Do you want to learn how to use your digital camera using manual settings? Want to stop using auto and being frustrated? If you’re interested, I’m offering two workshops this winter (most likely the only ones for 2012) that will focus on how to use your camera and it’s manual functions so that you can have more control over the images you capture. We will also touch a bit on all those other buttons on your camera, natural light, color, contrast, and composition. Each workshop will be limited to only six people, allowing plenty of one-on-one time and for each question to be answered.

Details:
Saturday, January 28, 2012, 9am to 3pm   FULL
Saturday, February 25, 2012, 9am to 3pm   FULL

Registration will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.

• Registration and payment are due when you sign up for the class. Your spot is not saved until your payment is received. Spots are first come first serve. Cost is $279.
• We’ll even be shooting pictures of some little kids together in our own mini photo shoots for hands on practice
• Workshops are offered in Fresno, California, in my home.
• Equipment needed for workshop: DSLR camera and recommended Canon’s 50mm 1.8 lens or one of Nikon’s wide aperture lenses like Nikkor 50mm 1.4 lens or Nikkor 35mm 1.8 lens (Nikon’s focusing system is different so check that it’s compatible with your camera and will focus before buying, for most camera bodies it has to have “AF-S” in order to auto focus).

Here are a few comments from previous workshops:

“I would TOTALLY recommend the workshop to others. I really appreciate how you combined lecture (more like informative conversation) and hands on application.   That really helped me grasp an understanding of all the new lingo, settings, suggestions, ideas, etc. I would have to say that my favorite part of the workshop was going to Old Town Clovis to shoot.  That really gave me an opportunity to apply all that I learned.  It gave me a sense of accomplishment to see that I was really walking away with true value from the class. I also want to thank you for responding to my emails even after the workshop.  So many times you take a course and never hear from the instructor again…..that is not the case with you!  I have received so many compliments from friends and family about the photos I have taken recently. THANK YOU!
~Vanessa from Fresno

“I am so thankful I have a better understanding of how to work my camera and take pics of my boys.  I loved getting so much hands on experience and I feel so accomplished taking a decent picture (especially on manual!) Now when I take a picture and look to see that it’s too dark, fuzzy, etc., I know what to do to fix it!  Thank you so much for your heart and passion for photography and helping people love what you love.”

~Jen from Clovis

“I would definitely recommend this workshop to someone else.  I loved that you limited the number of people so that each of us had  plenty of “one on one” time. Whether we were beginners or more advanced, there was plenty to learn and practice.   I also thought it was super helpful to have two live photo shoots.  It gave us the chance to practice what we were learning while receiving great feedback.  It was also really fun to practice with the different lenses. Great workshop!”
~Brooke from Clovis

“Cori’s class was amazing!  I have gone from taking ok pictures to really loving my pictures!  I would recommend her class to anyone who wants to improve your own photography skills.  So much great information!”
~Cary from Fresno

“Thanks so much for the workshop Cori!!  I feel like I have a brand new camera!!  I would recommend your workshop to anyone!!”
~Kirsten from Orange County

“I would definitely recommend the class to a friend.  Cori made learning my camera fun and took my intimidation of it away.  By the time I left, I felt very confident in manual and I was very excited to go and experiment using the tools Cori taught us. Thanks so much for everything.  Its true–I am so excited to try now whereas I was just frustrated before!!”
~Kristy from Fresno

“I took Cori’s workshop after owning a dSLR camera for less then a month. I entered the class never  having used my camera off the auto setting. I didn’t know what ISO, aperture or a F-stop was but I left the class with the ability to control the quality of my photos. I never felt embarrassed to ask a question or for assistance. Without this workshop, the money spent on my camera would be a waste because, I wouldn’t be able to use my camera to it’s full potential.”
~Theresa from Fresno

Click here to register and reserve a spot

My manual camera settings for this image below:
ISO – 400
shutter speed – 1/250 second
aperture – F 4

My manual camera settings for this image below:
ISO – 400
shutter speed – 1/20 second
aperture – F 4.5

So, come on…. sign on up for a workshop.

