Improve your photography: learn how photos are judged and revise camera essentials

From 28.61 C$ /h

If you want to improve your photography, send me some of your latest images before the class. In the lesson, you will begin by describing how and why you took the images. Then we will start discussing and assessing the image in terms of the assessment criteria used in judging photographic competitions.

If necessary we can revise digital photography essentials (i.e. the use of manual settings on a digital camera) although it's perfectly fine if you are using your mobile phone and aren't interested in using manual settings).

This class is in English only and is suitable for English levels B2-C2.

Extra information

Select some of your best images and send them to me at least 24 hours before class.

Location

Online from South Africa

About Me

I live in Cape Town, South Africa, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and a photographer's dream for natural landscapes as well as street photography. I completed a 6 month course in professional photography in 2018 and I have taken courses in the assessment of photography, so I judge photographic competitions from time to time. Photography classes are conducted in English only so a B2-C2 English level learner should be comfortable.

I am also an English language teacher (MA, BSc, CELTA) and can help you learn or practise English either for general interest or exam preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, Cambridge A2-C2). I offer support in French and Italian where necessary for those learning English as a second language. I have pronunciation courses too for those who want to improve their fluency and listening comprehension.

Education

BA Honours in English, French and Philosophy (University of Cape Town
MA English (University of Cape Town)
BSc (University of the Western Cape)
CELTA (Stafford House, UK)
Technical Photography Programme @ Cape Town School of Photography

Experience / Qualifications

Technical Photography Programme @ Cape Town School of Photography

Judging for photographic competitions in Cape Town

Four years teaching English online; two years teaching English at UCT

Over ten years experience as a copy-editor for publishers such as: Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, Juta, Random House, Struik, New Holland, Heinemann, Maskew Miller Longman.

Age

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Duration

45 minutes

The class is taught in

English

French

Italian

Skills

Photography

Reviews

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

English language classes: conversation and exam preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, Cambridge A2-C2)

35.76 C$ /h

Let me help you improve your English. I have been teaching English online for four years and have MA, BSc, and CELTA qualifications.

I teach general, business, medical English for levels A2-C2. I can help you prepare for IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, and Cambridge exams.

I have invested in the best English language training materials available. I also offer specific support in English pronunciation to improve fluency and listening comprehension.

I also have over ten years copy-editing experience and can edit letters or documents for you.

Antoine

5.0

(10)

— Methodology —

This course is designed for all levels, from beginners wanting to understand their tools to professionals seeking guidance in project development and professionalization.

— Learning Philosophy —

I believe that learning is a dialogue. My approach is flexible and adapts to your needs: field case studies, participatory guidance during creation, and targeted training on specific aspects.

Sessions are scheduled according to your needs and constraints, ideally every two weeks to maintain a good rhythm.

— First Meeting —

During our first meeting, we will define the framework, method, tools, and objectives of the training together.

— Topics Covered —

The 6 Pillars of Image Creation

• Subject: Choice and importance of the subject
• Staging: Composition and arrangement of elements
• Lighting: Use and mastery of natural and artificial light
• Viewpoint: Angles and perspectives for visual impact
• Exposure: Techniques for correct and creative exposure
• Aesthetics: Developing a consistent visual style

Preparing a Photoshoot

• Planning: Logistical and creative preparation
• Location Scouting: Choosing and evaluating locations
• Equipment: Selection and preparation of necessary gear
• Models and Outfits: Coordination with models and wardrobe selection
• Storyboard: Creating a visual scenario for the shoot with MidJourney

Natural Light

• Understanding Natural Light: Characteristics and types of natural light
• Golden Hours: Photography during the golden hours
• Using Reflectors: Techniques for directing and softening light
• Shadow Management: Creating and controlling natural shadows
• Outdoor Shooting: Practical tips for outdoor sessions

Artificial Lights

• Introduction to Artificial Light: Types of light sources
• Continuous Light vs. Flash: Advantages and disadvantages
• Lighting Techniques: Using softboxes, snoots, and other accessories
• Studio Setup: Organizing and installing studio lighting
• Creating Light Ambiances: Techniques for different visual effects

