Drop in for these quick one-hour seminars for point & shoot and SLR users. You'll get practical photo tips you can use to improve your pictures right away.
Save on Gear! Just for stopping by, we’ll give you 15% off related gear you purchase the day of the class. Ask us for details.

Sports & Action Photography

Mondays,June 29 & July 6 at 6:00pm

Learn what settings to use for the best results, why a tripod can be the key to better pictures, how to the the most from your lenses and what to look for if you're shopping for a new one.

Maximizing Dan’s new online ordering with Piknik photo software

Mondays, July 13 & 20 at 6:00pm

Summer Portraits That Sizzle

Mondays, July 27 & August 3 at 6:00pm

Creating Slideshows & Web Presentations

Mondays, August 10 & 17 at 6:00pm

NEW! Photographing Fast Action at the Velodrome: The Dan's Camera City Keirin Cup XXIV

Experience the fast action and the colorful cyclists racing around the track. The whole family is sure to have a blast, and it's a great sport to photograph. The Valley Preferred Cycling Center is an affordable, fun and family-oriented night outdoors, offering several races each night.

Fast Action Photo Class Package:

• Presentation on fast action sports photography on Tuesday, July 14th at the DaVinci Science Center (map)
• Exclusive VIP infield access for the Keirin Cup Race night on Friday, July 17th at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center (map)

Early registration discount:
Only $49.99 before July 3rd (regularly $59.99)

Date	Time	Register
Class: Tuesday, July 14 Photo Shoot: Friday, July 17	6:00 – 7:30 6:30 – 9:00

Digital Camera Classes at AAA

Digital Travel Photography for Beginners

Getting ready to take a trip or a vacation, and you're not sure where to begin with your digital camera? This class will cover what you need to get started, with an emphasis on travel photography. Focus will be on digital point and shoot cameras covering basic camera operation, digital photo concepts like using flash and composition, recommended accessories to enhance your picture taking, and how to get your images into your computer. This class is especially beneficial for people who received their camera as a gift or did not purchase it from Dan’s.

Cost: $19.99
AAA member price: $11.99

One 2-hour session

Class size is limited to approximately 30 students.

AAA Members: Please enter your Membership Number in the Special Instructions box at checkout so that we can process your discount.

Date	Time	Location	Register
Wednesday, July 15	10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.	AAA Allentown (map)
Tuesday, July 28	10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.	AAA Northampton (map)

Digital Cameras: Beyond Beginner

This next step moves from digital camera basics with some other tips and techniques to help you get better pictures anywhere, but with a focus on travel. Primarily for point and shoot cameras, this class will also touch on topics that will benefit those with enhanced point and shoot (long zoom) cameras and even a few things for digital SLR users. Learn about how to use composition for more dramatic landscapes and cityscapes and how using both wide angle and zoomed in shots gives a well-rounded look to your photo album. Bring back better photo memories wherever you go.

Cost: $19.99
AAA member price: $11.99

Please enter your Membership Number in the Special Instructions box at checkout so that we can process your discount.

Location: AAA Northampton County (map)

One two-hour session

Class size is limited to approximately 30 students.

Date	Time	Register
Tuesday, August 18	5:30 – 7:30

Digital Camera Classes
at the Allentown Jewish Community Center

Better Nature Photos

Whether photographing birds in your backyard or taking pictures someplace more exotic, we'’ll help you take home better photo memories. Since some cameras have more controls than others and options vary, we’ll cover a few things common to most cameras. See what camera features to look for to improve things right away, like stopping the action for moving subjects and how to get better focus.

Cost: $19.99
JCC member price: $15.00

Register by calling the JCC at (610) 435-3571

Two-hour class at the Allentown Jewish Community Center (map)

Class size is limited to approximately 20 students.

Better Photo Composition

Having a better understanding of composition can really help convey what we want with our photographs. We’ll start with some general guidelines for composing better images, and then use several examples of various subjects to further explore this important topic. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how to size up your main subject and the overall scene to express yourself with your photos. This class is recommended for anyone who is already comfortable with the basics of their camera and wants to learn about a less technical side of photography.

Cost: $19.99
JCC member price: $15.00

Register by calling the JCC at (610) 435-3571

Two-hour class at the Allentown Jewish Community Center (map)

Class size is limited to approximately 20 students.

