Q. What kind of camera should I use?
A. Any digital camera with more than 3 megapixels is suitable.
Point & shoot and DSLR cameras work the same, and the
course will cover using both.
Q.
I plan to buy a camera for the class. What should I get?
A. Canon and Nikon are the Ford and Chevy of digital photography.
Both make fine equipment for all skill levels. If you buy
a new camera be sure to get a lens of the same manufacture--Canon
on Canon or Nikon on Nikon--other brands are inferior and
it’s the lens that transmits the image to the camera.
In an ideal situation you should spend 2/3 of your camera
budget on the lens and 1/3 on the camera body.
Q.
Do I need an external flash?
A. No, not for Photography I. Most cameras have a built-in
flash and we’ll learn to use these. In Photography II
you may want to get an external flash … again, Nikon
for Nikon and Canon for Canon.
Q.
I have a film camera. Can I take the class?
A. The classes are designed for new digital camera users.
A film camera is acceptable, but you should be prepared to
have your film processed and burned to CDs.
Q.
I want to do black & white photography. Will this be covered?
A. There are several methods of making B&W images with
digital cameras. We’ll explore the most common methods
during the Photoshop discussion.
Q.
Will I need Adobe Photoshop?
A. No, Photoshop LE is fine and most cameras come with some
sort of editing software. We’ll show you the basics
and you can apply them to your images as you like.
Q.
How many megapixels do I need?
A. Any camera with 3 megapixels is capable of making 8x10
prints. Most new digital cameras are 5+ megapixel; any camera
3 meg and over is good for the class.
Q.
What does the $45 materials fee cover? Are there more expenses?
A. For Photography I the materials fee covers mounting &
matting materials and glass for the print you will frame.
You will be responsible for providing your own 8x10, or smaller,
print and an 11x14 frame. The cost of the frame is apx. $20
local, much less by mail order. For Photography II the materials
fee covers printing and postage of the coffee table books.
Q.
I want to take the 2nd class – what is the skill level
for the class?
A. A simple test: In Manual mode, your exposure is 1/125 @
f.8. You want to make the picture darker. Do you (a) Pick
a higher number f/stop. (b) Pick a lower number f.stop. (c)
Fix it in Photoshop.
Answer = “A”, if you know why you are ready.
Q.
Is photography I required before taking Photography II?
A. No. Please join the class if you feel comfortable with
f.stops and shutter speeds, and using your camera in the Manual
exposure mode.
Q.
In Photography II we publish a coffee table book. What is
the subject?
A. The class will pick the topic of the book. Each person
in the class will have a section in the book. Your section
illustrates how you see the topic. We’ll strive to make
it an artistic book.
Q.
What lenses do I need for these classes?
A. A mid-range zoom (18-70mm) will make 90% of the images.
The ideal set is two lenses, a 16 or 17-35mm and a 70 or 80-200mm.
These will cover most of your photography needs.
Q.
Will I need a laptop for the class?
A. A laptop is useful when we discuss Photoshop, but not required.
Q.
How are weekly assignments handled?
A. The assignments can be brought to class on a flash drive/jump
drive or Photo CD. You may also bring 4x6 prints if that is
easier. Assignments are designed to make you think and see
photographically.
Q.
I have some photos I made several years ago, can I bring these
in as my assignment?
A. Only if they answer the assignment. You are welcome to
share your photos with the class during our break times.
Q.
I may not have time to do the assignments – is that
OK?
A. Each assignment shows me what you have learned and how
you are progressing. If you don’t do the assignments
I may not know how to help you advance … and you’ll
flunk out and it will go on your transcript and you’ll
never get into a good college, you’ll never get a good
job and you could wind up homeless – best to do the
assignment.
Q.
I may have to go out of town and miss some classes, are there
makeup classes?
A. No, but you can get advance notice of the assignments so
you can have them for the next class you attend.
Q.
Are there any field trips planned?
A. Not as part of the class. However, I plan to have several
photo outings during the 8-week sessions. These are not part
of the class but will be optional outings announced during
class sessions.
Q.
Will you offer classes other than Photography I & II?
A. Yes, but they are not scheduled at this time.
Q:
How do I sign up for a class at the Creative Arts Center?
A: Here’s their contact information: www.creativeartscenter.org
Telephone 214-320-1275
Q.
Who do I pay for the classes?
A. All financial arrangements are made through the Creative
Art Center.
Q.
Will you have darkroom classes?
A. No, we will no longer offer chemical processing of film
or prints. There are some excellent photo labs in Dallas that
can process your film and make prints for you. We will concentrate
on digital photography.
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