Posts Tagged ‘student success’

#743 Creative Fundamentals Photo Workshop – Student’s Successes

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

This week we finished our longest running and most popular course – Creative Fundamentals.

Ottawa Photo Workshop

Ottawa Photo Workshop

It’s popular because we take complicated ideas of f-stops, shutter speeds, iso and their inter-relationship and break them down into understandable concepts. Light bulbs go off and people smile.

Ottawa Photo Class - Willa

Ottawa Photo Class - Willa

Students worked hard through the exercises – I love to see the different ways people interpret the same visual content.

Ottawa Photo Course - Laurie

Ottawa Photo Course - Laurie

Results are shown in the photos of this blog – we held the critique at our photo studio - Ottawa Studio Works.

Ottawa photo class - George

Ottawa Photo Class - George

The next session of Creative Fundamentals is coming up April 25th, 28th, May 2nd.

Ottawa photography class - Adrienne

Ottawa photography class - self portrait - Adrienne

Student’s said:

I now know how to get my photos the way I want. It was fun!

Love the workshop!! Harry you are the best.” … Harry blushes.

Ottawa photo course - Christopher

Ottawa photo course - Christopher

Missed the last one? Don’t miss this one!

Contact us to reserve your spot with a $125 deposit and registration form.

 

#706 Guest Post – Ottawa Valley’s Kevin Foisy on our Photo Blog

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

Today we have a guest blogger – Kevin Foisy – who is exhibiting “Love Through the Lens” at our photo studio, Ottawa Studio Works, November 25th, 2011.

Kevin writes:

“Become a Better Photographer through Sharing.

We are taught as children to share with others but when it comes to our photos, we sometimes cringe at the thought of it.  A photograph is a reflection of the photographer; by sharing, we expose a part of ourselves that might be a bit uncomfortable.  

“What if they think it’s terrible?”“My work isn’t good enough,” “Other people’s work is so much better.”

These and many other thoughts go through our minds before we take the plunge to start sharing our work on a regular basis.

I can remember when I first started sharing.  I would email a picture out to a few friends here and there.  To my surprise, they were quite kind and offered valuable feedback.  I started to see my work through other people’s eyes, learning that everyone has their own perspective, likes and tastes.  Other people see my work differently than I do and are generally very kind.

With time, I was encouraged to broaden my list of friends and so I scoured through my address book and invited many others.  The more people that I added, the better, fuller, richer the experience became.  It’s one of the things that I really love about photography … the sharing and the feedback. 

Kevin Foisy - recent photo work on the blog

Kevin Foisy - recent photo work

Most of us have stared up in awe at the sprinkled field of twinkling stars that lights a moonless night. In this image, I wanted to capture the sense of spirituality of man and the universe around us, and the idea of these being one, as is claimed by Noetic scientists. The image is titled, “Man and the Universe.” 

“So, how exactly does it make you a better photographer?”

The process of sharing invokes more thinking around the photos you’re sharing.  It encourages you to tell a story about the photo.

Why did I take it?  What does it mean to me?  What do I see in it?

When you share, you are forced to think about these things and that practice makes you better.  Soon, you are thinking about these things before you take the photo instead of after and that leads you to being a better photographer.

As your list grows, you become very aware that what you send out is representative of your work.  Soon, you find yourself striving for better and better images.  You critique your own work with greater detail when you know that many people will view it.  Things that would have passed before, will not pass now … but that’s ok because you’ll find yourself producing better and better images.

There is another bonus!  Your fans will be there when you are ready to step to the next level with shows and print sales.  You now have a following of people that know your work and are excited to see it presented, displayed and celebrated – please visit my upcoming show and print sale at Ottawa Studio Works!

“When my work is good enough, I’ll start sharing it.”  

I have friend that is a pro photographer; he’s been published in many magazines and has been shooting most of his life.  He recently said, “Nobody will want to buy my work.”

You will never feel that your work is good enough!  It doesn’t matter what level you are at.  We always look up at the work of others and feel that our work is less and hence, “Not good enough.”  It’s only through sharing that you will start to realize that your work is good enough.

Kevin Foisy - recent photo work on the blog

Kevin Foisy - recent photo work

The fall colours are warm and vibrant but none that I have seen match the incredible vibrant reds of the burning bush.  While most leaves have settle to the ground, this bush stands out as though it is on fire.  Today, it was further saturated by rain droplets that settled on these fiery leaves.

“So, where do I start?”

There are several ways to start.  The first and easiest is to start with an email list.  Create a group in your email program and add your friends to the list.  It’s a good idea to ask permission first because not everyone wants to receive pictures. 