Fashion Photography

• Conceptualizing a Fashion Portrait: Ideas and inspirations
• Model Direction: Tips for directing and communicating with models
• Outfit Selection: Importance of clothing and accessories
• Lighting Usage: Specific techniques for fashion portraits
• Post-Processing: Retouching and enhancing fashion portraits

Street Photography

• Introduction to Street Photography: Concepts and ethics
• Interacting with Subjects: Techniques for approaching and photographing people in the street
• Using Natural Light: Adapting to outdoor lighting
• Dynamic Composition: Creating impactful images in urban settings
• Post-Processing: Suitable retouching for street photography

Digital Development on Lightroom or Capture One

• Introduction to Lightroom: Interface presentation and customization
• Image Import: Methods and file organization
• Image Development: White balance, exposure, contrast, etc.
• Local Adjustments: Using brushes, graduated and radial filters
• Exporting: Export settings for different uses

Project Development

• Project Conception: Ideation and planning
• Research and Inspiration: Techniques for finding creative ideas
• Production Planning: Managing time and resources
• Execution: Practical realization of the project
• Evaluation and Adjustment: Analysis and continuous improvement of the project

Photobook Editing

• Book Design: Structuring and layout
• Image Selection: Choosing photos and organizing them
• Editing Software: Using tools for creating photo books
• Online Printing Services: Comparison and use of available services
• File Preparation: Optimization for printing and publishing

Professional Equipment

• Professional Kit Overview: Description of essential equipment
• Cameras: Selection and use of different types of cameras
• Lenses: Choosing lenses for various situations
• Essential Accessories: Tripods, filters, flashes, etc.
• Equipment Maintenance and Management: Techniques for maintaining and protecting gear

The Photography Profession: Market Dynamics

• Fashion Photography: Understanding the expectations of magazines, modeling agencies, and fashion brands. Techniques for portfolio presentation and collaboration with stylists and makeup artists.
• Wedding Photography: Organization and management of events, interaction with clients, and specific marketing strategies.
• Product Photography: Collaboration with businesses for product photography aimed at advertising and online sales. Techniques for staging and lighting.
• Editorial Photography: Working with magazine and newspaper editors, designing photo reports, and meeting publication deadlines.
• Corporate Photography: Creating corporate portraits, covering professional events, and creating visual content for companies.
• Art Photography: Exhibiting in galleries, participating in competitions and festivals, and selling photographic art.

The Photography Profession: Freelance Dynamics

• Portfolio Creation: Selecting and presenting the best works to attract clients and collaborations.
• Marketing Strategies: Using social media, creating a professional website, and developing a personal brand.
• Professional Networking: Importance of industry relationships, participating in events and online/offline communities.
• Client Management: Communication techniques, managing expectations, and maintaining long-term client relationships.
• Legal and Financial Aspects: Understanding contracts, copyrights, invoicing, and financial management as a freelance.
• Continuous Development: Ongoing training, technological watch, and adaptation to new trends and technologies.

Davide

5.0

(10)

Hi! Are you looking for a specific course that covers Photoshop retourching and color science techniques? Here is what you're looking for!
I am experienced in retouching studio shots and this course gives you the possibility of learning techniques from basic to advanced to do things such as:

- Color Correction
- Color Grading
- Skin Retouching
- Correct Masking & Advanced Local Adjustment techniques

Plus, I will include some additional tips on the workflow and optimization of your workstation, such as monitor calibration for an effective color correction.

The lessons are organized according to the student's needs and can be fine-tuned along the way! All the images and materials to work with (including customized PS actions, notes etc.) will be provided to the student along the way.

Lessons are mainly taught in English and/or Dutch!

Gregor

5.0

(10)

Learn the tools of Photoshop & Lightroom with an award-winning young photographer exhibited at the Photographers' Gallery in London. Practice basic skills, retouching, colour grading and photo manipulation. Tutoring lessons tailored for anyone from a complete beginner to advanced level.

We can also work on editing your own images so you have a finished set of photos to share at the end of the lesson.

Programs which I regularly work in and can transfer my skills onto you: Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom.

