from. Instead, I like to learn by trial-and-error and refer to the manual when need be for additional information. That’s the intended approach for this course… out-and-about shooting in a variety of situations rather than sitting in a classroom.

What should be covered:

• Camera Features & Controls
• Exposure Basics
• Advanced Shooting Modes
• Tips & Tricks
• Data Management Basics
• Some editing basics (time permitting)

Any other topics you want covered can be done on the day. 

What’ll it cost?

This course is free. It won’t cost you a cent! 

If you’ve got a DSLR, however, I recommend you spend €100 and get yourself a fast 50mm lens or similar. This will be one of the best investments you make in your photography. I wrote a post some time back about the fast 50, you can check it out here.

What do I need?

• A Camera, preferably a DSLR, but anything that lets you have full manual control will do
• Fully charged batteries
• Your camera manual (for reference)
• The price of a pint afterwards
• Warm clothes

Where will it be?

Starting in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. From there we’ll start shooting and learning as we go. Afterwards there are plenty of pubs nearby offering great pints of Guinness. Relaxing over a drink will set the scene for some low-light indoor shooting and also provide the perfect location to review images from the day and go over basic data management.

You’re still reading, that must mean you’re interested. Read on…

When is it on?

I’m aiming for the 13th November. More details to follow based on feedback and levels of interest. There’ll need to be a minimum of 5 people attending and no more than 10-12 so that everyone gets plenty of attention.

If you’re interested please leave a comment or get in touch via the contact page. 

More coming soon…

Daithí

Update on Friday, November 12, 2010 at 12:30AM by Daithí

OK it’s full steam ahead for tomorrow. Meeting at the Farmleigh House main entrance at 3pm. Click Here for directions. 

10 people have confirmed they’re coming along (that’s 10 more than expected), so there’s room for one or two more if you’re interested.

Daithí