DIG 105 — Digital Cameras for Beginners

Not sure where to begin with your digital camera? This class will cover what you need to get started. Focus will be on digital point and shoot cameras covering basic camera operation, digital photo concepts like using flash and composition, recommended accessories to enhance your picture taking, and how to get your images in the computer. Especially beneficial for people who received their camera as a gift or did not purchase it from Dan’s.

Cost: $19.99

One 2½ hour class

Class size is limited to approximately 20 students.

DIG 105A — Nikon Digital Cameras for Beginners

This class is similar to our standard digital camera class, but goes into more detail on some of the features specific to Nikon cameras.

No sessions currently scheduled. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to learn about new classes as soon as they’re announced.

DIG 105C — Olympus Digital Cameras for Beginners

This class is similar to our standard digital camera class, but goes into more detail on some of the features specific to Olympus cameras.

No sessions currently scheduled. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to learn about new classes as soon as they’re announced.

DIG 205 — Digital Cameras Intermediate

Looking for better results with your pictures? Let us take you beyond beginner to the next level of digital photography. We’ll help you with tips and techniques when shooting close-up/macro for nature and product photography, photographing people in available light, and with flash. In addition, you’ll learn proven tips for better scenic and sports/action photography. Primarily benefits customers with “point and shoot” cameras that have shutter/aperture controls P/A/S/M modes, or any digital SLR camera.

Cost: $59.99

Two three-hour sessions

Class size is limited to approximately 15 students

Digital SLRs for Beginners

Digital SLRs offer unmatched options in taking pictures and there are several considerations for getting the results you expect. This class helps familiarize you with: issues that arise when switching to digital; basic functions of your SLR camera; choosing exposure modes; working with different file types; the basics of using flash effectively; and choosing filters and accessories to meet your photographic needs.

Cost: $39.99

One three-hour session*

Class size limited to approximately 14 students.

DSLR 100 — Nikon DSLR Beginner

DSLR 110 — Canon DSLR Beginner

Date	Time	Register
Thursday, July 9	4:30 – 7:30

DSLR 120 — Olympus DSLR Beginner

Date	Time	Register
Thursday, August 27	4:30 – 7:30

Digital SLR Intermediate

Moving beyond the basics, this course is for digital SLR owners looking to better understand and appreciate their camera. Topics include: Using your camera’s metering and exposure functions to more easily control how bright or dark your pictures look, fine tuning white balance for better color, selecting the right lens for the job, choosing between RAW and JPEG, and a few tips on software tools that give your pictures that special touch. Students should have attended the DSLR Beginner course or have equivalent knowledge.

Cost: $49.99

Two three-hour sessions

Class size limited to approximately 14 students.

Digital SLR Next Steps – Consistent Results

This advanced class further explores the key features in your DSLR, including better control of shutter, aperture, and ISO for more consistent, repeatable results. Learn how to evaluate a scene, regardless of subject matter and get the exposure you want. See what you need to do in-camera to maximize focus and what can be done afterwards to enhance your images. You'll also find out how to make custom settings that you can access quickly for the different types of shooting you do. Session two of this class includes feedback on images you shoot in a self-directed assignment between sessions.

Cost: $59.99

Two 2½-hour sessions

Class size limited to approximately 14 students

Nikon

Date	Time	Register
Mondays, July 20 & 27	5:00 – 7:30

Canon

Date	Time	Register
Fridays, July 10 & 17	3:00 – 5:30

Olympus

Date	Time	Register
Wednesdays, August 12 & 19	3:00 – 5:30

Using Flash with your Digital SLR

Getting started with external flash with your Digital SLR should be easy. See how painless it can be. Learn how to select the right flash for you and your camera, and then how to set the flash and camera options for general use. We'll also take you a bit beyond the full-auto settings to give you a little more control for getting the image you want with professional-looking results. Additionally, you'll find out which accessories will improve image quality or add flexibility when shooting with flash in a variety of situations.

No sessions currently scheduled. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to learn about new classes as soon as they’re announced.

Small Flash, Big Studio

Get big studio results while traveling light and smart! Learn to use modern flash systems to full advantage for a lightweight, wireless studio setup that packs really small and offers fast setup and teardown. This class is part lecture and part hands-on workshop, focusing on creating single and multi-light set ups for powerful macro, portrait, tabletop, wedding, and architectural photography. See lots of examples of how to get professional-looking results by creating a portable studio using small flash technology in just about any situation.

•  See sample slides and materials from this class
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Cost: $39.99

One three-hour class

Class limited to 14 students

No sessions currently scheduled. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to learn about new classes as soon as they’re announced.

