Drop in for these quick, free one-hour seminars, full of practical photo tips to improve your pictures right away. Each topic is presented twice, so you can pick a date that's convenient.
Save on Gear! Get 15% off related gear you purchase the day of the class just for stopping by.

Camera Filters for Fall

Saturdays, September 11 & 18 at 10:30am

Emphasize the light, capture the color, and get better pictures this fall with the right camera filters. This free session covers the filters you need to get the best shots during fall and throughout the year. Pick up great tips on managing reflections, maximizing beautiful foliage, and which filters will do the trick. Although lots of “software” filters are helpful these days, this Tips & Gear session is about the handful of camera filters that can help you in the field to get the shot you want.

Canon EOS Discovery Days at Da Vinci Science Center

Learn the Techniques of Great Photography at EOS Discovery Day, presented by Canon and Dan's Camera City

Basics: Essential functions of your EOS camera

Enter the world of the digital SLR and learn about your camera, and how to make great pictures with it. We'll take you out of "automatic", but we won't overload you with too much detail.

You'll see many examples of great photography, and learn techniques to use exposure, composition, flash, and a variety of lenses to get the same types of results. Our Basic Discovery Day class is a three-hour investment in your EOS digital SLR that will pay dividends over and over as you grow with your camera system.

During this course, you'll:

• Become familiar with the operation and features of your EOS camera, and discover how and when to control them for dramatic results
• Learn to expand your creative options, using different camera features and photographic techniques to evolve your pictures from snapshots to photographs
• See actual examples of how Canon lenses and Speedlite flashes can be used to add impact to your pictures

Class: $29.99

One 3-hour class

Location: Da Vinci Science Center (map)

Date	Time	Register
Saturday, October 16	9:00 – 12:00

Intermediate: Creative Photography with the EOS system

If you're a more experienced SLR user, this three-hour session is your ticket to learning about the more sophisticated features of your EOS camera. We'll take you to the next step in crafting great photographs, with details about the advanced controls in your camera and how to use them in real-life situations.

Many examples of great images bring the camera's features to life in this event. We'll demystify your camera's histogram, give details about lighting and exposure control, and show the power that the right lenses and EOS Speedlites can bring to your photography. During this course you'll:

• Discover many of the advanced features on your camera, and how they can be used for great pictures
• Learn creative techniques in composition, camera control, and flash with EOS Speedlites
• Explore the possibilities of the EOS system, and gain insight into selecting and using the right accessories for your photography

Class: $29.99

One 3-hour class

Location: Da Vinci Science Center (map)

Date	Time	Register
Saturday, October 16	2:00 – 5:00

Digital Cameras for Beginners — DIG 100

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.

iPhone Imaging: Getting Better Pictures — DIG 105

Learn to get better pictures with your iPhone and how to do more with your images. Understanding what your iPhone can and can’t do is the first step. You might be surprised at how a few picture-taking techniques can work wonders and how the best iPhone apps really add some zing to your snapshots.

You’ll also see how you can quickly share your photos with others. Find inspiration in the variety of creative images and high-quality prints we’ll show you, even some photo books made exclusively with iPhone pictures.

Cost: $24.99

One 2-hour session

Class size limited to approximately 20 students

Date	Time	Register
Monday, August 23	5:00 – 7:00	Sold out
Friday, September 10	3:30 – 5:30
Friday, October 29	3:30 – 5:30
Friday, November 19	10:30 – 1:30

Digital Camera Classes at AAA

Digital Photography for Beginners

Not sure where to begin with your digital camera? This class will cover what you need to get started. The 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 from your camera into your computer. The class is especially beneficial for people who received their camera as a gift or did not purchase it from Dan's. Includes bonus tips for travel and scenic photography.

Cost: $24.99
AAA member price: $16.99

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
Tuesday, August 24	5:30 – 7:30	AAA Northampton (map)	cancelled
Tuesday, October 19	5:30 – 7:30	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: $24.99
AAA member price: $16.99

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

One two-hour session

Class size is limited to approximately 30 students.

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

Digital Cameras Intermediate — DIG 200

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 3-hour sessions

Class size is limited to approximately 8 students

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

Digital SLRs for Beginners — DIG 110

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.

Nikon DSLR Beginner — DIG 110-N

Canon DSLR Beginner — DIG 110-C

Olympus DSLR Beginner — DIG 110-O

Olympus PEN series DSLRs for Beginners

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

DSLR Video for Beginners – DIG 150

The latest Digital SLR cameras (DSLR) offer the bonus of recording High Definition video and along with this amazing feature, come lots of questions. Which memory card is best? How do you get better focus and properly exposed video? How do you store the videos? This class is just the thing to get you started having fun with DSLR video. We’ll show you what you need to know about camera features common to most models, basic shooting techniques, and a few tips on what you can do in your computer to make your videos great.

Digital SLR Intermediate - DIG 210

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 2½-hour sessions

Class size limited to approximately 14 students.

