FAQs
A: Anyone who is interested in learning photography, whether that is a better understanding of how to use your own camera and how to control it to get the pictures you want, or you want to take your existing photography knowledge up a few notches with an advanced curriculum of lighting techniques. The beauty of this workshop structure is that it caters to all existing levels of photographers (even if that is ground zero, and no worries, everyone had to start there).
Beginner Workshop - Photo 101
The beginning level areas focus on the camera anatomy, basic vocabulary, what makes an exposure, capture techniques, framing & composition, lighting basics and real world scenarios. After teaching the concepts, Matty will take you out on shoots, learning to work with available lighting. Instruction is one thing, hands-on, do-it-yourself experience is another, and that is exactly how Matty will help you: accompanying you on shooting assignments, and even practice shooting a subject on-location alongside Matt. During supervised shoots your experience and understanding of basic photography will increase exponentially while applying newly learned concepts. This is the perfect course for new and amateur photographers who want to learn photography from the ground up the correct way, and we'll provide you with the knowledge and confidence to go out and shoot events and other scenarios using available light. Learn how to take good pictures. Consistently good pictures.
Creative Lighting - Advanced Workshop
The advanced level is all about flash lighting, manipulating light, and taking control of your photographic environment. It starts with an overview of advanced vocabulary and gear, the stuff you'll be using to make light. Lighting theory is next, breaking down the science in balancing ambient and flash lighting, and how to fully understand how that flash is exposing your subject. It progresses into the topic of light modifiers, the options and results of the various tools. Then we are off to shoots! Learn from Matty as he photographs models on-location and interacts with the subjects while adjusting lighting on-the-fly, and then you get to take a crack at it. You will use Matt's professional lighting gear to compose your own images with Matty giving pointers the whole way. You'll learn how to compose beautiful images using mixes of ambient & flash lighting along with various light modifiers.
A: Whether you shoot portraiture, landscape, product, automotive, wildlife, etc... the beginners workshops will teach you the foundation of photographic knowledge that is required no matter what type of photography you are wanting to capture. It's all about learning how to effectively use the tool we call a 'camera.' The advanced workshop, using creative lighting will inherently be catered more towards portraiture and product photography (the types of photography that can most greatly benefit from off-camera lighting). Obviously a landscape photographer will not greatly benefit from the advanced course, however, is landscape the only photography you will be doing? I'd say that even the most "specialized" photographers end up shooting a wide spectrum of photography where off-camera lighting will greatly benefit them.
A: Currently both workshops only have 8 seats available. This is to ensure each student gets plenty of one-on-one time.
A: No worries, we feel ya. Just shoot Matt an email, maybe some of your pictures for him to look over, and he'll be able to help better place you in the workshops. A person's pictures will typically reveal if they utilize common techniques in making creative photographs.
A: Not so fast... A couple questions for you now. Over those years, in which shooting modes do you use to capture photographs? Do you know how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO interconnect and how all 3 can be manipulated to create completely different compositions? Take the time you've spent shooting with your camera in any automatic mode and subtract it from your experience... are you close to zero? Then the beginning course is designed specifically for you. You must have an intimate working knowledge of the camera, all of it's functionality, and can shoot in full manual mode with ease to capture a wide spectrum of compositions. We will not take the time to catch someone up in the advanced course who is not up to snuff with beginning photographic knowledge. Unfortunately, spending a lot of money on equipment does not improve your photographic skills or knowledge, so you better bring a healthy chunk of knowledge along with that big, shiny camera of yours to the advanced course.
A: The beauty of Matty's workshops is they are paced off of you! Concepts will be addressed until you are comfortable and ready to move on to the next step. One-on-one attention will guarantee you get your questions answered. Learn at your speed.
A: At a minimum, a DSLR camera or fully manual compact. You will be learning how to use YOUR camera at this workshop. Leave the standard point 'n shoots at home, people, you can't fully control those things. You can command the pictures you want with a DSLR or fully manual compact. Bring your lenses (if applicable). Make sure you have an empty memory card and a charged battery. Something for note-taking (no computer note-taking, it is very distracting). If you have questions just shoot Matt an email.
A: Your DSLR camera, your lenses, and a pocket wizard (if you own one, I have extras if you don't). Bring your speedlites (hot shoe flash) if you have them. You'll be using my lighting equipment on shoots, unless you opt to use yours for learning purposes. Something for note-taking (no computer note-taking, it is very distracting).
A: Visit the "Dates & Pricing" page, it'll have the listing of available workshops.
A: We do not offer refunds on workshop registrations, but offer you credit towards future workshops.
A: Yes, we have a waiting list, shoot us an email using the contact page. You'll be added to the list in the order it was received. We will let you know what the list is looking like and the possibility of getting in.
