Digital Photography Class// Last week, I posted about my faux slate (chalkboard) photo background and asked if any one was interested in more photography posts. The response was overwhelmingly YES!! It seems that many of you would love to learn more about everything from how to use your camera, all the way through staging, editing and preparing your images for your blog and especially Pinterest.
Well, I am thrilled to announce I am starting a new series to touch on all aspects of my photo process, tips and tricks that I've learned over the past two years of blogging. I, however, am NOT going to dive into the world of teaching you how to use your camera. I would have to spend hours and hours, days, weeks even… Developing posts that would do the subject justice. I am going to leave that to the professionals at Jessica Sprague. They have spent way more than hours and days on developing some amazing photography classes. They actually have a teacher, Candice Stringham, who went to school for years to learn how to be a photographer. She KNOWS HER STUFF!! Not only does she have a BFA in Photography they invited her back to TEACH photography at the collegiate level. Yea, she's legit!
My first word of photography advice is… STOP USING AUTO friends!!! Oh Shoot! the beginning photography class at JessicaSprague.com is perfect to learn how to really use your camera. You won't believe the difference. This class will teach you how to do just that. You won't have to be scared of all those dials, buttons and numbers on your camera… It really demystifies your camera and the whole photo process. I took the class and actually learned several new things that I'm sooo excited to start incorporating into my photography. Oh Shoot! is perfect for beginners and even more advanced photographers. The nice thing is once you sign-up for the class, you will ALWAYS have access to the class material. You will be able to refer back to the material or take refresher class whenever you like for years to come. Most online photography classes don't have that available for their students indefinitely. That's just one of the many things that set Jessica Sprague apart from the rest.
Each class has a video, MP3 of the class material and a PDF of the material. Below are a few snippet's from the first class on Shutter Speed…
All of the material is professionally created, easy to read and understand. You won't feel like they are speaking photography greek. The class is limited in number so you will feel like really are a part of a small group, rather than a little fish in a big pond. You will also have the ability to chat with your classmates and instructor via the online chats and email for even more personalized help. It really doesn't get any better than this, REALLY!
The 2013 session of Oh Shoot! starts on March 11th and runs through April 21st. It is an instructor led class, but don't worry… You will have access to all of the materials even if you can't make the live chats. This is truly a valuable experience that shouldn't be missed. The class is $130 and well worth the money. The spots are limited so run out and grab your seat for class TODAY!! I have one spot to GIVEAWAY to one of you, my favorite friends!!
Jessica Sprague Oh Shoot! GIVEAWAY
All you need to do is follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter box below…
I would so love to win a spot in the class! I have a Nikon Camera that I shoot in…you got it, auto. Oh to get off auto would be a dream! I am sure Jessica has TONS of amazing information and great ideas.
Choosing all the right settings for the perfect pic. Would love to take this class.
I feel like I've learned how to do the ISO, shutter speed, etc. on my camera but I'm still not getting the images I think I should be. It is very frustrating!
My problem is knowing how to set my camera to get the picture I desire. Thanks for the chance to win!
My house is surrounded by trees and dark. I struggle with how to get the photos lit well. I am not shooting in auto, but it takes me forever to get a good shot. I need it to be more understandble and get easier. I also want to learn more about staging so I can take my photos to the next level.
KC
My biggest problem if finding the right combination of shutter speed, iso and apeture settings.
I'm overwhelmed by all of the options on the camera. I honestly don't even know where to start! This class sounds like the perfect way to fix that. Thanks for the giveaway!
I'm a semi-auto addict, meaning I set one thing but leave the rest to my friend auto. I also struggle with lighting. This class looks amazing and what a great giveaway, thanks!
I just got a canon rebel t3i a month ago and would LOVE to take this class!! I took one of Jessica's classes for project life at the beginning of the year and it was wonderful!
Alsoy biggest challenge is lighting…my house has very little natural light so it's hard to get good pictures of my girls
Thanks for the chance to win! I struggle with indoor lighting, as we live in a 70's ranch house with smallish windows. Also, I never seem to have the right lens for what I'm trying to shoot.
I’m always wanting to get better at getting sharper pictures and better exposure! I want to know manual better as well! I also want to be better at lifestyle photography and getting good pictures in my house! Thanks for the giveaway!