**NEW JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2012 DATES COMING SOON!**

Saturday, June 18, 2011 (9:00am to 3:00pm)
Saturday, July 30, 2011 (9:00am to 3:00pm)

I love teaching people how to use their cameras. So many people have purchased these fancy digital SLR cameras (you know the bigger cameras where you can change out the lenses) and well, they don’t know how to use all the fabulous buttons and functions on their cameras.

Do you want to learn how to use your digital camera using manual settings? Want to stop using auto and being frustrated? If you’re interested, I’m offering two workshops this summer (most likely my last workshops until 2012) that will focus on how to use your camera and it’s manual functions so that you can have more control over the images you capture. We will also touch a bit on natural light, color, contrast, and composition. Each workshop will be limited to only six people, allowing plenty of one-on-one time and for each question to be answered.

Click here to register and reserve a spot

Registration will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.

• Registration and payment are due when you sign up for the class. Your spot is not saved until your payment is received. Spots are first come first serve. Cost is $279.
• We’ll even be shooting pictures of some little kids together in our own mini photo shoots for hands on practice
• Workshops are offered in Fresno, California, in my home.
• Equipment needed for workshop: DSLR camera and recommended Canon’s 50mm 1.8 lens or one of Nikon’s wide aperture lenses like Nikkor 50mm 1.4 lens or Nikkor 35mm 1.8 lens (Nikon’s focusing system is different so check that it’s compatible with your camera and will focus before buying, for most camera bodies it has to have “AF-S” in order to auto focus).

Sign up now by filling out this form

Here we are learning, learning, learning and pushing all the buttons on our cameras:

Then our first little photo shoot inside with a little baby girl…

An image I captured of the little miss…

Then later in the afternoon we practiced more with an outdoor photo shoot of some little people…

Evidence that I will become a fool to get the shot (I guess that’s the secret, huh?) … You know you love that I’m posting this…

And the smiles I got as a result of my foolishness. :)

So, come learn how to use your camera on manual!

Click here to register now!!

These two workshops will probably be the last two offered in 2011 due to the busy Fall season that will follow. :)

Here are a few comments from previous workshops:

“I would TOTALLY recommend the workshop to others. I really appreciate how you combined lecture (more like informative conversation) and hands on application.   That really helped me grasp an understanding of all the new lingo, settings, suggestions, ideas, etc. I would have to say that my favorite part of the workshop was going to Old Town Clovis to shoot.  That really gave me an opportunity to apply all that I learned.  It gave me a sense of accomplishment to see that I was really walking away with true value from the class. I also want to thank you for responding to my emails even after the workshop.  So many times you take a course and never hear from the instructor again…..that is not the case with you!  I have received so many compliments from friends and family about the photos I have taken recently. THANK YOU!
~Vanessa from Fresno

“I am so thankful I have a better understanding of how to work my camera and take pics of my boys.  I loved getting so much hands on experience and I feel so accomplished taking a decent picture (especially on manual!) Now when I take a picture and look to see that it’s too dark, fuzzy, etc., I know what to do to fix it!  Thank you so much for your heart and passion for photography and helping people love what you love.”

~Jen from Clovis

“I would definitely recommend this workshop to someone else.  I loved that you limited the number of people so that each of us had  plenty of “one on one” time. Whether we were beginners or more advanced, there was plenty to learn and practice.   I also thought it was super helpful to have two live photo shoots.  It gave us the chance to practice what we were learning while receiving great feedback.  It was also really fun to practice with the different lenses. Great workshop!”
~Brooke from Clovis

“Cori’s class was amazing!  I have gone from taking ok pictures to really loving my pictures!  I would recommend her class to anyone who wants to improve your own photography skills.  So much great information!”
~Cary from Fresno