As you become more confident, grow your list by adding more friends and colleagues.  Ask your friends if they have friends that would like to be on the list.  Before you know it, your list starts getting pretty large.  When the list grows large enough, you could consider using a hosted service like Google Groups, or Yahoo Groups.  I recently switched to GroupSpaces which allows people to sign up to join my list and to also unsubscribe.  This allows the list to “grow in the wild” so to speak.

Facebook is a great way to share your work too.  I have a friend that is an amazing sculptor.  He shares pictures of his work on Facebook and I love seeing what he’s working on.  Your friends will feel the same way about your photos.

Use a blog.  It’s free and it’s simple to setup with with Blogger or WordPress.  These offer a great way to share and to keep a history of your work.  I post my blogs to my website and to blogger.

Kevin Foisy - recent photo work

Kevin Foisy - recent photo work

After a late evening of printing and preparing works for the show later this month, I rose before the sun and headed out to capture the world as the sun rises.  A very cold night resulted in fabulous frost formations.  An hour later, my toes were frozen and fingers numb, but I had captured an exciting sequence of shots. In this shot, long crystals of ice cling to these tiny twigs.  To the passerby, this is a mere coating of frost.  To the close observer, these micro crystals form shapes that resemble a spruce tree.

“But I already share my photos on Flickr.”  

Flickr, Picasa, SmugMug and others offer great places to setup galleries where you can share your work.  Though these are good, my preference is still the ‘photo a week’ type publication where you’re actively reaching out to people.  Having a gallery is great but it doesn’t develop your skills in the same way that a reach-out type activity does.

Now go take your favourite photo from the past week and share it!  Good luck and I hope to see your photos!

________

Thanks Kevin!

Join Kevin’s photo of the week email list.

Visit Kevin’s upcoming exhibition November 25th at Ottawa Studio Works - 160 Preston St, Ottawa!

#705 Student Success! ProProgram photo graduate

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

Trumpets blare.

Smiles stretch.

We have another graduate from our ProProgram and we would like to celebrate Lou Truss‘ successes on our photo blog.

Lou entered the program with basic skills and aspirations to work as a photographer. Her photos have blossomed and her confidence has bloomed.

Lou Truss - Photo Course graduate!

Lou Truss - Photo Course graduate!

I love seeing the difference in student’s work from beginning of the program to the end. And Lou worked hard through many photo classes and workshops.

See her photos throughout this blog post. Visit her website. Cheer her successes!

Lou says:

 Yay, I have finally completed the Pro Programme which took a little longer than planned!  I guess that’s what makes the Pro Programme so special as it caters for your needs. 

For me, It fitted perfectly around a young child and a husband that travels alot with work.  

The last two years has been an amazing journey.  It has allowed me to do what I love most… take pictures with confidence as well as the knowledge I have picked up on the Pro Programme.  

It’s been an incredible journey – I’ve met some amazingly talented people on the way. 

Lou Truss - Ottawa Photo Course graduate!

Lou Truss - Ottawa Photo Course graduate!

Thank you Harry for opening my eyes and giving me the confidence to follow my dreams.

Thank YOU Lou. We are cheering for you. Please blow your trumpets to congratulate Lou’s successes!

Stay tuned for Lou’s photo exhibition at Ottawa Studio Works in September 2012.

Lou Truss - Ottawa Photo Course graduate!

Lou Truss - Ottawa Photo Course graduate!

#699 Night Light Photo Workshop Review – ghosts and all

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Recently we ran our annual Night Light Photo Course in central Ottawa. It’s one of the most fun workshops we offer. This year we were blessed with wet weather that pumped up the reflections and vibrant KAPOW of the photos. We stayed mostly dry shooting from sheltered locations.

This workshop draws some of our biggest smiles – Student photo worlds open wide with new techniques and vibrant lights offered at night.

The course is designed to teach new photo techniques at night and I must say, this the most fun I’ve ever had in a photo workshop.“ BM

Learned lots as usual. Your transparent approach and effective teaching methods keep bringing me back for more!” SR

I REALLY REALLY had a wonderful time.” PR

See some student photo below. See some more student work at Barb’s site. She saw ghosts.

Stay tuned for Night Light next year. Can’t wait? We teach this course, anytime, as a Custom Course!

Ottawa Night Light Photo Class

© Barb M - Ottawa Night Light Photo Class

Ottawa Night Light Photo Course

© Theresa H - Ottawa Night Light Photo Course

Ottawa Night Light Photography Class

© Sarah R - Ottawa Night Light Photography Class

 

 

#697 Student Success – new ProProgram graduate

Friday, October 21st, 2011

A couple of years ago Sandra Finner contacted me about taking her photography to the next level with the idea of shooting weddings and portraits in Ottawa.

She joined the ProProgram and started working. Developing photo, networking and business skills suitable for photo work is a long process.And Sandra dove in head first.

