DSLR Short Courses
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Presented by Competitive Cameras
This series of classes was developed by the owners of Competitive Cameras in conjunction with photographer and instructor Peter Poulides. Peter has been shooting professionally for almost 30 years and will be teaching this series of classes. Learn more about him here. Peter will be working with a camera tethered to a computer and projector so you can see what he’s shooting and follow along with camera settings. To see what past students have to say about the classes, check the Reviews page.
These are stand-alone classes which together form a series of steps to take you from a beginner’s introduction through a fuller understanding of how to use your camera to consistently take great photos. You can sign up for any or all of the classes. Each class is 2 ½ hours long. Advance registration and payment is required. Maximum number of students is 20, minimum number to make a class is 8.
The classes are geared toward Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras like the Nikon D3000, D5000, D40, D60, D80, D90, etc., the Sony Alpha series and the Canon Rebel and EOS series. The classes may also be appropriate for non reflex, high quality cameras that offer manual controls, such as the Canon G series, Lumix LX, Ricoh GX, etc.
Once you’ve made your selections, proceed to checkout and you will be taken to a secure PayPal site to enter your credit card information. You do not need a PayPal account. If you do have a PayPal account you can choose to pay with a credit card or log in to you PayPal account and use other funding methods.
Important: During checkout you’ll be asked to agree to the terms and conditions. Please be sure to read this carefully for information about cancellations and refunds. If you have any questions before you sign up, please use the contact page.
Q: How much do the classes cost?
A: The early registration fee is $50/person if you register at least 7 days before the class date. Otherwise the fee is $60.
Q: How will I know if a class makes or not?
A: If a class doesn’t make and has to be canceled, you will receive an email by the night before the scheduled class date.
Q: How late can I sign up for a class?
A: As long as the class doesn’t show as “sold out”, you can register and pay up to two hours before the starting time of the class.
Q: What’s the difference between the Full Day Workshops and the evening Short Courses?
A: The DSLR-1 and DSLR-2 classes cover some of the same material as the Beginner Full Day Workshop. The DSLR-3 class includes some of the material from the Intermediate Full Day Workshop. The workshops are smaller, more hands-on and there is time for shooting with a model. We’ve found that some people enjoy the intensity of an all day workshop while others prefer to have the material spread out over several classes.
Competitive Cameras Presents: DSLR-1 Short Course
2-1/2 hours
*Early Registration: $50/person (up to 7 days before class date)
Regular Registration: $60/person
Maximum number of students is 20, minimum number to make a class is 8.
The Basics: Getting started
This class is for beginners. Highly recommended for those new to digital photography or if you just stepped up to a DSLR from a compact camera. You will learn the basics of settings and exposure and get comfortable with the controls on your camera.
- Your new collection of stuff: batteries, chargers, memory cards, readers, lenses, filters, caps and hoods.
- Why your camera is called a DSLR, what goes on when you take a picture.
- Basic menus & settings: file size, quality, JPG, RAW, TIFF, white balance and ISO.
- The viewfinder: what information is available and how it helps you.
- Exposure: a thorough explanation of shutter speeds and f-stops, plus a little depth of field.
- Exposure modes: getting off the green Auto mode and understanding the difference between P-A-S-M, (P-Av-Tv-M)
- Focal length and maximum aperture: deciphering the numbers on your lens.
- Built-in flash: when to just say no!
Competitive Cameras Presents: DSLR-2 Short Course
2-1/2 hours
*Early Registration: $50/person (up to 7 days before class date)
Regular Registration: $60/person
Maximum number of students is 20, minimum number to make a class is 8.
Taking Control: A deeper understanding of exposure, focus, depth of field and how to use them creatively.
- Review: exactly what is an f-stop anyway?
- Depth of field: controlling it is one of the best reasons to own a DSLR!
- Metering & exposure control: bracketing, exposure compensation, reading a histogram.
- When the camera gets it wrong: getting good exposures in tricky situations by changing metering patterns.
- Focusing modes: if it’s called auto focus, why do some photos still turn out blurry? Choosing the mode that works with you instead of getting in your way.
- Composition: rules and breaking them, finding out what works and what you like.
Competitive Cameras Presents: DSLR-3 Short Course
2-1/2 hours
*Early Registration: $50/person (up to 7 days before class date)
Regular Registration: $60/person
Maximum number of students is 20, minimum number to make a class is 8.
Beyond the Basics: Technology, creativity and flash.
- ISO and noise: when to worry about it, why some noise can be a good thing.
- Motion blur: using slow shutter speeds as a creative tool.
- P*: the hidden Program mode that allows quick, creative control.
- Lenses: creativity vs practicality (and cost!). We’ll look at everything from fisheye to long telephoto and how to select lenses as creative tools.
- Lighting: finding it vs. bringing it with you.
- Working with off-camera flash: professional quality lighting with a small, lightweight kit.
- Support/stability: tripods, monopods, clamps, beanbags, stance, leaning & breathing.
- Dust & cleaning: when to worry about lens and sensor dust, how to find it and how to get rid of it.