It’s a common problem. You get a new camera, take it out of the box, start experimenting. It’s technologically advanced, and you get the feeling you might not be making the most of all those buttons and dials. But – oh, well. You’ll look at the manual later. Just as soon as life slows down a bit.

For anyone who’s experienced the above, help is at hand. We have a series of classes designed to help users come to grips with their compact digital cameras and digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. The classes are geared toward beginner and intermediate users .

Here's what people have said about our classes and instructors:

"Instructor was super, especially at answering questions"
"The handouts provide are very helpful and organized"
" I may never take another picture in the auto mode"
"Class size was great and very accommodating to everyone's camera needs"
"Excellent - Great Job!"

 Are you new to the digital world, or maybe just want an overview of your camera’s capabilities? If so, this class will help you understand the features of your point and shoot camera better. We will introduce image quality settings, use of the flash, file formats, white balance settings, why knowing the difference between optical and digital zoom is key to a high quality image, and some compositional tips. This is a 2 ½ hour class, and is limited to 12 people. $35.00

Designed to get you off the auto setting, this class will introduce you to the main features of your digital Canon SLR camera. Topics covered include exposure modes, file formats, auto focus modes, flash and much more This class is perfect if you just bought a Canon DSLR, or have had one for a while and want to know how to use it better. This is a 2 ½ hour class, and is limited to 12 people. $35.00

Designed to get you off the auto setting, this class will introduce you to the main features of your digital Nikon SLR camera. Topics covered include exposure modes, file formats, auto focus modes, flash and much more This class is perfect if you just bought a Nikon DSLR, or have had one for a while and want to know how to use it better. This is a 2 ½ hour class, and is limited to 12 people. $35.00

Want to take your Canon DSLR camera to the next level? This class explores some of the basics in greater detail, while introducing new concepts. Topics covered include performing a custom white balance, understanding why the camera doesn’t always record what you see, exposure bracketing, and a review of images taken by attendees. This class consists of two 2 ½ hour classes, and is limited to 12 people. $80.00

Want to take your Nikon DSLR camera to the next level? This class explores some of the basics in greater detail, while introducing new concepts. Topics covered include performing a custom white balance, understanding why the camera doesn’t always record what you see, exposure bracketing, and a review of images taken by attendees. This class consists of two 2 ½ hour classes, and is limited to 12 people. $80.00

Photoshop Elements™ is powerful yet affordable software. Students will receive an overview of many of the useful features this program offers. Topics include, managing and organizing your photo library, cropping images for various purposes; basic retouching techniques; adjusting highlights and shadows; removing unwanted portions of an image, an introduction to using layers, and more. This is a 4-hour lecture-based course. We will break from 12:00 - 1:00pm for a working lunch. You may either leave the classroom or bring a sack lunch and ask questions during the break. Note: Students should already own Photoshop Elements version 8 or later and be familiar with computer basics and digital concepts such as resolution and file formats. Bonus: Students may purchase the class bundle which includes the 4-hour course, Photoshop Elements 9 software, Digital Scrapbook Artist 2, and Printshop 2.0 Deluxe for only $119.99 (Class only $79.99)
 

Picasa is free photo editing software from Google that makes your pictures look great. Sharing your best photos with friends and family is as easy as pressing a button! This  2 ½ hour class is limited to 12 people. $35.00

Topics Include:

• Importing your photos from your camera
• Organizing you photos
• Managing folders
• Creating albums
• Renaming and deleting your photos
• Emailing your photos
• Backing up your photos
• Editing your photos
• Cropping
• Removing Red eye
• Adjusting color and contrast
• Retouching
• Uploading Photos and Video to a Web Album
• Creating collage prints
• Printing at home and on-line

Need help controlling light from strobes? This class will cover lighting principles to set your images apart from the rest of the crowd. Topics covered include correct light placement, understanding lighting ratios, achieving great color, metering flash, creating dramatic or flattering light, using light control tools, and more. This is a 3 ½ hour class and is limited to 8 people. $70.00.

Click here for complete class calendar