Lessons are tailored specifically for each individual and they can cover:
- Using adjustment layers
- Blending modes
- Masking and selection
- Understanding Curves and Levels
- Understanding the Histogram
- Colour Theory
- Colour balance, saturation, vibrance
- Black and White editing
- Brushes (incl. Spot healing brush)
- Adjustment layers
- Cloning and healing tools
- Content aware tools
- Adding specific effects (Photo Manipulation)
- The Camera Raw filter
- Customising the workspace
- Dodge and burn techniques
- Creating a contact sheet
- Typography
- Cropping, Trimming, Size adjustments
- Sharpening
- Saving the image and understanding various formats

6 years of professional experience.

Selected awards and exhibitions include: Develop Exhibition at the The Photographers' Gallery, London (October 2020), Royal Academy Summer Exhibition Online, London International Creative Competition (LICC).

Jorge

5.0

(10)

In this course you will be able to learn fundamental concepts of photography without needing sophisticated equipment; In this class you can learn to control the essential settings of a professional camera, as well as strategies to get the most out of your mobile device. You will learn the basics of creating images for different purposes such as artistic and product photography, as well as strategies for editing and enhancing your photos with various online applications. We will have the possibility of organizing outings in the city of Medellín.

Ibrahim

5.0

(10)

Learn the basics and specialize

- Understand the basics of the program and its interface
- Learn the tools and their functionalities
- Export settings and file types

You create with the assistance of the teacher and learn what you really need in the context of your activity, whether amateur or professional.

Leo

5.0

(10)

In this course, you will learn how to scan any object using Reality Capture software. This efficient and powerful software was first used for the preservation of archaeological objects and historical monuments, but is now used for video games, VFX and virtual reality, as it offers tools and results of a impressive quality, all in an easy-to-use interface.

In this course, you will be able to learn:
-How does photogrammetry work?
-How to take suitable photos
-How to prepare these photos for their use in the software
-How to use these photos to reconstruct an object in 3D and apply a realistic texture to it
-How to optimize scans for custom use (games, movies, etc.)

Gradually, we will solidify these skills to learn how to build a library of highly realistic objects based on high resolution scans.

It is also possible to present your projects to me and to obtain personalized help on them.

Doris

5.0

(10)

You no longer want to take your photos in the automatic mode of your camera, and you want to design them yourself according to your ideas? Then you are welcome to my courses!
You will learn to deepen the use of aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance and focal length.
We train photographic sight and recognition of interesting motifs. Image composition and understanding how to use different lighting conditions is also part of the course.
You will learn the subsequent workflow, that is, importing the images into Adobe Lightroom, how to select and compare the best shots, and basic image retouching.
Based on your knowledge, we adapt the course content to your needs.

Creative photography course for advanced students.
Abroad:
E.g. Long exposure time, zoom effect, levitation photography, crystal ball.
Inside:
E.g. Frozen flowers or fruits, flowers with water drops, moving underwater objects.

Pardeep

5.0

(10)

Unlock the full potential of Adobe Photoshop with our comprehensive course designed for beginners and intermediate users alike. Whether you're a photographer, graphic designer, or just someone eager to enhance your digital skills, this course is your gateway to becoming a Photoshop pro.

What You'll Learn:

Introduction to Photoshop:

Navigate the Photoshop workspace with confidence.
Master essential tools and features for efficient editing.
Image Editing Fundamentals:

Learn professional photo editing techniques.
Enhance color, contrast, and sharpness for stunning visuals.
Layer Mastery:

Understand the power of layers for non-destructive editing.
Create complex designs with ease using layer styles and blending modes.
Digital Manipulation:

Explore advanced retouching techniques.
Transform ordinary images into extraordinary works of art.
Text and Typography:

Design eye-catching text and typography for various projects.
Utilize filters and effects to make text elements pop.
Graphics and Illustrations:

Create custom graphics and illustrations from scratch.
Master the pen tool for precise and scalable designs.
Automation and Workflow Optimization:

Save time with automation tools and batch processing.
Streamline your workflow for efficiency and productivity.
Why Choose Our Course:

Hands-On Projects: Apply your skills with real-world projects and build a professional portfolio.
Expert Guidance: Learn from industry professionals with years of Photoshop experience.
Interactive Learning: Engage in discussions, Q&A sessions, and peer feedback for a dynamic learning experience.
Lifetime Access: Get access to course materials and updates for a lifetime.
Who Is This Course For:

Photographers
Graphic Designers
Digital Artists
Content Creators
Anyone seeking to enhance their Photoshop skills
Join us on this exciting journey to unlock the full potential of Photoshop. Enroll now and transform your creative vision into reality!

