READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN ADVANCING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS?
This class is a sequel to my popular Photography 101 Workshop. In this course, we explore and reinforce more deeply some of the technical aspects of photography to help you further refine your skills. If you understand the basics of photography and how the shutter speed and aperture work, but want to go much deeper into the photographic techniques, then this is the class for you!
Four 2-hour Sessions
Limited Class Size
Master Important Fundamentals of Photography
Shoot Consistently Sharper Shots
Learn About Other Camera Features That Will Give You Even More Precise Control of Focusing
Getting Depth of Field "Right"
Choosing the Right Focal Length
More Accurate Exposure and Metering Techniques
Achieve Image Consistency From Photograph to Print
(demonstrated with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop)
Night photography / Fireworks / Astrophotography
Homework Assignments to Reinforce What You Learn in Class
Sharpen Your Skills = Better Photographs!
$279 during Early Registration Period ($50 OFF)
$329 Standard Price
Rated 5 Stars! ***** -
Students Are Saying...
"Kevin's Mastering the Fundamentals class was a great follow-up to Photography 101. Mastering the Fundamentals took me beyond the basics and better prepared me to be more serious about my photography. As always, Kevin's approachable style and passion for photography makes the class enjoyable and laid back. Highly recommend!"
"Kevin has done a great job in organizing the class content. He makes great effort to ensure we understand before moving onto the next step. Kevin doesn't just provide some tips, he makes sure we know how and understand why, which is very helpful. Thank you so much, Kevin!"
"Kevin has so much experience and great tips for every issue you could possibly think of. He doesn't only teach the theory, I could really tell that he actually DOES what he's talking about - these are real tips from a real photographer."
Exposure Techniques to Achieve the Best Possible Image
Manual and automatic exposure modes
Incidental and reflected light metering
Using metering modes for best results
Exposure Compensation
Managing how color, contrast, and sharpness is controlled in your camera
Understand how the camera's sensor records light and how that affects decisions about exposure settings
Get the Sharpest Shots
Get in focus what you WANT in focus
Focusing modes
Gain better control on focusing
Explore alternative camera focusing configurations that may yield better results than the camera's default configuration
Focus calibration to achieve superior results
Understanding and managing
depth of field with greater control
Hyper-focal distance
Image Stabilization
Lens Selection to Improve the Image
Focal length
Effects on depth of field and perspective
Lens limitations
White Balance - Getting the Colors Right
What is "Color Temperature"?
Techniques for achieving better color
Handling difficult white balance situations
Night Photography
Night scenes
Fireworks
Astrophotography
Black & White Digital Photography
What to do and NOT do for the best black and white photographs!
Shooting B&W In-Camera vs. Converting to B&W later
Shooting in RAW Mode
Differences vs JPG
Advantages
Getting it Right From Image to Print
Color management and calibration
Creating a camera color profile
Color display and print profiles
Soft-proofing with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
Color Accuracy: How to make sure the colors you see end up being the colors in your print
Prerequisites
An understanding of the basics of photography including setting exposure using the various exposure modes, and a general understanding the effects of shutter speed/aperture.
A Digital SLR (DSLR) that supports exposure modes such as Manual, Program Mode, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority
Which class should you take?
"Photography 101" vs. "Beyond the Basics - Mastering the Fundamentals"
This Mastering the Fundamentals class serves as a good "next step" after my Photography 101 course. Photography 101 provides a broad coverage of much of the basics of photography both in terms of the technical aspects, as well as artistic considerations. In this class, we're assuming you have already taken Photography 101, and we'll push deeper into the details with more hands-on activities and challenging homework, and more information not covered in Photography 101. The purpose of this class is to reinforce important photographic concepts to improve your photography. If you're considering whether to take Photography 101 OR this class, I strongly encourage you to take Photography 101 first. (Even long-time photographers have found the Photography 101 Workshop to be quite helpful.) Then, if you find you really would like to dive in deeper, and you prefer more guided hands-on learning as you practice applying the more technical details, take this class after the 101 Workshop.