Nikon DSLR Intermediate — DIG 210-N

Date	Time	Register
Mondays, October 11 & 18	5:00 – 7:30

Canon DSLR Intermediate — DIG 210-C

Date	Time	Register
Saturdays, September 11 & 18	10:00 – 12:30
Saturdays, October 23 & 30	1:00 – 3:30

Olympus DSLR Intermediate — DIG 210-O

Date	Time	Register
Thursdays, October 21 & 28	5:00 – 7:30

Digital SLR Next Steps: Consistent Results – DIG 310

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

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

Intro to Flash with your DSLR camera — LIT 100

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. You'll benefit from concepts taught in this class regardless of the camera brand you have.

Cost: $24.99

One 2½-hour session

Class size limited to approximately 20 students

Date	Time	Register
Friday, October 22	3:00 – 5:30
Thursday, November 4	5:00 – 7:30

Small Flash, Big Studio — LIT 200

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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• five

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.

Studio Lighting Basics — LIT 210

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: $49.99

One three-hour class

Class size is limited to approximately 15 students.

Date	Time	Register
Thursday, October 28	4:30 – 7:30
Monday, November 15	4:30 – 7:30

Organizing and Archiving Your Pictures — CSW 105

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!

Adobe Photoshop Elements™, Beginner — CSW 100

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.

Adobe Photoshop Elements™, Intermediate — CSW 200

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 and have attended Photoshop Elements Beginner class or have equivalent knowledge.

Adobe Photoshop Elements™, Advanced — CSW 300

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 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.

iPhoto for Beginners — CSW 120

This class will help you organize, enhance, and share your digital photos efficiently using iPhoto software. We’ll show you how easy it is to use this software for the Mac to store your photos and organize them in a way that allows you to find them quickly a month from now or a year from now. You’ll see how to enhance the color and exposure of your images to make them pop and get them ready for printing or fun projects like a professional-looking photo book. We’ll also cover how to burn CDs of just the images you want for sharing on any Mac or PC and show you other ways to share and show off your photos!

Cost: $24.99

One 2½-hour session

Class size limited to approximately 20 students

Date	Time	Register
Thursday, August 26	5:00 – 7:30
Friday, September 17	3:00 – 5:30
Friday, October 8	10:30 – 1:00
Saturday, November 6	10:00 – 12:30

Nikon Capture NX 2.0 for Beginners — CSW 110

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

Date	Time	Register
Saturday, October 9	12:00 – 3:00

Intro to RAW Shooting & Workflow — CSW 415

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

We'll also talk about the importance of monitor calibration, the time saving features of batch conversion, and archiving your files. This class is lecture-based.

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.

Digital Journaling Workshop

The Digital Journaling Class is unlike any other class I have ever taken. I walked out of the class a much different and better photographer! Phenomenal instructor, individual attention. Lots of feedback for the instructor and student. Friendships were formed. I have grown as a photographer and I look forward to the next class!
– Megan A. from Whitehall, PA

I was looking for an increased sense of creativity in my photography and the class at Dan's far exceeded my expectations! Each week was a unique experience and Ryan was an excellent guide through the journey!
– Sharon S. from Pennsburg, PA

The classes I have taken have all been informative. I love the interaction in the classes and the challenges of the assignments sparked my creativity.
– Brenda F. from Allentown, PA

This six-week Digital Journaling Workshop is designed to introduce you to new techniques and inspire you with images shot by photography masters. Each week we'll meet for a class on Thursday evening, then head out for a photo shoot on Saturday afternoon, allowing you to move quickly from learning to applying what you’ve learned. Improve your skills as you explore concepts related to shooting macro, portraits, abstracts, and more. Learn how to bring a fresh approach to any new photo opportunity and overcome the challenge of staying motivated with your photography. You'll chronicle your experience in a mixed media journal, learning how to express your photographic vision through the journaling process.

This class is designed for anyone with a passion for expanding their understanding of photography. Weekly assignments will encourage you to practice between sessions. By learning proven shooting techniques and creative approaches to a wide variety of subjects you’ll gain confidence in your abilities. Getting feedback on your images and journaling throughout the class, as well as what you’ll learn from fellow students, will round out this fun workshop experience.

Basic camera knowledge is a prerequisite for this class. SLR and Point & Shoot camera users are welcome.

 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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• four
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• six

Cost: $199.99

Six two-house class sessions at Dan's

Five one-hour photo shoots, location to be determined

Class limited to 15 students

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

Close-up Photography (macro) — CRE 200

Close-up photography creates lots of new opportunities for stunning images, and you can do it with a variety of digital cameras. This class will help you get the best results from your point-and-shoot or digital SLR camera for great close-up photos. We'll cover key topics common to most cameras including: macro mode, using natural light, using flash, and getting better focus. You'll also learn about composition and the best ways to frame your up-close & personal subjects. While the overall focus is on nature photos, most of the concepts can be applied to a variety of other close-up subjects as well.

Cost: $24.99

One 2½-hour class

Class size is limited to approximately 20 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

Date	Time	Register
Thursday, August 5 & 12	4:30 – 7:30	Sold out
Fridays, September 17 & 24	2:30 – 5:30
Mondays, November 15 & 22	4:30 – 7:30

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

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

Special Event Photography

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

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

High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography

This introduction to HDR photography will explore an exciting alternative for photographing 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) let 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
Saturday, September 25	10:00 – 1:00
Monday, October 25	4:30 – 7:30

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