I have the hardest time capturing good photos of my boys playing basketball, soccer, baseball, etc. especially at the school gym where the lighting is less than steller.
I honestly just don't know where to begin. I get the basics of photography as I used to do it when I was younger. But I am so overwhelmed by all of the buttons on my camera. And the manual tells me nothing!
Fun Fun Fun! Thanks for the shot at it 😉
I need to learn it all – I don't use Auto, but I really have NO clue as to what I am doing:)
This sums it all up as to WHY I SO need your class:
I use AUTO!! **hanging head in shame**. 🙁
My biggest challenge is knowing the correct settings for my camera, so I always use auto.
I have wished for a dslr for a hundred years and received one for Christmas this past year, but I am at a complete loss of where to begin- Help!!!
Would love a chance at this awesome opportunity!! Love Jessica Sprague
I would love to win this class to truly learn how to use my DSLR! Thanks for the chance to win!
I forgot to add… My biggest difficulty, it's just so overwhelming remembering what to adjust and when.
Still stuck in auto but completely overwhelmed by all of the terminology. This class sounds perfect for someone like me!
I have problems with lighting. I just don't get it!
Oh man, I just have such a hard time remembering when to use which settings. This class would be prefect for me and I could even use my little nieces as test subjects!
I struggle with properly lighting indoor shots. Would love to win this class!
What an amazing opportunity it would be to win a spot in this class! I've had my Nikon slr for almost two years and I've only EVER used Auto 🙁
this is what I have been looking for! I would love to win!
Learning what angles to take pictures from + the whole creativity aspect! I'd love to learn more!
Would love to know how to use my camera properly! Not just "winging" it!! Would appreciate the opportunity to learn from the best. THANKS
I would love to learn more about photography and learn to take better pictures. 🙂
I want to take fabulous pics of my crafts. I love the soft look and can't figure it out!
I recently started using my camera in manual mode, but I still struggle with getting the right lighting and occassionally get blurry pictures. I'd love to learn more about indoor photography and also choosing the right backgrounds/setting for outdoor portrait photography. This class sounds perfect for me!
There are so many different "scenes" to use, outdor, portrait, sport… I never know which to use so I stick with the auto, but I would love to get the most out of camera, and eventually move from digital to DSLR!
Everything! Settings and lighting.
I use a non dslr for pics and am spending lots of time getting the pics I want
This is a random comment, but I was just thinking the other day about the divine photo and promised recipe of some chocolate peanut butter bars. I'm pretty sure I did everything required, but never recieved the promised recipe. Is there anything I can do to get that recipe? It sounds and looks heavenly.
Thanks so much! Love your blog.
Faithful "auto" user here. Hmm time to move forward I guess! I would love to win this class as an early law school graduation gift.
There are OTHER buttons on a camera? Wish I could pay to learn,but– no income. Would love to win!
I don't enter giveaways unless I really, really would love to win something. And I really, really would love to take this class! Wish me luck!
Boy do I need this course. I need to be better at everything. Wonderful giveaway.
Oh… this is SUPER cool! Another area that I dabble in that could use some help! Great giveaway!
I have 4 boys and I feel I'm missing out on documenting their lives by keeping my camera on "auto"! I want to capture their raw innocence and everyday silliness! I definitely need this course!
Knowing where to start besides auto is the hardest part for me–there are so many settings and so much to know.
Would love this oppotunity! I have done our family blog for 3+ years from auto- want to learn more!
Learning how to get my 2 year old to smile, yet look natural. Look pretty, but still look like she isnt posing too much.
I seem to have an issue making things "pop" and sometimes just composing the photo
Knowing all the different bells and whistles that my camera has to offer.
i just got a new canon and am having a blast learning how it all works in manual, but the hardest time i have is finding the right balance of the speed and the iso. i would LOVE to take this class.:)
The whole appature and shutter thing always mix me up. I just need someone to explain it to me as if I'm stupid 🙂 Thanks for a great giveaway!
I'm trying SO hard to try and play with my manual setting. I'm having a real hard time getting the lighting and focus right. I would love to take this class. Thank you for the chance.
I would love to learn when to use certain things on my camera, and how to get enough light without using flash
This is a class I would very much like to take! Crossing my fingers 🙂
My biggest challenge is figuring out f stops and just feeling confident enough to actually use my manual setting.
you mean there's options other than "auto"???? lol.