Student Comment: "Mastering the Fundamentals was a perfect follow-up to the Photography 101 class. I now feel well armed to tackle any photographic challenge." - Kendall Schmidt
Student Comment: "Kevin's Mastering the Fundamentals class was a great follow up to the Photography 101 class. I love that he keeps his student/teacher ratio low, allowing him to give each student the attention they may need. Kevin's willingness to come early and address questions as well as promptly respond to emails/phone calls only helps to ensure his students success. I would and have recommended Kevin's classes to anyone who asks."
Student Comment: "Thanks for all your hard work and patience with me. I can't begin to tell you how much I have learned! It is amazing!"
Class Format
Come prepared to learn with camera in hand! Please make sure to bring your camera's manual, if you have it. All sessions will be at my photography studio in NW Austin.
This course is offered in two different formats at various times throughout each year. It is offered as an evening or daytime class, one 2 hr session per week for 4 weeks, or it is sometimes offered as a one-day class spanning all day.
Four 2-Hour Sessions: The classes are a mix of mostly lecture and some hands-on activities plus homework assignments to help you further practice what we cover in class. The homework is optional, but to get the most out of the class, I encourage you to do the homework! You can send your results by email or upload via my website, and I'll give you feedback and suggestions for improvement. There will be question / answer times throughout. Plus, I'm happy to meet with you before or after class if you're needing extra help.
One All-Day Class: In this format, the class is from 9am-5pm with a 45 minute lunch break. The class is a mix of mostly lecture but with numerous hands-on activities and assignment to help you put in practice what we cover in class. Even though the class ends at 5pm, you are welcome to stay, review your photos, continue to ask questions, and get more help from 5-6pm if needed.
Keep in Touch!
Once you have been a student of one of my classes, you are invited to future photographer social get-togethers at my studio (for free), such as our Potluck Slideshows that are held occasionally throughout the year. Also, as a former student, you are welcome to email me any time with any other photography questions.
Perfect Gift for That Photographer in Your Life!
Give this class registration as a gift to your photographer loved-one or friend! I can provide a nice gift registration notice that you can give as a present! Just click to register for the appropriate class, and make sure you select the option that indicates that you are purchasing this as a gift for someone else. If YOU want someone to give this as a gift to YOU, start hinting now! :-)
If You Have to Miss a 2-Hour Session (For weekday format classes only)
If you can't make it to all of the classes due to a business trip, or illness, etc. I can offer a private makeup session to catch you up on the missed 2 hour session. The price for redoing the class session just for you is only $120. This offer only applies for doing one makeup session per person.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made more than 21 days prior to the class start date, will receive a refund of the workshop fee minus a $50 cancellation fee. Cancellations made 7 to 20 days prior to the class start date, will receive a refund of the workshop fee minus a $120 cancellation fee. Sorry, no refunds will be made for cancellations made less than 7 days prior to the class start date. Your registration for this class indicates your agreement with these terms and conditions.
Students Are Talking About: Photography - Mastering the Fundamentals
"Mastering the Fundamentals really helped reinforce and build upon what I had learned in Photography 101. I am a hands on learner and Kevin had great hands on scenarios for us to practice that went along with what we were learning. Kevin teaches/conducts his classes where everyone is involved and engaged in the learning process. He makes sure that everyone understands each topic before moving on to next topic. I have taken several of his classes/workshops and always come away with new knowledge and ways to improve my skills."
"Kevin did a great job taking concepts that we learned in Photography 101 a little deeper. He encouraged us to be creative and try things that we not have thought to try. The only complaint I have is that the class is over." Alice M.
"Kevin has done a great job in organizing the class content. He makes great effort to ensure we understand before moving onto the next step. Kevin doesn't just provide some tips, he makes sure we know how and understand why, which is very helpful. Thank you so much, Kevin!"