“Thanks so much for the workshop Cori!!  I feel like I have a brand new camera!!  I would recommend your workshop to anyone!!”
~Kirsten from Orange County

“I would definitely recommend the class to a friend.  Cori made learning my camera fun and took my intimidation of it away.  By the time I left, I felt very confident in manual and I was very excited to go and experiment using the tools Cori taught us. Thanks so much for everything.  Its true–I am so excited to try now whereas I was just frustrated before!!”
~Kristy from Fresno

“I took Cori’s workshop after owning a dSLR camera for less then a month. I entered the class never  having used my camera off the auto setting. I didn’t know what ISO, aperture or a F-stop was but I left the class with the ability to control the quality of my photos. I never felt embarrassed to ask a question or for assistance. Without this workshop, the money spent on my camera would be a waste because, I wouldn’t be able to use my camera to it’s full potential.”
~Theresa from Fresno

Only two more spots left in the February 16th workshop (after February, there won’t be any more workshops until summer). Check out the details and sign up now!

Here are a couple pics of the paparazzi in action!

Thanks so much to our sweet models. Aren’t they just adorable?

And just for fun here’s a pic of a sweet grandma with her grandkids…I love her face and all the love on display here.

My manual settings:
ISO – 500
shutter – 1/160
aperture – 7.1
lens – 50mm 1.2

If you’d like to suggest this idea to someone as a gift for you, then simply email them the link to this blog post. :)

Need an idea for your Christmas Wish List? Need to tell your spouse, parent, sibling what they can buy you? Ask for a gift certificate toward a workshop for Christmas. Email the link to this blog post to whoever is gonna buy you Christmas gifts this year as a “suggestion”.  :)  And if you’re looking to give a gift certificate for a workshop fee or even a portion toward a workshop fee, contact me (cori@derksenphotography.com) and I’ll hook you up with a fancy little gift certificate! The gift certificates are available in any amount. The workshops will range in cost from $175 to $250.

We’re trying something new this time. I wanted to offer the option of a couple smaller workshops with less people, in turn allowing for even more one-on-one time. So, here goes. We’re trying it out. Two of the four workshops will be limited to only six people. The other two will be limited to ten people. So take your pick. :)

The dates, times, and costs are listed below:

• Wednesday, January 19, 2011……9am to 3pm….10 people max…….$175 per person
• Saturday, January 29, 2011……….9am to 3pm….6 people max………$250 per person
• Wednesday, February 16, 2011….9am to 3pm…..6 people max………$250 per person
• Saturday, February 26, 2011……..9am to 3pm….10 people max……..$175 per person

**Registration and payment are due when you sign up for the class. Your spot is not saved until your payment is received. Spots are first come first serve.
**We’ll even be shooting pictures of some little kids together in our own mini photo shoots for hands on practice.
**Workshops are offered in Fresno, California in my home.
**Equipment needed for workshop: DSLR camera and recommended canon’s 50mm 1.8 lens or nikon’s 50mm lens (nikon’s focusing system is different so check that it’s compatible with your camera and will focus before buying).

To sign up, fill out this registration form.

And here’s one of the shots that I took during this workshop of our sweet little baby model in my little home studio. :)

Here are a few comments from previous workshops:

“Cori’s class was amazing!  I have gone from taking ok pictures to really loving my pictures!  I would recommend her class to anyone who wants to improve your own photography skills.  So much great information!”
~Cary from Fresno

“Thanks so much for the workshop Cori!!  I feel like I have a brand new camera!!  I would recommend your workshop to anyone!!”
~Kirsten from Orange County

“I would definitely recommend the class to a friend.  Cori made learning my camera fun and took my intimidation of it away.  By the time I left, I felt very confident in manual and I was very excited to go and experiment using the tools Cori taught us. Thanks so much for everything.  Its true–I am so excited to try now whereas I was just frustrated before!!”
~Kristy from Fresno