Emer

5.0

(10)

Photoshop is a powerful app for photographers. As a photographer, you’ll need to be able to sort through the many complex features that will help make photos better. I’ve designed this course as a practical guide to Photoshop that’s specifically made for learning photographers.

You will learn how to make selections, create masks, retouching portraits and use advanced techniques to not only improve photographs, but to turn them into entirely new images.

Lobna

5.0

(10)

In the era of artificial intelligence, it has become necessary to learn professional design programs to become a professional designer who cannot replace you

This is what I offer you in this

I am Lubna. I work in the field of graphic design and have work experience of more than 5 years. I have trained and held seminars on design.
However, I am studying marketing for online business students

I worked with companies, individuals, and clients

My motto is “Do not design, but find a solution.”

I will provide you with an explanation of all the tools - techniques - and applications to actual projects - and answers to all your questions.....

You will have a graduation project at the end of the lectures, and this will be your success in mastering the program

Explanation in Arabic

Let's defeat aı and be professional designers

Dannie

5.0

(10)

You don't need to have a camera. I'll show you the basics of being a good photographer, how to master your camera, and how to take beautiful photos. Then I'll show you photo editing with Photoshop, Capture One, and other software.

For computer scientists, we will start with the basics, understand the architecture of operating systems, and then learn programming.

Caroline

5.0

(10)

Photography is essential in our day-to-day lives, especially given that we have a camera in our pockets at all times. From capturing significant events, photos of yourself, or even taking pictures of delicious coffees you order. It is essential nowadays that you can take clean, crisp images on your very own smartphone. I've created this course to help you create professional-looking photos, all taken and edited on your phones.

You'll learn how to take pictures at certain angles, the different modes you can use on your phone to take photos, the various kinds of photography you can achieve, and how to edit high-quality images, all with the default apps.

With each class, you get:
A copy of the presentation I presented to you, in case you wanted to look at it again on your own.
A Google Doc with even more information about the topic we discussed that day, in case you are curious about more details regarding the topic we discussed.
A video summary of the lesson, in case you need a refresher.

Hope to see a request from you soon :)

Lorenzo

5.0

(10)

Hi !
it's a long time since I am working as a photographer, a bit more than 20 years and I really love my profession.
Photography is both a work and a passion.
I am doing fashion photography, portraits and still lifes. I enjoy the studio work.
I am also passionate about exterior photography, travel images, pictures done in nature.
I can teach you on an online class different photography subjects depending on your needs.
We could go through the very basics of photography, see how a digital or film camera works, the aperture, time, ISO speed subjects.
On an online class we could also do some more creative things like PORTRAIT techniques, or if you have FLASH lights and want to learn more we could go through it. We could also try Light Painting, with a long exposure using a torch light held by hands .

If you're already taking pictures, I'd be happy to see your work. In the last times I am personally trying to make my portfolios a bit differently than my habits. I am trying to mix them with descriptions of the images and I think people appreciate that. I'd be happy to share ideas and see what you are doing.

Emma

5.0

(10)

Learn to master every retouching tool and technique according to your skill level and needs. These personalized lessons will guide you step by step to optimize your workflow, enhance your images, and develop your unique style. Ideal for photographers looking to refine their post-processing skills and increase their efficiency.

Colyne

5.0

(10)

As a freelance sports photographer, I've covered events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the GT World Challenge Europe, the Tour de France, GP Explorer 3, and football matches. Drawing on this experience, I offer a course for beginners and intermediate photographers who want to learn how to capture action with precision and creativity.

We'll see how to choose and adjust your equipment, anticipate movements, find the best angles, and capture the intensity of a sport, whether it's speed, endurance, or team play. I'll also explain how to manage light, create a small portfolio, and develop your eye to tell a story through your images.

My goal is to help everyone progress with confidence, understand the basics of the field and discover concretely the profession of sports photographer.