"I have taken many of Kevin's classes, and what keeps me coming back is his depth of knowledge, love of his craft and ability to pass both of those along to his students. My photographs are always better as a result of taking one of his classes."
"I appreciated the "going deeper" aspect of this class - questions I may have had at the end of fundamentals were thoroughly answered and put into practice in this mastering class."
"Kevin is truly knowledgeable and always willing to answer whatever questions you may have. Also, he is personable and his love for photography and creativity is contagious. I don't see how it's possible to take his class and not leave a better photographer."
"Kevin really cares about what he teaches and it shows when he teaches. Makes it easier to learn and he is always available to answer questions, even through emails."
"Kevin is a great teacher. He is passionate about photography and he really cares about his students."
"I have taken Kevin's Photography 101 and Mastering the Fundamentals classes and participated in the Rocky Mountain National Park workshop a few weeks ago. Kevin has a true gift for teaching and his knowledge of photography is astounding. ... I highly recommend any of Kevin's classes or workshops." -Janis Connell
"I have taken both 101 and Mastering the Fundamentals and I loved the classes! This is so much more than how to work your camera, Kevin's passion for photography is evident. He pushes you both technically and creatively to improve your skills and explains how and why things happen so you truly gain an understanding of your camera and the effects of your actions on your photos. I'd highly recommend his classes!" - Misti Neese
"I have been thinking today about all I have learned from your class. It has been such a valuable experience to be 'forced' (ie. make the time) to use my camera each week. Also, to think about white balance and exposure in general each time I take a photo. I have noticed that I use my equipment more naturally ... This has been a great experience for me."
"I highly recommend taking Mastering the Fundamentals immediately after 101. We were able to go deeper into some of the subjects, continue to practice and expand on our learnings from 101, and it allowed me to feel even more confident. Excellent class!" - Sara
"I learned so much more about each of the camera functions and learning how and when to use them. Feel like I understand better what I am doing."
"I thought the homework assignments were great."
"I wanted to send a quick email to let you know just how much I have enjoyed the class! I have been exposed to things and learned techniques that I never thought I would understand. ... I just wanted you to know, you are a fantastic teacher."
"Thank you for the course. ... It has been great!!"
"Thanks for all your hard work and patience with me. I can't begin to tell you how much I have learned! It is amazing!"
"This was fun, but very challenging! I really learned a lot from the process."
"Very good overview of all of the technical aspects of DSLR."
"I have taken several classes from Kevin. Kevin has to be one of the best instructors I have ever had the pleasure of having. His knowledge of photography is second to none. He has a way of teaching that makes everyone feel comfortable and have fun learning. You will love his class!!!"
"I really enjoyed Photography 101 & Mastering the Fundamentals. The information has helped me improve my photos and I've become so much more comfortable with my camera. And Kevin's enthusiasm and encouragement are wonderful!"
"Kevin, I thoroughly enjoyed the Mastering the Fundamentals class. The blend of techniques and approach helped me to better understand my photographic options and to recognize (and take advantage of) the many opportunities to take interesting and higher quality photographs." - Rich Morgan
"Kevin's Mastering the Fundamentals class was a great follow-up to Photography 101. Mastering the Fundamentals took me beyond the basics and better prepared me to be more serious about my photography. As always, Kevin's approachable style and passion for photography makes the class enjoyable and laid back. Highly recommend!"
"Mastering the Fundamentals was a perfect follow-up to the Photography 101 class. I now feel well armed to tackle any photographic challenge." - Kendall Schmidt
What did you like best about the class? "I liked the challenge of the homework assignments. They pushed me outside of my comfort zone and solidified my understanding of photographic fundamentals."
What did you like best about the class? "Kevin is always available for questions and is super helpful with any problems you are having."
What did you like best about the class? "Smaller class size. Additional, more challenging, homework."
Get the Sharpest Shots