PHO 230 — Studio Lighting Basics

Explore the fundamentals of studio lighting and how to decide which lighting solutions are best for you. From a single external flash to multiple strobes to hot lights, we’ll show you the pros and cons of each for different shooting situations. Learn concepts like quality of light, how to effectively use key light and fill light, and how multiple light sources impact your final image. We’ll help you gain confidence to make the most of your lighting equipment and get better pictures. Understanding of photography fundamentals required, including adjusting shutter speed and aperture on your camera.

Cost: $39.99 – Includes 10% off any lighting accessory

One three-hour class

Class size is limited to approximately 15 students.

No sessions currently scheduled. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to learn about new classes as soon as they’re announced.

Organizing and Archiving Your Pictures

Are you overwhelmed with boxes of photos, memory cards that are full and a computer with duplicate photos in several different places? This is the class for you! We will be sharing tips on how to get organized with everything from prints to negatives, and most importantly hundreds or thousands of digital photos. Equally important is keeping all of these important memories safe and archival. We will explore a few different ways to organize and how to figure out what might work best for you.

For your digital image files, we'll demonstrate the powerful organizing and search features in Adobe Photoshop Elements. Options for additional backups of your images include CDs and DVDs, as well as External Hard Drives. You'll leave with a better idea of which route is best for you. Our goal is to give you tips on how to get organized with your photos right now and develop a plan on how to keep you organized and be able to easily retrieve the pictures you want in the future. Imagine how good it will feel when you are done with this project and can find any photo in just a few minutes!

Cost: $9.99

One two-hour session

Class size limited to approximately 20 students

No sessions currently scheduled. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to learn about new classes as soon as they’re announced.

CSW 100 — Adobe Photoshop Elements™, Beginner

Photoshop Elements™ is powerful yet affordable software. Students will receive an overview of many of the useful features this program offers. Topics include, cropping images for various purposes; basic retouching techniques; adjusting highlights and shadows; removing unwanted portions of an image, an introduction to using layers, and more. This is a lecture-based course where students will receive detailed handouts following class and have an assignment between sessions. Note: Students should already own Photoshop Elements version 5 or later and be familiar with computer basics and digital concepts such as resolution and file formats.

Cost: $59.99

Two three-hour sessions

Class size limited to approximately 14 students.

Date	Time	Register
Fridays, August 14 & 21	2:30 – 5:30

CSW 200 — Adobe Photoshop Elements™, Intermediate

This hands-on course will take Photoshop Elements users beyond the basics. Class will be part lecture and part hands-on computer lab. Students will complete several image-editing projects including; retouching imperfections in photos; creating a collage with several images; and creating a photo business card. This class is designed to help you understand more of the tools in Photoshop Elements and spark your creativity.

Requirements: Students should own Photoshop Elements 5 or 6 and have attended Photoshop Elements Beginner class or have equivalent knowledge.

Two three-hour sessions

Class size limited to approximately 12 students.

Cost: $79.99

No sessions currently scheduled. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to learn about new classes as soon as they’re announced.

CSW 300 — Adobe Photoshop Elements™, Advanced

Explore the more advanced Photoshop Elements features and learn to do more with your pictures. Learn about the power of working with layers in editing your images, managing layers, advanced photo retouching techniques, color correction, and more.

Requirements: Students should own Photoshop Elements 5 or 6 and have attended Photoshop Elements Intermediate class or have equivalent knowledge.

Cost: $99.99

Two three-hour sessions

Class size limited to approximately 12 students.

No sessions currently scheduled. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to learn about new classes as soon as they’re announced.

NEW! Photoshop Elements Power Sessions

Each of these two-hour sessions key on a specific topic and are designed for you to get just what you need by focusing on key features of Photoshop Elements to accomplish specific goals. Attend one, or attend them all. Our Photoshop Elements Beginner class or equivalent knowledge is required. These are lecture-based classes. Instructor demonstrates using Photoshop Elements 7.

Cost: $29.99

One two-hour session

Class size limited to approximately 14 students

Special Pricing:

• Buy 1 or 2: $29.99 each
• Buy 3 to 5: $24.99 each
• Buy all 6: $19.99 each

Photoshop Elements Power Sessions:
The Digital Darkroom

Fine tune shadows, highlights, midtones, and see how to effectively adjust the overall look of your images for great results.

