#1055 Online Program – White Challenge Success!

Our Online Photo Program members worked hard last month on a tough technical challenge.

I asked them to only shoot colour scenes that were offered only black or white elements. The hard part was the photos had to be exposed perfectly straight from the camera.

black and white

© Cynthia S. – good exposure!

 

Background
One of my pet peeves in photography are photographs that are poorly exposed or photographers who rely on post processing to correct exposure mistakes made when shooting.

black and white

© Chris P – good exposure!

If you aim you camera at something predominantly white or black the camera will get the wrong exposure – EVEN in Manual Exposure Mode if you don’t know how to over-ride the camera’s brain.

Our most popular course is Creative Fundamentals. We teach people how to get correct exposures all the time without relying on the computer. Better still, we use simple steps to help people understand exposure.

For many people exposure is scary! We make understanding exposure accessible.

Member’s Photos
There were some growing pains this month. But people did well!! Help me congratulate our members for another successful challenge!

Join us to challenge yourself!

black and white

Leah E – good exposure with a slight colour cast – that’s ok for this assignment! The histogram shows bright whites and dark blacks!! Good work.

 

#1049 Winter and Spring Photo Classes

Our line-up of winter and spring photography courses is almost complete!

Ottawa Gatineau photo workshops

Better photos @ HarryNowell.com photo classes

For those close to Ottawa and Gatineau, we’re offering something for everyone:
a course for communications staff to create better work-based photos
Macro workshop (almost full) and tulip safari with Louise Tanguay
Smart phone photography with Blair Gable
Creative Fundamentals – our most popular course to help people with the basics of photography plus an advanced fundamentals course for those wanting fundamentals support but more than the basics.

For those further afield we offer our Online Photo Program – all you need is a good internet connection and a desire to learn from our members!

… And there are more courses listed and soon to be announced. Stay tuned…

Ottawa Gatineau Photo Classes

Better pictures through HarryNowell.com

#1044 – Online Photo Program – Black & White Environmental Portraits

Online Photo Program - © Al Garner

Online Photo Program – © Al Garner

We had a good crop of member photos from this month’s online photo challenge.

As usual, we set a photo challenge every month and we feed tips, links and videos throughout the month as members do their best to produce photos for the monthly critique.

Online Photo Class - © Barb McK.

Online Photo Class – © Barb McK.

This month we offered a DOUBLE challenge:
1. Environmental Portraits – photos of someone working/living in their natural environment.
2. Member photos had to be in Black & White – either converted in post processing or shot on film.

The private Facebook forum buzzed as members posted photos, offered criticism, ideas and encouragement.

Online Photo Program - © Gilles G.

Online Photo Program – © Gilles G.

The whole process helps photographers grow. Comments this month:

• “I had lots of fun this month. I wasn’t too confident coming into this month’s challenge.  After posting my three pictures on the Facebook forum and receiving such helpful and positive feedback, I felt much better.  What a great community!

Online Photo Course - © Brooke B.

Online Photo Course – © Brooke B.

• “There is zero chance that I would have taken these shots without the online photography program. I think the monthly assignments are starting to have a cumulative effect and my photography is steadily improving. I think I get the biggest bang for my buck from the online program. Keep it coming!

Online photography feedback

Online Photo Course – © April L.

• “I have been learning for over 6 months through one-on-one Creative Fundamental course, Lightroom course and the On-line Program which I absolutely love.

These courses combined, have taken my photography to a whole new level. I have learned so much and I have a much better appreciation to the complexities and creative side to photography and, I am having so much fun.
 
Thanks so much Harry.  I am still learning and I will be for a long time.  You are an exceptional teacher.“Good work this month, members!

Want better photos?
Join us!

Online photography forum

Online Photo Program – © Cheryl K

 

Online Photography Course - © Morina R.

Online Photography Course – © Morina R.

#1043 Student Success – Photo & Review

We ran Mastering Manual Exposures last weekend. The session was spent helping students understand the intricacies of light and exposure.

In short we helped people make whites white in appropriate places.

In three hours we brought light to a scary subject.

Some feedback:
I really appreciate Harry’s teaching style which is low key, no pressure but he is obviously extremely knowledgeable and a professional. He always provides just enough feedback and he tailors it to the specific individual.

I have been learning from Harry for over 6 months through a one-on-one Creative Fundamental course, Lightroom course and the On-line Program which I absolutely love.

These courses combined, have taken my photography to a whole new level. I have learned so much and I have a much better appreciation to the complexities and creative side to photography and, I am having so much fun.
 
Thanks so much Harry.  I am still learning and I will be for a long time.  You are an exceptional teacher.CF-1-3

#1042 Exposure Basics + Your Input, Please!

On Saturday, we hosted a good crew looking to refresh or develop good base photo skills.

We looked at the basics of exposure and how to master manual exposure mode.
… It’s scary but essential if you want to drive creative control yourself.

And contrary to popular belief it’s not that hard to get good, solid exposures in manual exposure mode – at least when you understand the concepts and steps involved.

Benefits of manual exposure mode:
• YOU control brightness of your photos and choose creative outcomes
• Avoid letting the camera decide on exposure – the camera will choose different exposures based on what it aims at (dark tree or bright snow…) rather than what light level exists.
• Avoid grey snow scenes (a sure way to know someone doesn’t understand exposure!)