Oh my gosh! This class has been on my wish list for the longest time! I ALWAYS take my classes at Jessica Sprague. I have learned so much and can't tell you how many times I have gone back to a class to look for an answer to a problem I was having. Just this benefit alone is well worth the cost of the classes!
adjusting the settings in manual
Wow, the one giveaway I would love to win over all the others, imagine, actually being able to make beautiful pictures!
I get so frusterated having to use auto but as soon as I try to switch stuff around on manual it seems like I mess everything up and my pictures turn out horrible. Really want to learn how to do it properly!
Finding the time 🙂
Boy do I need this class. I was given my Dad's camera and haven't got a clue how to use it.
Remembering how to adjust settings in manual is my biggest hurdle.
Thanks for the chance to win!
OOOh, I would love to win this class – thanks so much for the opportunity! I have had a DSLR forever and I am still shooting in manual. What a waste of equipment! But I agree with the above comment that finding the time to focus on learning has been my biggest stumbling block. I need to make it a priority.
I would LOVE a photography class. I really, really need to learn how to use my camera to it's fullest potential.
my biggest challenge is to have the confidence to use my maual settings
I'm at a loss when it comes to taking my camera setting off AUTO… so confusing!
I think this is a wonderful give away. I want to learn everything! LOL
My biggest challenge is learning how to use all the features. I purchased a new DSLR at Christmas and I still have not figure out how to properly use it!
I am guilty of using AUTO. I know nothing about the settings, etc. and would love to know this to make my pictures more exciting. I have a nice camera but basically point and shoot…want to change that. Please help!
I just splurged and bought a big girl camera at Christmas, but I’m so intimidated by it and have yet to stop using auto. A photography class would be awesome!
I just got a new 5d Mark ii. Would love to be able to use more of the settings and to shoot on Manual Mode.
My biggest challeng is going fully manual. Most times I just stick with P or S.
Would love to win this so that I could give it to my Momma as a gift!!! She has always loved photography and has taken some beautiful photos; she wants to learn more about taking pictures in manual mode.
I have yet to learn anything about a DSLR camera other than focusing it when it is on auto. So yea I could use some help!
Would love to attempt to learn my camera.
Just bought my first DSLR and would love to know how to use it.
what a great oportunity to learn how to use my camera! thanks
I would love to win a seat in this class!!! Fingers crossed you pick me!
This give away is awesome! I am so looking forward to reviewing Jessica Sprague website more thoroughly. I have the biggest issue with photoshop and learning how to edit my pictures. Also, finding the right lighting and learning the correct way to take pictures manually. Thanks for the chance to win!
My biggest challenge is getting sharp photos.
This is awesome! I owuld love to learn more abouot how to work with lighting.
My camera still freaks me out. Somehow I still make better photos w my p&s and thats so annoying! This course would really hit the spot!
My biggest challenge is getting the right light.
Would live this. Chicken! Baaack. Baaaack.
My biggest challenge is learning about my camera. I've tried to read the manual, but never sem to get far. This sounds like the class I need!
Live…love. Same thing
Being interested, excited, challenged enought to make the time for learning!!
Would love to take this class, definately need some help getting off of auto!
My biggest challenge is getting photos that aren't blurry when I'm not using the flash. I would LOVE to take this class!
I'm alway on auto. I need help.
I would like to learn more about lighting when taking pictures.
My biggest challenge is getting the eyes in focus consistently.
This class sounds great! I can always use the extra help!
Would love to win this. I have contemplated taking this class MANY, many times.
Wow! Would love to take this class.
Getting off auto has been a goal for me this year! Would love to get closer to that goal!
I have trouble with the shutter speed. Really want to learn to use my camera to its fullest potential.
Lisa A
I would love to figure out all those buttons!
I just purchased my first dslr camera and would love to learn how to use it better!
I feel pretty good overall when I use my camera. There are som many nuances though that I would like to learn to handle better. Even more than that, photoshop. I am not comfortable with editing my photos, and have so many I would love to display!
Wow this would be great! I am too scared to get off of auto. I would like to learn.