After completing five of the program’s courses, ‘One-onOne’s’ and some shadowing Sandra is taking bookings for portraits and weddings. She’s smiling, too. She has every reason to be! In the two years since I have met Sandra her work has blossomed. I am proud of her.

What does Sandra say?

As a recent graduate from the Harry Nowell Pro Program I wanted to take time to congratulate you on offering such a well designed program that has helped advance my photography faster than it would have taken in a larger, more formal classroom.

student success! - Sandra Finner Wedding Photography

student success! - Sandra Finner Wedding Photography

 The people I’ve met and the contacts I’ve made while in the Pro Program have absolutely helped me be a better photographer. This program not only teaches technique but by mentoring each photographer on an individual basis with one-on-one sessions, you help us understand our strengths & weaknesses and focus on areas that need attention.

student success! - Sandra Finner Wedding Photography

student success! - Sandra Finner Wedding Photography

The variety of courses offered, whether it be shooting with and developing film, night, studio & natural light photography, understanding flash photography or learning unconventional shooting techniques [in the David Trattle’s course] have all helped me learn how to progress from a casual picture taker to doing professional work that my customers have been excited about.

Thanks Harry for being so generous with your time and knowledge and introducing me to the Ottawa photography community. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all my time learning from you and I feel confident that my business will continue to move forward which was my goal.

student success! - Sandra Finner Wedding Photography

student success! - Sandra Finner Wedding Photography

I look forward to meeting the new students at the regular social events and following along with their successes as well.

Join us in cheering for Sandra!

 

#686 Creative Fundamentals Photo Class

Sunday, September 25th, 2011

We recently finished our longest running, most popular workshop with a critique session at our Ottawa photo studio.

It’s been running for 11 years and keeps attracting people either as a Custom Course or a group course. Why?

Creative Fundamentals delivers the fundamentals of modern, digital photography in easy to learn chunks. And it makes people smile – we make it accessible and fun.

Below are some photos from the course:

Julie A photo - Creative Fundamentals Photo Course

Julie A photo - Creative Fundamentals Photo Course

Sarah R photo - Creative Fundamentals Photography Class

Sarah R photo - Creative Fundamentals Photo Class

Laura H photo - diamonds in the creek?! - Creative Fundamentals Photography Class

Laura H photo - diamonds in the creek?! - Creative Fundamentals Photography Class

Robert G photo - Creative Fundamentals Photography Workshop

Robert G photo - Creative Fundamentals Photo Workshop

Please cheer for all our student’s successes! Our next group session of Creative Fundamentals is January 18, 21, 25, 2012. We already have people on the list. Custom Courses are available anytime.

Today we hosted the Farm Photo Safari – stay tuned for photos on the blog!

#684 ProProgram Graduate – Student Success!

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

About 18 months ago Mercedes enrolled in our Creative Fundamentals photo class. She enjoyed it enough that she became interested in our ProProgram. For Mercedes, the ProProgram enticed her to help strengthen her résumé in the arts field. And she dove in, eager to learn.

And learn she did!

She soaked up photo classes and pursued shadowing opportunities, establishing important contacts and experience in arts fields. Mercedes has just graduated from the ProProgram. Her photo skills have developed. New doors have opened for her and she’s found a new love of film photography.

Enough from me. Mercedes shares her Photo Program experience:

Harry Nowell Photography Inc.’s Professional Program (ProProgram) was a definite turning point in my personal and professional lives. Personally, it provided me with the knowledge and skills I had always wanted to acquire, even as a hobby photographer. It gave me the background I was lacking to produce better photos and to overcome my fear of film and to overcome the technical challenge of using a camera. I feel more confidant about my ability to capture an image, a moment, a memory.

Photo Class success

© Mercedes Déziel-Hupé - Oscar Peterson inspiration

Professionally, I feel that my eye has been trained in a different way than what was taught in my Communications program in university. Instead of simply analyzing a photo from its marketing perspective, I now know how to evaluate it’s aesthetic and technical qualities as well. Moreover, I am competent at manipulating or modifying an image if and when necessary. Naturally, this is very valuable to me as a communications professional. In this sense, I have become more equipped to cover a work-related event or take on a private contract, if the need should arise. In addition, I am more aware of the realities surrounding the career of a photographer and this enables more constructive dealings with photographers hired on through and for professional functions.

Ottawa Photo Class Success

© Mercedes Déziel-Hupé - Inspired by James Dean - shot on film!

The format of the ProProgram is rigorous yet very convenient as it is flexible. There is a good balance of theory, hands-on learning, practical exercises and homework and professional coaching. One must be self-motivated, but this is an ideal program for professionals looking to redirect or to refresh their skills or for a serious hobby photographer looking for more training. Harry’s teaching is efficient and kind, positive and constructive and his workshops are organized while still allowing plenty of room for creativity. That’s the point, isn’t it? Lastly, there is a wonderful support system put in place for all ProProgrammers to discuss and help each other through every step of the program.

