Dan's Photo University Course Catalog
Purchase tickets online, call Dan's at (610) 434-2313, or stop and do things by our store. Please see our cancellation policy before ordering tickets.
- Free Tips & Gear Seminars
- Digital Cameras
- Lighting
- Photo Software
- Creative Photo Classes
Free Tips & Gear Seminars
Drop in for these quick 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! Just for stopping by, we’ll give you 15% off related gear you purchase the day of the class.
- Sport & Action
- Saturdays, March 20 & 27 at 10:30
- Learn how to get the most out of long-zoom point & shoot or DSLR cameras when capturing movement. We'll provide tips on how to freeze fast action and capture the game winning shot. The tips provided could be used when shooting practically anything that moves!
- How To Choose & Use Camera Filters
- Saturdays, April 3 & 10 at 10:30
- Travel & landscape photos, high contrast scenes, moving water and waterfalls; all of these photo opportunities benefit greatly from proper use of polarizing and other camera filters. Come to this Tips & Gear session to find out what filters might add impact to your shots. Get it right... in the camera!
- Outdoor Portraits
- Saturdays, April 17 & 24 at 10:30am
- Outdoor Photography
- Saturdays, May 1 & 8 at 10:30am
Digital Camera Classes
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.
- Cost: $24.99
- One 2½ hour class
- Class size is limited to approximately 20 students.
| Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, March 6 | 1:00 – 3:30 | Sold out |
| Monday, March 15 | 5:00 – 7:30 | |
| Tuesday, April 6 | 10:30 – 1:00 | |
| Thursday, April 22 | 5:00 – 7:30 | |
| Saturday, May 1 | 12:30 – 3:00 | |
| Friday, May 14 | 10:30 – 1:00 |
Nikon Digital Cameras for Beginners — DIG 100-N
This class is similar to our standard digital camera class, but goes into more detail on some of the features specific to Nikon cameras.
| Camera Model | Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| S70, S60 | Wednesday, March 10 | 11:00 – 1:30 | cancelled |
| S70, S60 | Wednesday, April 28 | 10:30 – 1:00 | |
| S70, S60 | Friday, May 28 | 10:30 – 1:00 | |
| P90, P80 | Monday, March 1 | 5:00 – 7:30 | Sold out |
| P90, P80 | Saturday, April 24 | 1:00 – 3:30 | |
| P90, P80 | Monday, May 17 | 5:00 – 7:30 |
Olympus Digital Cameras for Beginners — DIG 100-O
This class is similar to our standard digital camera class, but goes into more detail on some of the features specific to Olympus cameras.
| Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, March 24 | 10:30 – 1:00 | |
| Saturday, April 3 | 1:00 – 3:30 | |
| Thursday, May 6 | 5:00 – 7:30 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, March 31 | 10:30 – 12:30 | |
| Saturday, April 10 | 1:30 – 3:30 | |
| Wednesday, May 5 | 10:30 – 12:30 |
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, March 16 | 5:30 – 7:30 | AAA Northampton (map) | |
| Thursday, April 1 | 6:00 - 8:00 | AAA Allentown (map) | |
| Tuesday, April 13 | 5:30 – 7:30 | AAA Northampton (map) | |
| Tuesday, May 18 | 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 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.
No sessions currently scheduled. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to learn about new classes as soon as they're announced.
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.
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
| Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, March 12 & 19 | 2:30 – 5:30 | cancelled |
| Friday, April 23 & 30 | 10:30 – 1:30 | |
| Wednesday, May 12 & 19 | 10:30 – 1:30 |
Nikon P90 & P80 Digital Cameras Intermediate — DIG 200-N
Learn to maximize the potential of your Nikon P90 or P80 camera. We'll help you move out of Easy Mode to explore some of the other great features your camera has, features that are designed to get you better shots.
Get sharper pictures with better color by understanding focusing options and white balance. Learn how to control motion and how much of a scene is in focus by exploring options like shutter priority and aperture priority. Students should have taken the Digital Camera Beginner class or have equivalent knowledge.
- Cost: $29.99
- One 3-hour session
- Class size is limited to approximately 14 students
| Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, March 27 | 12:30 – 3:30 | |
| Monday, April 12 | 5:00 – 7:30 | |
| Thursday, May 27 | 5:00 – 7:30 |
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.
- Cost: $39.99
- One three-hour session*
- Class size limited to approximately 14 students.
Nikon DSLR Beginner — DIG 110-N
| Camera Model | Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| all Nikon | Thursday, March 4 | 4:30 – 7:30 | Please call |
| all Nikon | Thursday, March 25 | 4:30 – 7:30 | |
| all Nikon | Thursday, April 15 | 4:30 – 7:30 | |
| all Nikon | Thursday, April 29 | 4:30 – 7:30 | |
| all Nikon | Saturday, May 22 | 10:00 – 1:00 | |
| D3000/D40/D60 | Wednesday, March 10 | 10:30 – 1:30 | |
| D3000/D40/D60 | Monday, April 26 | 4:30 – 7:30 | |
| D3000/D40/D60 | Wednesday, May 26 | 10:30 – 1:30 | |
| D5000 | Monday, March 8 | 4:30 – 7:30 | Sold out |
| D5000 | Friday, March 26 | 2:30 – 5:30 | Please call |
| D5000 | Tuesday, April 20 | 10:30 – 1:30 | |
| D5000 | Friday, May 21 | 2:30 – 5:30 |
Canon DSLR Beginner — DIG 110-C
| Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, March 1 | 4:30 – 7:30 | Sold out |
| Monday, March 29 | 4:30 – 7:30 | |
| Saturday, April 10 | 12:00 – 3:00 | |
| Monday, April 26 | 4:30 – 7:30 | |
| Thursday, May 6 | 4:30 – 7:30 | |
| Thursday, May 27 | 4:30 – 7:30 |
Olympus DSLR Beginner — DIG 110-O
| Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, March 6 | 10:00 – 1:00 | |
| Friday, March 19 | 2:30 – 5:30 | |
| Saturday, March 27 | 10:00 – 1:00 | |
| Saturday, April 24 | 10:00 – 1:00 | |
| Monday, May 24 | 4:30 – 7:30 |
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 I get better focus and properly exposed video? How do I store the videos? The list goes on and 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.