I have trouble with ISO, shutter speed, etc., etc.,
I'd say my biggest challenge is getting started. In college I took an intro level photo course, complete with darkroom techniques. I knew how to use my simple 35 mm SLR. Things look so complicated now, and being almost 20 years after the fact I have forgotten a lot of what I learned. Yet, I would love to make nicer photos. And, I'll be honest. I'm a hands-on learner. You'll never find me reading the manual.
I would LOVE to know how to have softer photos and take better pics of my products!
forcing myself to start learning and practicing.
Just the whole idea of all the adjustments I need to make to my camera to shoot in manual mode frightens me!
Everything about my camera intimidates me. I need a solid foundation on which to begin and I've heard very good things about Candice Stringham. Thank you for the chance to win this class!
My biggest challenge is my confidence. A few months ago I was taking pictures of friends & family but of course people tore me to pieces because I wasn't a "professional." Since then I nit-pick at my pictures even when others say they are great. I think this class will give me the confidence I need since I will actually know what all the buttons are and use them right
I just got a new camera and I still don't understand f stops and aperture. I took a class at the local camera shop, but still don't get it. I want to be able to be confident to capture great memories in any situation, and I know that getting out of auto is the way to do it, but it scares me to bits. Help please! I can do wonders in Photoshop, but need to learn how to do it in camera first.
Learning what all the features are and how to use them is my challenge!
My biggest challenge is just being overwhelmed by all the camera functions and possibilities. Would love to win a spot in this class!
I just got a DSLR camera and would {love} to learn how to use it! This would be the best thing to win!
Trying to get the lighting and white balance correct.
Would love to win this class! I would love to be able to maximize my camera's abilities and capture great memories!
My biggest challenge is being able to change my settings quickly enough before I miss the shot.
My camera intimidates me! Help!
OK you must know me! 🙂 I have a lovely camera that takes great pictures in auto. I can only imagine what I could get if I learned even a few things!
I got my camera almost a year ago. I'm playing around a bit, but would love to learn more and take nicer photos.
To be honest, I should have sat down and get into the habit of trying to get into the manual mode of my digital cameras… as I used to do when I had a regular film camera. I probably got too lazy when I turned to the fast food of photography…
I need to commit the things I 've learned to memory and then be able to apply them in a real setting!
My biggest challenge is my confidence. I really need to learn more about my camera too!
Consistency is my challenge! Some photos are great, others not so much, and I usually have no idea why!
OOOOH pick me please! I need some photography skills!
I would love to be more confident with my settings. I understand the concepts, I just need more parameters and practice.
I want to LEARN how to use all the dials and options on my camera and understand and feel comfortable about the lingo…shuterspeed, f-stops, ISO, oh my!! I don't want to spend my life using the AUTO option, when I could be developing my photography skills.
I would love to win this and improve upon my photography skills.
I would love to take my camera off Auto. Thanks for the opportunity!!
I have recently purchased a digital SLR camera and would love to learn how to take better picture.
I need to learn about taking my camera off Auto…need manual photo 101!
this would be fantastic! I need to actually dedicate some time to learning my camera so that I can take the pictures I really want! thanks for the chance to win a spot in this class
I just purchased a digital slr and really need to learn how to take it out of manual! I would love to win this class!!
Biggest challenge for me is learning to shoot manually; I shoot many in Aperture priority mode…
I need to read the manual and get comfortable with where the settings are, and then spend the time experimenting.
DH gave me a DSLR for Christmas… I'm challenged because I loved my point and shoot… Now I have to "think" to take pictures?
I'd like to learn, thanks for the chance
First I need to get a better camera. That part even seems overwhelming to me 🙂
Finding the time is a big thing for me…and then going cross eyed reading my manual when I finally do take a minute to do something.
My biggest challenge is understanding focal length and shutter speed.
I want to learn basics, so I will be alle to gået away from the auto setting.
I get so overwhelmed by all the information that I can't apply any of it.
I want to conquer manual mode…so much to remember!
I struggle with anything but auto or the macros. I don't understand f-stop, shutter speed, etc. I understand what a difference aperture makes, but don't know how to apply it. Help!
Awesome giveaway – I've never been off automatic!
Help!Help!! I need help! I have had this camera for a year and I am too intimidated to take it off auto!!!
I need to get more comfortable with manual and using the light I have
I could use all the help I can get. Would love to master my camera.