Photoshop Elements Power Sessions:
Amazing Black & White Images

Learn the finer points of converting any color digital photo to black & white and enhancing for a final image.

Photoshop Elements Power Sessions:
Creating a Photo Collage

Unleash the power of PSE to combine several images easily for unique photo collages, including stitching images for panoramas and blending multiple action shots into one.

Date	Time	Register
Thursday, July 30	5:30 – 7:30

Photoshop Elements Power Sessions:
Portraits That Dazzle

Learn how to adjust color, fix blemishes, and smooth skin in ways that compliment your subjects.

Date	Time	Register
Thursday, July 16	5:30 – 7:30

Photoshop Elements Power Sessions:
Cool Nik Software Tools

Award winning, intuitive plug-ins available for Photoshop Elements that add an incredible number of simple, powerful tools to further enhance your photos, reduce graininess (digital noise), and sharpen them up.

Photoshop Elements Power Sessions:
Designing Photo Documents

Learn a straightforward approach for using Photoshop Elements to design your own business cards, postcards and other image-dominant items that combine photos and text.

New Class! Nikon Capture NX 2.0 for Beginners

Whether you're shooting RAW or JPEG, we'll help you unleash the power in your images by cropping, straightening, color correcting and tweaking them quickly with the Capture NX standard tools and its incredible U Point technology. See why this is an amazingly powerful photographer's tool, rather than just another software package.

Shorten the amount of time you spend at the computer perfecting your images by incorporating Capture NX into your workflow. Learn how to edit photos more easily and efficiently with the intuitive controls. We'll show you how to work non-destructively in this software to greatly reduce the size of your edited images compared to working in layers in other software - all without sacrificing quality. This class is part lecture and part hands-on using Windows-based computers. Image files for class will be provided. (Basic computer knowledge is a pre-requisite to this course.)

Cost: $39.99

One three-hour session

Class size limited to 12 students

No sessions currently scheduled. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to learn about new classes as soon as they’re announced.

RAW Image File Processing in Adobe Photoshop™ and Photoshop Elements™

This course is a great way to get started learning about editing your RAW image captures in Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Photoshop CS3/CS4. Shooting in RAW mode has many advantages. You'll gain better control of your white balance, exposure, highlight and shadow details, and more. We will discuss the finer points of RAW capture and a RAW workflow, and then show you how to fine-tune your images by:

• Creating a smooth workflow for converting your images to high quality JPEGs and TIFFs
• Adjusting exposure, shadows, contrast, saturation, white balance, cropping and sharpness

Cost: $39.99

One three-hour session

Location: Dan’s Camera City

No sessions currently scheduled. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to learn about new classes as soon as they’re announced.

Kids Camp!

Digital Photography Class for Kids

Kids have a unique perspective; give them a chance to express it with art. This camp offers kids a chance to celebrate their world through digital photography. Photographers ages 8 – 10 and 11 – 15 will learn camera basics, take pictures, have fun with real assignments, and start a multimedia photography journal to remember their experience. Journal and craft materials provided. Weather permitting; class will include taking pictures outside. Class takes place at Dan’s Camera City. No experience necessary. Digital camera of any kind required.

Cost: $49.99

Four two-hour sessions, Monday thru Thursday

NEW! High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography

This introduction to HDR photography will explore an exciting alternative to shooting high-contrast (high dynamic range) scenes. Get tips on how to look for subjects and scenes that work well for HDR and which ones may not, as well as tips on camera settings and shooting techniques. Learn how to shoot a sequence of photos quickly of the same scene (some dark, some bright) to get one great final image. See how software like Photomatix and Adobe Photoshop (CS2 or newer) lets you blend the best parts of each image to create a traditional photo look, but with better highlight and shadow detail. If you'd like something more creative, see lots of examples of how to go for a hyper-realistic or even surrealistic effect.

HDR allows you to bring out the vibrant colors, incredible detail, and texture of the scenes around you that are otherwise impossible to capture. We'll demonstrate how to control the amount of the effect applied to your blended images and how to get the final look you want. Once you see what can be accomplished with these techniques, you're likely to find a new way of seeing and a new way of shooting.