“I am so appreciative of your workshop.  It helped me to be confident with my camera (which I didn’t even know how to turn on before) and to not be afraid of trying.  I love that you gave me this spark inside to go out and capture every moment I can.  Now I’m not afraid to touch our “fancy camera” and I think I’ll actually be more likely to take it places instead of my little dinky point and shoot.  Thank you for helping me grow and learn!  Can’t wait for the next class… what can we learn next?”
~Amy from Fresno

“I would definitely recommend this workshop to someone else.  I loved that you limited the number of people so that each of us had  plenty of “one on one” time. Whether we were beginners or more advanced, there was plenty to learn and practice.   I also thought it was super helpful to have two live photo shoots.  It gave us the chance to practice what we were learning while receiving great feedback.  It was also really fun to practice with the different lenses. Great workshop!”
~Brooke from Clovis

Just an idea….ask for a gift certificate for a workshop for Christmas. Email this link to whoever is gonna buy you your best Christmas gift this year as a “suggestion”. :)
And if you’re looking to give a gift certificate for a workshop fee or even a portion toward a workshop fee, contact me and I’ll hook you up with a fancy little gift certificate!

Here’s an itty bitty preview from our workshop today…

The details on where I took this shot:
This was taken inside with natural light. No studio lighting and no flash were used. The windows were north facing and the little boy was facing east. So the window light is coming from the right side of the picture. Therefore the right side (when looking at the picture) of the subject is lit up more and the left side of him has more shadows on it. Some people try to avoid shadows, but I happen to like them. They make images realistic. Flash filled pictures have no depth. Everything is lit up. When a picture has shadows it allows the face to look natural, like we really look… for real. I like that. :)

My manual settings on this shot:
ISO – 1600 (inside near a window)
aperture – 2.8
shutter speed – 1/160 second
camera & lens – canon’s fabulous 5D mark II and my 50mm 1.2L (my current favorite lens)

I am loving teaching people how to use their cameras. So many people have purchased these fancy digital SLR cameras (you know the bigger cameras where you can change out the lenses) and well, they don’t know how to use all the fabulous buttons and functions on their cameras. Do you want to learn how to use your Digital SLR camera off of auto mode? How to compose a fantastic picture? How to look at light? If you’re interested, I’m doing some workshops focused on how to use your camera and it’s manual functions so that you can have more control over the images you capture. You can see some more details & pics from our last workshop here and here too.

To sign up, fill out this registration form.

Details
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 ……… OR  ……… Saturday, September 18, 2010
9:00am to 3:00pm
$175
Registration and payment due when you sign up for class (your spot is not saved until your payment is received. spots are first come first serve)
limited to only 10 people or less per date

Here are a few comments from a previous workshop
“Thanks so much for the workshop Cori!!  I feel like I have a brand new camera!!  I would recommend your workshop to anyone!!”
~Kirsten from Orange County

“I would definitely recommend the class to a friend.  Cori made learning my camera fun and took my intimidation of it away.  By the time I left, I felt very confident in manual and I was very excited to go and experiment using the tools Cori taught us. Thanks so much for everything.  Its true–I am so excited to try now whereas I was just frustrated before!!”
~Kristy from Fresno

“I am so appreciative of your workshop.  It helped me to be confident with my camera (which I didn’t even know how to turn on before) and to not be afraid of trying.  I love that you gave me this spark inside to go out and capture every moment I can.  Now I’m not afraid to touch our “fancy camera” and I think I’ll actually be more likely to take it places instead of my little dinky point and shoot.  Thank you for helping me grow and learn!  Can’t wait for the next class… what can we learn next?”
~Amy from Fresno

“I would definitely recommend this workshop to someone else.  I loved that you limited the number of people so that each of us had  plenty of “one on one” time. Whether we were beginners or more advanced, there was plenty to learn and practice.   I also thought it was super helpful to have two live photo shoots.  It gave us the chance to practice what we were learning while receiving great feedback.  It was also really fun to practice with the different lenses. Great workshop!”
~Brooke from Clovis

To sign up, fill out this registration form.