- Cost: $24.99
- One 2½-hour session
- Class size limited to approximately 20 students
| Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, March 30 | 10:30 – 1:00 | |
| Monday, April 19 | 5:00 – 7:30 | |
| Monday, May 3 | 5:00 – 7:30 |
DIG 210 — 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 2½-hour sessions
- Class size limited to approximately 14 students.
Nikon DSLR Intermediate — DIG 210-N
| Camera Model | Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| any | Thursday, March 11 & 18 | 5:00 – 7:30 | Please call |
| any | Tuesday, March 30 & 6 | 11:00 – 1:30 | |
| any | Thursday, April 1 & 8 | 5:00 – 7:30 | |
| any | Tuesday, April 27 & May 4 | 11:00 – 1:30 | |
| any | Saturday, May 8 & 15 | 10:00 – 12:30 |
Canon DSLR Intermediate — DIG 210-C
| Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, March 8 & 15 | 4:30 – 7:30 | |
| Monday, April 12 & 19 | 5:00 – 7:30 | |
| Thursday, May 13 & 20 | 5:00 – 7:30 |
Olympus DSLR Intermediate — DIG 210-O
| Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, March 13 & 20 | 10:00 – 12:30 | |
| Wednesday, March 31 & April 7 | 11:00 – 1:30 | |
| Saturday, April 10 & 17 | 10:00 – 12:30 | |
| Monday, May 10 & 17 | 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.
Lighting
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, March 3 | 10:30 – 1:00 | |
| Monday, April 5 | 5:00 – 7:30 | Sold out |
| Friday, May 7 | 3:00 – 5:30 |
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- two
- three
- four
- 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: $39.99
- One three-hour class
- Class size is limited to approximately 15 students.
| Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, March 26 | 2:30 – 5:30 | cancelled |
| Saturday, April 17 | 12:30 – 3:30 | |
| Friday, April 30 | 2:30 – 5:30 | |
| Thursday, May 13 | 4:30 – 7:30 |
Photo Software
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!
- Cost: $9.99
- One two-hour session
- Class size limited to approximately 20 students
| Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, March 13 | 1:30 – 3:30 | |
| Monday, April 5 | 5:30 – 7:30 | |
| Thursday, May 20 | 5:30 – 7:30 |
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.
- Cost: $59.99
- Two three-hour sessions
- Class size limited to approximately 14 students.
| Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, March 22 & 29 | 4:30 – 7:30 | Sold out |
| Wednesday, April 14 & 21 | 10:30 – 1:30 | Sold out |
| Monday, May 3 & 10 | 4:30 – 7:30 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, March 16 | 10:30 – 1:00 | |
| Friday, April 16 | 10:30 – 1:00 | |
| Saturday, May 8 | 1:00 – 3:30 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, April 23 | 2:30 – 5:30 |
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.
- Two three-hour sessions
- Class size limited to approximately 12 students.
- Cost: $79.99
| Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, March 5 & 12 | 2:30 – 5:30 | cancelled |
| Friday, April 9 & 16 | 2:30 – 5:30 | |
| Saturday, May 15 & 22 | 12:30 – 3:30 |
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.
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
| Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, May 21 | 2:30 – 5:30 |
Creative Classes
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. The slightly condensed format, with a one-hour shoot as part of each class, allows 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)
- 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
| Date | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Thursdays & Saturdays, 3/4 thru 4/8 |
5:30 – 7:30 Thursday classes, 3:00 – 4:00 Saturday photo shoots |
| Week | Class | Photo Shoot |
| Week 1 | March 4 | March 6 |
| Week 2 | March 11 | March 13 |
| Week 3 | March 18 | March 20 |
| Week 4 | March 25 | March 27 |
| Week 5 | April 1 | April 3 |
| Week 6 | April 8 | — |
Close-up Photography (macro) — CRE 200
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, One 2½ hour photo shoot
- Class size is 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, March 2 & 9 | 10:30 – 1:30 | Sold out |
| Thursday, April 15 & 22 | 4:30 – 7:30 | |
| Friday, May 7 & 14 | 2:30 – 5:30 |
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 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
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, March 17 | 10:30 – 1:30 | cancelled |
| Saturday, April 3 | 10:00 – 1:00 | |
| Monday, May 24 | 4:30 – 7:30 |
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Dan's Expeditions
Learn on location! Dan’s Photo Expeditions are hands-on workshops where you'll put new new techniques into practice at a variety of photo destinations. Learn more »