I have a very inspiring story to share with all of you who may be looking into these workshops. If you are left wondering if it would be right for you, be worth the money, time, or effort. If you are worried that you might not properly digest the knowledge and skills in class and come away with the right confidence about your camera… may this story give you just a small insight into what the beginner workshop did for one student from the very first beginner workshop.
Alida, the nice young gal you see in the photo above, walked into the classroom on the first morning with not a lick of know-how. She didn’t have any idea what the buttons did or even how to switch modes or functions on her camera. It is a situation that so many folks are in. They inherit or purchase a DSLR because they’ve heard DSLRs are the cameras that take the best photographs, and that idea alone makes them happy camera owners. They pick it up, turn it on, take a photo (not knowing what mode they are in or what settings are in place), and if the camera takes an OK photo, they are happy. No more attention is paid to the camera, it did it’s job for all they care. Life goes on, well… that is until THEY want to start taking photos, and not letting the camera run the show. After all, if you want to take credit for a photograph, wouldn’t it be nice to know that you took it, and not a “thinking” computer chip. In these automatic camera modes, all you can truly take credit for is pointing the camera in a general direction and pushing a button. Mr. Camera can take a bow for the rest of the legwork. This was Alida’s situation, and definitely nothing to be ashamed of, we’ve ALL been there, starting at the bottom. I’m glad Alida had the courage to jump in and learn this stuff!
Above, I’m identifying what buttons do what on Alida’s particular camera model. At this point, we are about two hours into the workshop, and we are about to go out on our first shooting adventure. She was able to directly apply newly learned photography fundamentals immediately. I don’t know how long she had owned the camera before that day, but this was the first moment they were properly introduced. With a fun, fresh relationship started, Alida and her camera were off, capturing light the right way. As the class progressed, so did Alida, right on schedule.
Leaving the workshop Sunday afternoon, Alida left with the knowledge and skill set via the lectures and shooting sessions that gave her all that she needed to go out and shoot away, shoot the way she wants to. Leaving the workshop, she headed straight to work, where she had to arrange a baby shower event. Also a lesson here for everyone, she had her camera with her (always bring your camera with you when you can). The people running the event asked Alida to take some photos for some extra cash.
From zero knowledge, not knowing how to work her own camera before the class, to whipping out her camera, snapping pictures with confidence, and making cash… all within hours of leaving the workshop. Great story, and thank you to Alida for sharing it!
