Camera Training

    You wouldn't buy and drive a car without at least some knowledge or experience of driving...Probably not ! Well it's the same with a camera.

    Even if you drove an automatic car you  would still need some training, and again this is the same for cameras.

   Any reasonable camera can take beautiful pictures and the quality of the images will depend on the users skill level and knowledge.

   But without some instruction you might as well be driving a car without a license. It will all go wrong eventually.

   My philosophy in training is that I teach you what you need to know to drive your photography we dont go under the hood and get to technical.

   At Dynamic Photography we can take you on your first step to making beautiful images  or refresh your forgotten lessons  with a Full  or Half Day with us . Let us build your confidence behind the camera.

  After initial contact and some information gathering  training is designed  and built specifically for you and aimed towards the subjects you want to shoot.

When complete we will then.

•  Head to a location  or your choosing preferably somewhere you are comfortable with.
•  we will concentrate on the subjects you will want to shoot.
• After a quick shooting session we head back indoors for a quick post processing lesson.*
•  We will also supply the notes used and allow for follow help and assistance, so you don't feel  abandoned.
•  Additional Days/Half days if required are heavily discounted .
•  If you haven't already purchased your camera we can offer some free advice  on the right camera for you. Or avail of the Conns Camera offer of a free half days training. (See link above)

    Training can be held either in the Greater Dublin , Galway or  Clifden areas.

Subjects  to include.

• Basic camera parts and how they work. (A quick  peek under the hood, nothing too complicated)
• Getting the correct exposure.
• When and how to use program modes , and when not to!
• Composition  especially in relation to subjects you want to shoot.
• Setting up your camera for quick and efficient shooting.
• Taking advantage of the available light.

And for the more experienced

 Using Flash **

Creative composition

Posing

how to capture what you see

* This will be a very quick demo on how I manage and correct  hundreds of images , I will also use some of todays images and correct them. For a more detailed lessons using your own images a separate course is recommended. See  the Processing Images tab above for more details. Taking both classes as a package will be heavily discounted.

** I do like to cover this subject over a weekend workshop where we cover all aspects of working in low lighting conditions.  See "Clifden Arts Week Parade" for more details.

Step 2  Post processing

With Digital all images coming out of our cameras will need some adjustments before you publish them, that is if you want to be considered a good photographer.

So your second step in photographic training is Post Processing  which is a necessary evil in these days of digital photography.

In designing the correct Post Processing training for you there are a number of considerations we have to make  first.

      Your level of skill with the PC/ tablet/ laptop.

      The software you will be using.

      The lengths you are prepared to go to in processing an image.

For Example: A basic starter for someone with reasonable PC skills (for instance while using one of the free  post processing tools ) is to get their images to a "Normalised Level" with good contrast and colour .  This  should take a full day.

Once that is decided we can design  and build a learning path for you to follow  at your own pace while supporting you all the way through.

Starting with organization  right through to publishing your images either on-line or  on print we will be there every step of the way for you.

•        Duration is entirely up to you, depending on the level  of Post Processing you want to reach.
•        We can break this up into Full or Half days to spread them out so we go at your own pace.
•        Cost and timing are also based on your computer skills.
•        We will mostly work on your own images.
•        You can use your own software on your own laptop/tablet if you have one.
•        Or  explore some of the free photographic software options available
•        Full back up support and help provided.

Call or contact us  and see what we can do for you.

Step 3 Workshops

  And finally for the 3rd step we have our Weekend Workshops.

Each of our unique workshops focus on a set of skills and then put attendees into real world situations where you will shoot like a pro, because you will be one, handing over a copy of your images after the event for submission to local publications.

• Workshops are held over a weekend that a particular event is run.
• Each workshop focuses on a particular set of skills.
• We explore the required skills before hand.
• Then attend the event were these skills are put to use.
• You'll get right into the action shoot like a pro
• Guidance is provided through out.
• Your images are then sent to a local publication.
• We will visit some of the lesser known photographic sites in Connemara
• Workshops will also contain challenges for the participants
•  Assistance with any issues you may have with your photography

The 3 Workshops are

• The Roundstone Regatta (usually 3rd week in July) featuring the traditional sailing boats the "Galway Hookers". On the day we will head out on a boat where you will  learn what its like to work off an unstable platform while anticipating good composition amongst other skills and challenges.

• The Omey Island Beach Races are run on the first weekend in August and feature Horse races on the tidal beach between Cladaduff and Omey Island. This means the event is set up run and dismantled and cleared off before the tide returns. And because of the tide this means the horses are running through soft wet sand creating spectacular sprays while alongside the racing there is a fairground and all the hustle and bustle you would expect at a race meeting and a great family day out.

• The Clifden Arts Week Parade is a street event featuring "The Fidget Feet" troupe and the local senior school children in a colorful street parade. It takes place in the evening so you will be working in a lowlight situation. Which is what the theme for this workshop is about low light and flash, both on camera and off.

Itineraries are set up to match the attendees current skills, abilities and requirements. Typically we meet up on Friday evening and part company Sunday afternoon (or on the Monday of Bank holidays) and fill in the rest with Photography related material.

Follow up support provided at no extra charge

With no control over the weather or other circumstances that may postpone or cancel events I will have a plan B.

Workshops are relaxed affairs but we move and work at a fast pace so the weekend is full on.

Attendees should have a good working knowledge of their camera gear i.e. they should be able to adjust their camera settings, swap lenses quickly and easily.

Contact us now for more detail, availability and booking

54 Clarendon St,

Dublin 2,

 D02 AK61,

Ireland

Telephone: 01-6777179

Free  Tuition when you purchase any new camera in Conn's Cameras

In Association with Conns Cameras we are proud to offer anyone who buys a new camera a Half Days Training with us completely free

These half day session are designed to help you get to grips with your cameras features and to get you started making better pictures.

Like all our training it will be designed especially for you.

Over the half day we will take a short walk to get you into real world shooting situations to help you better understand photography and your camera.

The basic plan is to:

• Show you how to set up and use your new camera.
• Introduce you to the basic fundamentals of Photography.
• Bring you out for a short walk to get you using your new camera.
• Go through the cameras software supplied with your camera.

These  sessions will take place once a month on the 3rd weekend of the month (except December) other dates by arrangement.

For each session we will

• Go through the basic camera settings
• Plus additional features settings
• go trough a small slide show on the basic fundamental and essential concepts of Photography
• we will then take a short field trip.
• Download the images using the camera's software
• Demonstrate the cataloging of Images using Key words for image sorting
• Process at least one image
• Post this image to the your Facebook page or other social Media site.
• Cover off some of the more advanced camera settings.
• Advise you of your next steps (i.e. Camera Clubs, further training and or equipment)

All subjects are liable to change and can be tailored to suit your needs should you have any specific needs.

Spouses, Partners, Young adults and children are encouraged to accompany you on the training session.

Its sometimes quite a lot to take in in one go so we will also allow some follow questions in case you missed something and a recap document of all we covered will be available

See Conns Cameras web site for their full range of cameras and accessories HERE or call in store.