Weekend Photography Workshop in Sydney and the Blue Mountains

Photography Course Outline

Saturday
Day 1 is a mix of classroom and location based learning.

9.00 Meet Hyde Park. We have a fairly early start on day one. At this time there should still be some nice morning light. Practical demonstrations of basic photographic concepts. Understanding Exposure, ISO settings, How meters work and how to compensate when they don't. Using RAW files. Working with Histograms.

11.30 Refreshment break. We will have time to discuss equipment including lenses, filters, flashes, tripod etc.

12.30 Classroom session.

We examine a range of photographs. We analyze and discuss what makes a good photograph. What separates a quality travel shot from a holiday snap. Topics include Composition, lighting, Metering types including Evaluative versus Spot. Working with Histograms.

Photography & the Computer; Converting RAW files, Jpegs versus RAW, Colour Correction, Optimizing Exposure, Resizing Images (for email and web us) Archiving.

14.30 We head out to do some hands on photography. You will put what you have learned into practice as we photograph a range of subjects.

15.30 End of Day 1

Sunday
Day 2 of the workshop is all on location. We concentrate on working with afternoon light.

12.00 Meet at Hyde Park. We will explore the use of Shutter Speeds to control the way motion is recorded. You will learn how to control Depth of Field, practicing throwing backgrounds out of focus. There will be tips on portraiture including fill-flash. and using reflectors. Architectural photographs of exterior of St Mary's Cathedral.

14.30 Refreshment break

15.00 As the shadows lengthen I will give you a mini-assignment with short list of subjects for you to photograph. I will be available to answer your individual questions. Suggested locations; Domain, Gardens.

17.00 We will do some lowlight photography. You will learn how to take better "night shots" using a tripod (please let me know if you would like to borrow one).

18.00 End of Day 2

Duration: 12 Hours total
Cost: $395 includes Refreshments both days.
Class size: 10 students maximum

Important information:

In case of Bad Weather;
Day One will be held "Rain or Shine" as most Saturday sessions are inside. The outdoors components will be adjusted to suit weather conditions.

Day Two will proceed unless the weather is plainly unsuitable. Good photography does not require "good" weather and cloudy conditions are perfect for some subjects.

If the weather conditions are too bad e.g. steady rain or very windy, day 2 may be postponed and I will send a text message to your mobile phone based on the Bureau of Metrology weather forecast at 6pm of the preceding evening.
(see www.bom.gov.au/weather/nsw/)
In which case I will try to reschedule the class to suit the majority of students.

What you will need to bring;
Camera: A digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) plus lens(es) or a Compact digital camera with full manual override*
Memory Card(s)
Fully charged Camera Battery, plus spare if you have one.
Notepad & Pen. Course notes will be provided but lots of extra useful info crops up along the way.

Also useful;

External flash (I am not a huge fan of flash so don't worry if don't have one).
Polarising filter

*Suitable non-SLR cameras include; Canon G9, Leica D-Lux 3, Panasonic CX2. (If you are not sure if you camera is appropriate please email with the model number).
If you are waiting to buy your SLR (perhaps until you leave on your trip) I have DSLRs available to use, please let me know in advance.

Please wear comfortable shoes as we will be doing some walking and clothes that you can kneel down in. Also please have something warm with you to wear for the "Night Photography" session.

Light refreshments are included both days. Please advise in advance if you have any special dietary requirements.