05.27.09
Teaching Schedule
If you haven’t hear, I will be teaching through Armstrong Atlantic State University’s Continuing Education Department beginning in September 2009.
I have revamped my classes. The Art of Digital Photography will cover digital imaging basics and new information in the field, how to use the various automatic and scene modes of your digital camera, a small sampling of editing techniques, and storage and print options. ( 5- 2 hour classes)
The second class that will be offered is my Photoshop class. Anyone who wants to use Photoshop or Photoshop Elements better should take this class. This, however, is not a beginner class. You should already have a good understanding of the tools. Step-by-step instructions will be demonstrated on using curves, layers, masks and more. A computer for class is not necessary. I have found that students tend to get bogged down in trying to emulate what is being demonstrated and get lost. ( 4 – 2 hour classes)
For more information or to register, go to their website at:
05.24.09
A camera I can LOVE
Macro of lily
Well after about three years searching for my perfect P&S (point and shoot) camera, I have finally found it. I even bought it for myself for my birthday! Yeah, me. It is the Nikon Coolpix P6000. Some of the features that I required when searching for a small, light camera that would fit in my purse or pocket included a view finder (LCD displays really drain the battery), the ability to shoot in RAW mode and a Manual setting. Now, one would think with all the cameras available on the market today that it would be EASY to find a camera with all three…nope. Darn near impossible. I shoud have known that Nikon would be the company to provide all of my requisite features. Nikon has been manufacturing cameras for the discerning professional for decades. This beautifully made camera is sharp too. In macro mode, I was a scan few milimeters from the center of a beautiful lily.
As a photography teacher for Armstrong Atlantic State University’s Continuing Education Department, I see lots of different models of cameras. Many of the cameras I have recommended to my students are great for them. As with any purchase what is good for one person, is not necessarily good for another. My students do not need some of the features that I crave but I admit I have been pretty impressed with a few. The Panasonic Lumix models sport a Leica lens which is top of the line in camera lenses. The are small, lightweight and take great pictures, but lack the additional features that I craved.
I am a control freak and despite the cool features like Color Accent and Blink Detection, I wanted more basic control. One of the first things I tell my beginning digital students, is the LCD displays will drain your battery faster than anything. Without a viewfinder, the LCD is constantly on and therefore a constant drain. Second, the quality of a JPG image deteriorates the first time it is compressed and saved. That is why JPG/JPEG files are lossy file types. Unlike PNG, RAW, PSD and other files types that preserve image color and detail that are lossless file types. So, being able to shoot images in RAW is essential to me.
Additonal features that impress me on the P6000 include GPS information for photos (beats carrying around a norebook, although I do it anyway) and the ability to connect to the network via a LAN cable. I can also customize not one but two user mode (preferences and settings I use most) and a quick access Fn button that I can set to make changes to the menu option I use most frequently. I can also attach an external flash unit or slave via the hotshoe. Shall I go on? How about the Active D-Lighting (preserves the details in the high and low light areas when ON) and so many more…
Although I still prefer slide film over digital most days of the week, it is hard to beat a small, sleek, camera such as the P6000 designed with the professional in mind!
Happy shooting!
04.28.08
Traveling Minstrel
Some days it seems like all of my creative juices have dried up and on other days, I am overflowing with ideas and techniques I want to try. This particular Photoshop class came at a great time. I had been scouring the internet for more resources and learning outlets. Lo and behold, of course I find exactly what I am looking for on Adobe.com. Now this is the FIRST place I tell my students to go after they have completed the Photoshop tutorials that come with the software, but even for seasoned professionals like myself there is always more to learn and Adobe has it all. They never stop learning themselves and sharing! Many of their database/knowledgebase is free too!
03.15.08
Equine Success
As I get deeper and deeper into technology, I find I am using photography as part of my web design and now VIDEO! My good friend Bonnie Rachel runs an equine therapeutic riding center called Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center. I designed their website and added the video presentation I also created for their marketing materials. You can view it on the “About Us” page of the website. Bonnie’s passion is helping others and she has really touched the lives of those she serves at the center. Michael, pictured at left during a riding session this past fall, took home several medals from the Georgia State Special Olympics Equestrian events in which he participated. Check it out. If you would like to donate your time, talent or make a monetary donation, you can contact Bonnie at equiskepr243@yahoo.com.
02.27.08
Creative Photography class at AASU
Another CP class has ended and it amazes me how much information these adults (and younger) are able to absorb in such a short period of time. Their work improves tremendously as the course progresses and it is fun to see the “ah ha” moments when they finally get some of these complex photographic ideas/theories.
The last field trip was the most exciting as we worked on panning. A local marathon was about to take place in Forsyth Park and it provided some great subject matter for our experimentation with shutter speed. Using a combination of manual and shutter priority settings they were able to stop action, create the bridal veil effect and understand the limitations of their equipment.
There is no way I can impart more than 20 years of photographic knowledge and experience in 10 hours of class lecture, field trip adventures and critiques, but I think that many of them are well on their way. Without an understanding of basic photographic principles, there is no way they can fully comprehend their manual nor their automatic settings. I hope I have been able to convey knowledge and inspire them to continue to create!
01.31.08
Great new site…
I have got to say I LOVE the internet. It is full of people with a vast amount of knowledge. Of course, you can’t believe everything you see and read but for the most part, people are willing to share their time and experience with the world. Good case in point- Radiant Vista. “The Radiant Vista is a creative community of inspiration, passion, and grace. Together we pursue our dreams and explore our endless potential.”
Their Photoshop Workbench is bursting with videos that show you “how-to” do almost anything with your photos. Now, I have years of experience with Photoshop but this site makes me feel like an imbecile! They have really stretched the envelope with being creative. I am a purest though. With a strong photojournalism background, I do not advocate some of the extreme changes that can and are made to photographs (hence why you cannot believe everything you see).
Here is an example of changes I made to a photo using the portrait video…
01.28.08
Hello world!
Wow, a new forum for my creative juices. I am very excited about this new blog. Techno geek that I sometimes am, I still wait to jump in on ocassion. Surprised? don’t be. I am a mix of contradictions, just ask my family. Just a few words about me…I love to create. I think that is just one way we are made in God’s image. Creating to me is as necessary as water and food. Prevent me from creating and I will go insane and take everyone with me. There are some days it is a very short trip!
