By Jeff Cowell - A Four-Day adventure in Learning and Experiencing Photography.

Register Early - Space is limited.

Bring your camera, tripod, and flash, and possibly all those other photographic gadgets you've been collecting.

Please come prepared to take lots of notes in addition to the text book you'll receive. You'll also want to bring rain gear and dress in layers when we head out for our workshops. I recommend sturdy shoes (that will protect your feet and ankles on rough terrain), bug spray and maybe even sunscreen. You will be responsible for transporting yourself to the locations (usually in town) where we shoot daily. If the weather is bad, we'll be doing our shooting in and around the classroom location. So check your email and the weather every day, especially before each classroom session.

Day 1 - Exposure

The first step in learning photography is to understand exposure. In essence, we need to capture the right amount of light for the right length of time and at the right speed. Simple enough, yet complex enough to be deserving of a full day lesson.

What you'll learn in this class:

I'll lead you through basic photography to make sure you understand how to make a correct exposure. How to use your shutter speeds, f/stops (aperture) and ISO in conjunction with the correct white balance to create properly exposed images every time.

Here's some of the many topics we'll discuss:

· ISO - What it is and how to select the right setting.
· White Balance, understanding it and using it effectively.
· Setting the f/stop, shutter speed, and ISO to achieve the correct exposure.
· Taking great photographs in some of the worst conditions.
· How to come home from your vacation with photos that you'll want to share with everyone.
· Getting professional looking results with a basic camera.
· Buying the camera that best fits your needs and photographic interest.

Day 2 - Composition

Once you've learned to make a good exposure you'll want to arrange your subject matter appropriately. That's what we commonly refer to as Composition, and that's what this day is all about.

What you'll learn in this class:

I'll teach you how to compose your images in such a way that your viewers will be captivated and you'll command their interest. We'll discuss ways of improving your images so you can truly take them from being snapshots to being real photographs. Your friends will be waiting for you to come back from trips so they can see your photos, and they'll really enjoy seeing them.

This class is geared towards providing you with the concepts of composition so you'll be able to effectively communicate your subject to your viewers (without you being there to guide them through your albums).

Here's some of the many topics we'll discuss:

· Depth-of-Field - The first element of composition.
· Rule of Thirds - A place for everything and everything in it's place.
· Framing - Bring out the best of your subject while you focus your viewers' interest.
· Balance - Making sure your viewer feels comfortable looking at your photos.
· Mergers - Avoiding the ones you should and creating the ones you need.
· Simplicity - Yeah, you know, that old principle... Keep it simple...
· Perspective - Bringing your viewer into the scene you want them to experience.

Day 3 - The Camera

Now that you've got an understanding of how you want to compose your images and how to get the proper exposure, you need to get more familiar with the camera and all of it's parts.

What you'll learn in this class:

We'll talk about all those buttons, wheels, switches and dials on your camera and lenses. Our goal here is to make sure you can take all your knowledge about Exposure and Composition and bring it together quickly to create the photos you're after. We will discuss how to handle your camera correctly so you'll be able to capture those shots you want before they get away, and about keeping your camera safe from harm and functioning for a long time to come.

Here's some of the many topics we'll discuss:

· Body - Where things are located and what they do.
· Function Dial - What's on it and what it all means.
· Shutter Speed and F/Stop Controls.
· ISO Settings.
· White Balance Settings.
· Shutter Release, Cable Release and Self-Timer.
· Hot Shoe and Flash connections.
· Depth of Field Preview.
· Auto-Focus Switch and focusing.
· LCD Display.
· Viewfinder.
· Lens / Lenses.
· Shutter functions.
· Handling the Camera.
· Using a Tripod.

Day 4 - Flash & Light & Metering

Now that you know how to use your camera and compose your images and handle your camera well enough to get it all done, you need to know how to use the light you have or supplement it with flash.

What you'll learn in this class:

Getting the exposure you want with the available light, and how to use flash to illuminate your subject or to supplement to available light. We will also spend a good deal of time dealing with metering your light to be sure you're going to get a proper exposure.

Here's some of the many topics we'll discuss:

· Measuring Light and Light Meters.
· Handling low light problems with flash.
· Reflecting your flash or the available light.
· Bouncing and diffusing flash.
· Adding color to your subject.
· Using filters to enhance your image.

To qualify for the Member Rate, you MUST be a member in good standing of usphotographers.com , so Join NOW for $30 and you'll save on this series of classes, plus you'll be eligible for future discounts. You don't have to wait for anything to come through, just fill out the registration form and make your $30 payment and you can go ahead and register for this School at the Member Rate.

Here's what the students are saying:

Hey just wanted to say THANK YOU! I am learning so much and we have just been sitting here this morning talking about your class and just how knowledgeable you are! Looking forward to learning more...you are AWESOME!!! Lisa

Jeff, believe it or not, I really did learn a lot. I look forward to attending one of the photo excursions... Denelle

The last (4) weeks (were) a lot of fun. I always enjoy your banter and the text book was very well written and illustrated. We were a diverse group of students, each unique and interesting... Mary

...just fyi, and this is in no way a suck up........I thought the class was
fantastic. I'm a true believer that a person can take amazing
photographs with a modest camera if they know what they are doing, and
you are proving me right. Thanks !!! Tena

I really enjoyed Friday's digital photography seminar and am looking forward to the field trip on Aug 31! I'm more motivated than ever to continue improving my knowledge, and am already working on upgrading my equipment... you'd be proud, it's a Canon. ;) Thanks again, see you in August! Michelle

I knew I didn't know anything about photography when I started this, but I am really surprised how much I've learned already...your format is great. Kelly

"Thank you so much Jeff for that wonderful class. Not only did I acquire great information but got to watch you entertain us." Beverly