Ottawa Photo Class Success

© Mercedes Déziel-Hupé @ Ottawa Fashion Week

As a recent graduate of the ProProgram, I am currently working on my very first extensive photo project and am working towards a show. I don’t want to give too much away right now, but let’s just say it addresses one of my passions: dance. Follow my blog for updates. Stay tuned!

Good work Mercedes! Check her blogs:

Mercedes’ photo blog

Mercedes’ Dance blog

Please help us cheer for Mercedes’ achievements and bright future!

 

#681 Baby photos revisited

Monday, September 12th, 2011

Remember Daniel?

He and his wife were waiting for a baby to arrive this summer.

While they waited Daniel’s wife found our website and asked us about a “How-to-take-baby-photos” custom course… We spent half a day going over photography’s fundamentals and I brought in a wee model for him to practice at our studio.

Baby photography - Custom Course - Ottawa

Student Photo (Daniel B) - Baby photography - Custom Course - Ottawa

Well, yes, the happy couple now have a beautiful baby boy! I heard from Daniel last week. He was pretty excited:

… and when he was 7 days old we produced his first photo shooting session. I’m very satisfied with the results and Mommy is very, very happy.
Daniel’s photos of his son are presented in this blog post.
Maternity Photography - Custom Course - Ottawa

Student Photo (Daniel B) -Baby Photography - Custom Course - Ottawa

I’m pretty pleased at his successes after his Custom Course, too! He did very well.

I developed the curriculum for our fundamentals course over 11 years ago. It’s based on almost 20 years of photo and teaching experience. Other workshops grew from there. It makes me smile to see our student’s successes!

Congratulations Daniel & Mommy & baby!

Newborn Photography - Custom Course - Ottawa

Student Photo (Daniel B) - Newborn Photography - Custom Course - Ottawa

#677 Student Success – photo class graduate Scott Martin

Sunday, September 4th, 2011

A couple of years ago I got a call from Scott Martin – he was interested in photography in a big way. After much hard work Scott graduated from our ProProgram and many of our photo classes.

His interests were in sports & music. After networking, shooting and putting in some time, Scott is starting to see his work pay off.

The Balconies - Scott Martin photo

The Balconies - Scott Martin photo

He’s been following the local music scene for a few years now – posting news and photos to SpotlightOttawa.com – including coverage of Live 88.5‘s “Big Money Shot“. Scott’s photography caught the music station’s attention and his work is gracing their annual album cover for the Big Money Shot.

Read about Scott’s successes.

 Big Money Shot cd cover

Big Money Shot cd cover

It always makes me smile to see our students succeed - Not bad for someone who started shooting in the last few years!

Interested in cranking up your photo learning curve like Scott?

See our fall line-up of photo workshops.

 

#676 Custom Photo Class – success

Thursday, September 1st, 2011

Recently we ran a Custom Photo Class in Ottawa for Sarah and two friends who were looking to learn the basics of digital photography.

We arranged the photo session and started dishing out the lessons from Creative Fundamentals, very gently at first and more challenging as the lessons were learned.

We started with the very basics, moved to exposure and then some advanced exposure:

Ottawa photo workshop backlighting

Ottawa photo workshop - backlighting

Ottawa photo workshop - silhouettes

Ottawa photo workshop - silhouettes

We played with depth of field – controlling blur with aperture:

Ottawa Photo Course - Blurring Backgrounds

Ottawa Photo Course - Blurring Backgrounds

And controlling blur using the shutter speed:

Ottawa Photo Course - Blurring Motion

Ottawa Photo Course - Blurring Motion

We also learned the ideas of composition to tie it all together:

Ottawa Photo Class - composition

Ottawa Photo Class - composition

All in all these new photographers ended the photo class with some magnificent photos.

Not bad, eh?!

Creative Fundamentals usually runs three times a year – fall, winter and spring.

Our next group session starts next week.

Custom courses are available almost anytime…

What they said:

We all had a great time on Friday. Thank you for a great course!

It was wonderful & exciting. I’ve always thought of myself as an impossible photographer. The course has left me with the confidence, patience & motivation to try and capture those photos I keep seeing. I appreciated your patience and the time you gave the three of us to ensure we understood.

We all raved about how lucky and grateful we were to have learnt from you, your knowledge & experience.”

from Sarah and friends, Aylmer + Wakefield. Custom Course – Creative Fundamentals

And thank-YOU, Sarah and friends, for the fun and for sharing your photos on our photo blog! Your comments make me blush!