Our Classes

DO YOU LOVE TAKING PICTURES,
BUT NOT SO HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS?
ARE YOU READY TO MOVE TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC SKILLS & NEED HELP GETTING THERE?

Our accomplished & knowledgeable pro photo instructors
will keep a close eye on your progress and help you achieve
your goals. You'll see with a new perspective and reach
new creative heights.

Limited Class Sizes - Quality Critiques

New Class Sessions with Noella Ballenger
Start on March 5, 2012

OPEN CLASSES--Start Anytime You Like...
Photoshop & All Jim Austin Classes
Travel & Flash Photography classes with Mike Goldstein

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Student Feedback: Read what previous students have said.

Photography's Fun when You Know the Basics

Instructor:
Noella Ballenger

Required Skill Level: Beginner & Refresher

A six-week course
Maximum number of students: 10

Details: This class is designed for people who have just gotten a new camera and for those who never took the time to learn or want a refresher class in the basics.

I use an approach that I have developed during the 18 years I have been teaching to get people up and doing what they want to do best … take wonderful photographs.

We do a fast review and some lessons to demonstrate the basic controls on a camera – ISO, Shutter and Aperture Controls and Depth of Field, etc. (don’t yawn yet … it isn’t that bad). Then we turn our attention to special topics like learning to see photographically, evaluating our own images, learning to exercise our “creative muscles” and developing a plan for problem solving in the field.

It is a fun stepping stone class to the good stuff of creating outstanding images.
See class outline

Fee: $180 for each course

Session Dates: March 5 through April 16, 2012

Let’s Kick It Up a Notch: Beyond the Basics

Instructor:
Noella Ballenger

Required Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced

A six-week course
Maximum number of students: 10

Details: In addition to continuing to learning more about our cameras and working toward a good foundation, we are going to “kick it up a notch”!

We will not only continue with special topics such as learning to see photographically and evaluating our own images, but now we are going to move into the creativity area. There is much to discover about design and composition, but these won’t be the primary issues covered in this class. We’re going to push to see what our life themes might be and develop a small portfolio based on one of those themes.

It won’t be an “easy” class, but it will be fun and exciting. There is nothing better than a good challenge and I’m up for it if you are.
See class outline

Fee: $180 for each course

Session Dates: March 5 through April 16, 2012

Elements of Design

Instructor:
Noella Ballenger

Required Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced

A six-week course
Maximum number of students: 10

Details: The elements and principles of design are the building blocks used to create a composition, be it a painting or a photograph. Knowing these elements and how to use them will empower the photographer by giving him or her the understanding of why a composition works and the tools to create effective and compelling images. The Elements of Design can be thought of as the things that make up a composition. Good or bad - all images will contain most of, if not all, the seven elements of design.

This class is made up of six "pods" covering the seven Elements. Each pod is 6 weeks long. You don't even have to take them in any order, as they will be continually offered. Each pod will have introductory material explaining the respective Element and how it is used in composition. There will then be shooting assignments with critiques and guidance on how to improve your grasp and use of your pod's Element.
See class outline

PODS: (no need to take in order)
Pod 1: Lines
Pod 2: Shape & Form
Pod 3: Color
Pod 4: Texture
Pod 5: Value
Pod 6: Time & Space
Pod 7: Using the Element of Light (coming in March)

Session Dates: Choose your desired pod for March 5 through April 16, 2012

Fee: $180 per six-week pod.

Pod 7: Independent Photo Study (by popular request)
Required Skill Level: first six pods completed--may be taken repeatedly.

This is a wonderful opportunity to personalize your photography instruction. You select your topic/s of interest and work with Noella on a one-on-one individual program. Explore your motivations. Evaluate your photographic weaknesses. Build on your photographic strengths. Expand your creative horizons.

This class is all about you and working with your passion for photography.
Challenge Yourself and Be Challenged!

Session Dates: March 5 through April 16, 2012

Fee: $180 per six-week pod.

Getting Intimate:
The World of Close-Up
Photography

Instructor: Noella Ballenger

Required Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced

A six-week course
Maximum number of students: 10

Details: Do you admire those wonderful flower or bug shots? Want to know how to do them?

Close-up photography is one of my favorite areas of study in the photo world. I love the intimate feeling and I try to capture even the smell of beautiful flowers.

This class will cover the kind of special equipment used for macro photography, ways to get around using that equipment (and use some of what you already own), and some of my own special techniques for taking it and faking it.

So let’s get intimate together in this six lesson class. Let’s get close-up and personal with nature. You will have such fun when you share with your family and friends your stunning images.
See class outline

Fee: $180 for each course

Session Dates: March 5 through April 16, 2012

Jim Austin will mentor you through a variety of classes, from Lightroom, HDR, & Photoshop, to Marketing Your Photos by using Flickr.

Read about your instructor: James Austin

Class #1:
Lightroom

Requires: Lightroom program

Required Skill Level: All skill levels accepted
An 8 week course
Maximum students: One-on-one, individual instruction

Details: Learn tips and tricks from Adobe Certified Expert Jim Austin. Tutorials and lessons guide your specific projects. Master Lightroom's controls for enhancing your images. Develop and organize a library of images so you can find and edit them easily. Understand how to benefit from automatic lens correction. Make compelling black and white images. Explore elegant ways to share your pictures on your website and in print. Integrate easily with online photo-sharing sites.