Which Photo Class Is Right For You? Some Information To Help You Decide.

This is a summary of information that will help you decide about which classes you might want to take. There is no actual "class" in the CPM studio to discuss this information. This is just a reference guide to be read at your convenience.

CPM offers introductory, intermediate and advanced classes and workshops. Classes meet at regularly scheduled times on a Monday or Tuesday evening from 7 - 9 PM at the CPM studio on 303 Paterson St. Instructors lecture on the topic, demonstrate various techniques, and assign study problems for students to master by the next class session.

Workshops are similar to this except that workshops usually have an extended off-site, in-the-field shooting experience in conjunction with in-studio lectures and demonstrations. We have had workshops in the past on topics such as: Outdoor Photography, Nature Photography, Event Photography and the like.

Which photo class would be right for you? Below I have presented descriptions of class content and emphasis to help you decide. A series of questions for you to consider may also help you decide.

Introductory Digital Point & Shoot Photography Class: This basic class helps guide students through the process of taking pictures with their new digital camera all the way to obtaining prints that they can share with friends and family. The picture-taking portion of the class focuses on how to get good, clean images under a variety of conditions. We show how to get these images printed either from professional photo development labs or from a computer printer. Some principles of composition are introduced and time is taken to illustrate common mistakes beginners make composing their shots and how to avoid these. You will be given assignments to practice techniques covered in each lesson. You will need to bring your camera to class, along with your camera manual, spare batteries, spare flash cards and any other accessories (charged batteries, empty flash cards) supplied with your camera.

Intermediate Digital Photography Class: Generally students who take this type of class are familiar with using their camera and getting prints made or posted on the web. They like to take photographs but have noticed that some shots just don't turn out well and as a result have become interested in learning what their cameras can do that will improved their chances of getting successful images. You will be given assignments to practice new methods outside of class. New techniques will be demonstrated and explained during class but you will be expected to read the supporting material and practice the methods on your own before the next class period.

Advanced composition classes are for those who are interested in learning what makes a good image good, and what can you do to increase the effectiveness of your images. Cameras will not be used in class. Instead, you will learn to look, see light, learn about elements of design and composition, and think in terms of depth of field, exposure, color, sharpness and all the other elements you see to make an image excite you.

Here is a list of questions to ask yourself as a way to decide which class would be best for you. Our thanks to John Lorimer for compiling this list.

Which Digital Camera Class Should I Take???

You Should Take a Beginning Digital Camera Class If You:

Just bought a digital Camera and you don’t know how to use it at all.

Don’t understand how to deal with memory cards and batteries.

Don’t know how to set up the basic controls.

Can’t set the date and time on the camera.

You tried to take some photos, but they didn’t come out even though you were on the full automatic setting.

You don’t understand the technical terms such as; ISO, White Balance, Megabytes, JPEG and PPI.

You Should Take an Intermediate Digital Camera Class If You:

Have used your digital camera for awhile and you would like to begin shooting in some other mode than automatic.

You can take some pretty good pictures with your digital camera, but they just seem “average”.

You don’t really know how to deal with your photos when the memory card is full.

You don’t know how to resize your digital photos for sending by email.

You encounter shooting situations where you can’t seem to take the picture you want to take.

You want to be a better digital photographer.

You Should Take a Beginning Digital SLR Class If You:

Just bought a Digital SLR Camera.

Have upgraded to a Digital SLR Camera.

Have used your Digital SLR Camera, but have not taken it off the automatic setting.

Don’t know what all the settings are on your Digital SLR or how to use them.

You have trouble navigating the menu on your Digital SLR.

You spent a good deal of money on your Digital SLR and you don’t think you are getting the most out of it that you can.

You are serious about photography and you want to take better photos.

You Should Take an Advanced Digital SLR Class If You:

Are pretty familiar with the basic settings on your Digital SLR.

Would like to utilize some of advanced shooting modes on your camera including the manual mode.

Would like to customize your camera settings for specific shooting situations and to create images that reflect your interpretation of the subject.

Would like to begin shooting in RAW.

Want to utilize a Custom White Balance.

Want to learn how you can better control Depth of Field and deal with motion in your photos.

You want to be able to add an external flash to your camera and don’ know which one to buy.

You want to know more about lenses that can be used with your camera.

You would like to have shooting assignments that would be evaluated by others.

You Should Take a Specialized Shooting Class If You:

Are completely familiar with the operation of your camera and can effectively use the controls to achieve the type of image you want.

Want to learn more about composition and photographic “seeing”.

Want to explore different photographic styles.

Want feedback on your photographs.

Want to experiment with shooting approaches and techniques the are “outside the box”.

Want to spend some time shooting with other photographers who are as serious about their photography as you are.

Are willing to be challenged to expand your photographic experience beyond your “comfort zone”.

Want to learn more about a particular type of photography ie. Landscape, Portrait, Sports, Events, Photojournalism, etc. (In this case you should look for a class that focuses on that aspect of photography).