In three hours participants were getting consistently better exposures.
And more smiles. 🙂

photo exposure basics

Learning about exposure and histograms

Spring and Summer Workshops? Your input please!
Initial offerings of spring and summer workshops are set but we have a few more slots we’d like to fill.

What do YOU want to learn?
• Portraits?
• Composition?
• Motion/sports?
• Any guest instructors?

Send us a note – we’d love to hear from you!

photography course

Photo workshops

#1035 New Seminar – Portrait Retouching Process with Blair Gable!

Based on past popularity Blair Gable is back with a new seminar – the portrait retouching process!

Capturing a portrait in-camera is one set of technical skills. Processing is a skill set that requires a whole new set of skills.

Join Blair as he shares skills he’s developed while shooting for clients like MacLean’s, Reuters and Globe and Mail.

Portrait Retouching - Ottawa photo class

Peter Milliken Portrait Retouching – © Blair Gable


Details
February 22nd, 2014
Time – 4 hours
$100 (+tax) for a 4 hour safari with one of Canada’s leading photojournalists.
Central Ottawa.

Join us!
Register online at the bottom of this page.

 

Ottawa Photo Seminar

Portrait Retouching with Blair Gable

#1030 Special Deal on the Online Photo Challenge

In light of the festive season where many people are challenged to find meaningful gifts we offer you a special deal on our Online Photo Program.

Yippee!

Limited Time Special Offer
We’re offering a special deal to help you buy a worthwhile gift while saving you some $money.
• Six month membership is normally $195 + HST.
• Until Saturday December 14th, we’re offering six months for only $160 + HST.
Register now!

Online photo class

Online Photo Challenge – “Straight from the Camera” – © Alan Garner

What’s so good about our online class?
Well… Let me count the ways:
1. Challenge!
Each new monthly challenge offers photographers a reason to practice and grow.
2. It’s interactive!
Every month we present material, you submit photos, I offer critique and EVERYbody has the opportunity to share on the Private Facebook group!
3. New content every week.
We send an email linking to new content four times each month. Most regular courses last one to eight weeks after which many people’s passions dwindle. Our online program keeps you engaged every week!
4. Better Photos
Yes, your photos will improve.
Erm, I should add it’ll take some effort on YOUR part but we provide a platform that supports your growth in a fun, interactive and supportive way.
Ahem:
[My photos improved over the last year…] It’s all thanks to you, the course and the forum!  I know that I wouldn’t have learnt as much just taking a class here and there. For this, I can’t thank you enough!

Better Photos

Better Photos through our Online Program – © Maisie Ismail

5. It’s cheap!
Cheap like inexpensive, not cheap like crappy!
The normal price works out to $32.50/month. With this special offer it’s even cheaper!
6. Get inspired 
There are many members with amazing work.
There are many members grappling with he same challenges that you are, photographically!
On both the program and the interactive, private Facebook forum you will find people to help, inspire and support you!
7. It’s fun!
Yes, it is.
8. There’s a crazy guarantee
If, in the first month, you decide you don’t like it we offer a money back guarantee.

Last month we offered a “Straight from the Camera” challenge. It was designed to help photographers develop better in-camera photos so as not to rely on post processing to fix mistakes.

Online photo program

Online Photo Challenge – learn to properly make whites white in the camera! © Gilles Gagnon

Members said:
I realized just how challenging it is to take one’s time in order to get it right.   This month has provided me with an even greater appreciation for the craft. Thanks for the great challenge!” MI

Thanks again for helping me learn more about photography!” CS

Join us or have a loved one join us.
It’s easy.
Special price of $160 + HST lasts only until Saturday December 14th.
Register online right now!
Or read more details… and then join us.

#1026 New Workshop – Creating a Coffee Table Book with’Blurb’ and Louise Tanguay

Interested in turning your photos into a cherished coffee table book?

Advances in printing, web and software have made the process more accessible than ever.

Join graphic designer and photographer, Louise Tanguay, as she guides you from start to finish.

Blurb book workshop

Create your own coffee table book with Louise Tanguay

Who is Louise?
Louise is a published photographer who travels the world to capture and teach. Her books sell well – ‘Natura‘ sold 10,000 copies in Quebec and France. (erm, that’s a lot!) And she has published books herself.

Join us for three Mondays in March to learn to produce your own memories for family, friends or profit.

Details

 

#1023 Smartphone Photography Course

Smartphone iPhone Photography Class

Smartphone Photo Class

It’s back.

Last year we offered our first smartphone photography course. People loved it:
Simple tips and complex solutions made participants smile:
• Focus techniques
• Exposure options
• Quick post processing solutions

April 6th, 2014.
9-noon.
$80 + HST

Photojournalist Blair Gable leads you through technical workflow and creative ideas to help you create better photos.

More details.
Register.

#1021 New Courses! Macro and Tulips with Louise Tanguay.

Tulip photos

© Louise Tanguay – Tulip Photo Safari – May, 2014

She’s back!
Last year Louise Tanguay‘s workshops were very well received. They often sell out.

We’ve convinced her to come back and share her fabulous skills with you again.
Louise travels the world teaching (some for Freeman Patterson), producing coffee table books and shooting for magazines.

She has two workshops coming up in May, 2014 – Macrphotography Workshop and Tulip Safari. See some of the student’s successes last year.

Want better general photos in nature?
Take the Macro Workshop!

Want a shorter (and cheaper) experience with Tulips?
Take the Tulip Safari!

close-up photography class

© Louise Tanguay – Macrophotography Workshop with Louise Tanguay – May 2014