Cost: $29.99

One three-hour class

Class size limited to approximately 20 students

Date	Time	Register
Thursday, August 6	4:30 – 7:30

Close-up Photography (macro)

Close-up photography can be done with a variety of digital cameras and opens up a wide variety of possibilities for stunning images. This class explores maximizing point and shoot and digital SLR cameras for the best close-up photos. We'll cover key topics common to most cameras including macro mode, using natural light and flash, as well as getting better focus. Get excellent tips on composition with plenty of examples to see. Digital SLR users will benefit from topics specific to these more advanced cameras such as lens/flash use, other accessories, and techniques that help get in closer. While the overall focus is on nature subjects, many of the concepts are useful for other types of close-up photography. Optional second session is a shoot at a local park with instructor assisting students.

Cost: $24.99

One 2½ hour class

Class size is limited to approximately 20 students.

Special Event Photography Introduction

Are friends and family always asking you to shoot birthdays, christenings, etc.? Are you the one at work who is asked to photograph presentations, ceremonies and other events? We'll explore key photographic techniques for great results in these challenging situations. Topics include maximizing your camera and flash, managing a group of people to get the best photo possible, and ordering prints quickly and efficiently. Whether you're charging for your services or not, our experts will share insights to get you started dealing with a "client", whether it is a family member or your boss. Recommended for digital SLR users who already have a good comfort level with their equipment. Class includes Dan's Express Digital program for photo management and print ordering, plus 100 photo business cards (design services not included).

Cost: $99.99

Two three-hour sessions

Class size limited to approximately 12 students

Principles of Design and Composition

Learn to improve your pictures with better composition! Whether you're photographing people, landscapes, or other subjects, this class will teach you how to use simple elements and principles to give your images incredible impact. Gain a better understanding of how to use color, shape, line and pattern for better pictures that capture the viewer's attention.

This two-session class helps you learn the rules of good composition… and when to break them. Session two provides an opportunity for students to review the concepts, receive feedback on their images, and learn how good design may improve them. Inspiration from the instructor's personal work and important photographers past and present will show how traditional design and composition concepts can be applied to photography.

This class is recommended for anyone from those with basic camera skills to pros looking to take their images to the next level. Basic understanding of camera operation is required.

Cost: $59.99

Two three-hour sessions

Class limited to 15 students

Zen and the Art of Photography

“No matter how slow the film, Spirit always stands still long enough for the photographer it has chosen”
 — Minor White

A two-session class devoted to teaching students to use the photographic process as meditation and prayer. Session one will teach core concepts of shooting while being fully present and open to the shooting experience. Students will be given a brief shooting assignment to complete in between sessions. During session two your instructor will review images and guide students to recognize the themes emerging within their work and how to more fully realize their photographic vision.

Cost: $59.99

Two three-hour sessions

Class limited to 14 students

Digital Journaling Workshop

The Digital Journaling Benefit Workshop is a 7 week course that will open the doors to becoming a more complete photographer by learning new techniques, viewing inspirational images and getting hands-on experience in a supportive learning environment. This unique experience will allow you to contribute to the community while enhancing your photo hobby.

Each week, you’ll attend a classroom presentation on a specific photographic technique. Then you’ll go to an on-location photo shoot later that week to apply what you’ve learned. Class topics will include portraiture, architecture, macro and more. In class, students will review the previous week’s assignment and receive positive feedback on their own work. This process of learning, applying, and evaluating will quickly improve your photographic skill set.

Each of the on-location shoots will be within the City of Allentown. Many of the locations are not usually open to public access, and for some, an expert on that venue will accompany you to enhance your experience there. At the completion of your class, we’ll host an enjoyable evening at the Allentown Brew Works to review the images and discuss your experiences.

When the classes are completed, we’ll produce a set of gift items using images captured by students. Items such as calendars, photo-books, note cards, and more will be sold to raise money for a local charity organization. Students will have the opportunity to have their images displayed on these items. These will be featured in The Morning Call, and sold at various locations around the Lehigh Valley.

All students are expected to donate at least two images from class, which will be considered for use in the creation of these products. Students retain their right to sell, or do whatever they please, with all of their images. However, the donated images may be used for any means by the City of Allentown, and the sponsors, with no compensation or credit to the photographer. All of the proceeds from any sales of the gift products using these images will be donated to the charity organization.

 See some of the great work produced by students in this class (3.4 MB PDF)

•  See sample slides and materials from this class
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Cost: $99.99

Six weeks, meeting twice a week

Class limited to 14 students

Date	Time	Register
Mondays & Saturdays, August 10 - September 26	(see schedule below)
Thursdays & Saturdays, August 13 - September 26	(see schedule below)

Our classes sell out quickly. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to learn about new classes as soon as they're announced.