Pre-Travel Crash Course to Learn the Essentials
1 day    9.30am – 2.00pm

Are you about to travel to an exciting destination or are going to a special event? You want to take wonderful photos, be they for memories, photobooks or wall prints, but you don’t know how to get the best out of your camera. You would like to do a short course, but don’t have enough time.

Then this 1 day course is for you.

Learn the Essentials of Controlling Your Camera for your Trip or Event
You will learn enough to allow you to take good photos, with correct exposure, focus and colour.
If you wish to learn more about photography and using your camera, you can do the full course, Back to Basics 1, when you come back.

Course Content:
Buttons on the camera – how and when to use them
Menu – setting the items you need for your use
Focus – getting your subject sharp
Exposure – using the semi auto mode and how to adjust it when the camera gets it wrong
ISO – what is it and how to use it
White Balance – getting the colour right

Next 1 Day Courses
March - Sat 21st    9.00am - 1.30pm

Can't find a date that suits? Phone or email to discuss other dates.

Cost: $395        Maximum of 4 people
Bring: Camera, fully charged battery, camera manual & Lunch
Experience: None necessary
Location: Blackburn

Take the first step to taking control of your camera. Learn how to use your it off auto and know how to change the settings to get the photograph of the subject as you see it (rather than as the camera thinks it should be)

Studio & on location
Classes held at: 97 Pakenham St Blackburn

These lessons are held once a week for 4 weeks to help fit in with peoples' busy lives whilst maximising learning rate by having a week between each class to consolidate and practise what has been learned.
1. Once a week for 4 weeks (Saturdays)  Terms 1 & 4
    The classes run from 9.30am - 3.30pm
2. Once a week for 4 weeks (Weekdays)  Terms 2 & 3
    The classes run from 9.30am - 3.30pm
Max. 8 people per class

COST

$450
*Earlybird price $425 - Book and pay 2 weeks prior to receive discount

WHAT YOU LEARN

We teach rather than lecture, so you will be taken a step at a time through the workings of the camera, what the manual settings do and how and when to use them. You get to practice them in class, out in a beautiful garden with lots of variety of items to photograph. At the beginning of each class there will be a question time and a discussion of any issues that come up. Lesson 6 is on location where you put all the information together. This is where it all starts making sense. Some of the concepts sound complicated, but we discuss them and use them many times. This all helps to make it work.

Not ready for an 4 lesson course yet?
If you feel you are not ready for a 4 lesson course and would like to start by having one or two lessons to learn the buttons on the camera, what they do and how to set up the camera - then the Digital Beginners Class is for you. This is also good if you have a new camera and are finding it difficult to navigate (even if you have been taking photos for years!) CLICK HERE for more info on Digital Beginners

Desperate to learn how to use your camera but can't fit in 4 weeks?
Look for the new Pre-Travel 1 Day Crash Course

BACK TO BASICS 1 (4 LESSON COURSE)

TOPICS

• Menu set up
• Exposure
• Focus & Depth of field
• ISO & Camera shake
• White balance
• Seeing the light
• Adding light
• Composition & cropping
• Choice of lenses

EQUIPMENT

• A DSLR or Mirrorless camera or similar, or a compact camera with adjustable settings.
• People wanting to learn to use film cameras can also be accommodated

EXPERIENCE

None required. This course is designed to teach you how to use your digital camera, so whether you are a beginner photographer or have many years experience, you will be able to gain invaluable information.
Because the classes are small, individual attention is available and experience levels can be accomodated.

MISSED CLASSES

Please text or phone if you can't make it to a class. You can catch up on the missed class for free by joining in on the same class the next time it is run (OK for lessons 6 - 8) or you can pay an additional fee of $75 and have a private catch up lesson (normally $150 per hr) before the next scheduled one. This is important for the first 5 lessons as they build on each other and are pivotal to understanding the fundamentals of photography.

Next Courses:

2020
Term 1    taking bookings   via phone or email
February
Saturdays   9.30am -  3.30pm   Starts: 8th Feb - Ends: 29th Feb
This is a 4 week course
Each lesson will be partly in the studio and partly on location nearby (weather permitting).
There will be a lunch break and wind down time in the middle to refresh the mind for the afternoon

Term 2    taking bookings   via phone or email
Apr - May
Fridays  9.30am -  3.30pm   Starts: 24th Apr - Ends: 15th May
This is a 4 week course
Each lesson will be partly in the studio and partly on location nearby (weather permitting).
There will be a lunch break and wind down time in the middle to refresh the mind for the afternoon

Term 3   taking bookings   via phone or email
July - August
Mondays  9.30am -  3.30pm   Starts: 20th July - Ends: 10th August
This is a 4 week course
Each lesson will be partly in the studio and partly on location nearby (weather permitting).
There will be a lunch break and wind down time in the middle to refresh the mind for the afternoon

Term 4    taking bookings   via phone or email
October - November
Saturdays   9.30am -  3.30pm   Starts: 17th Oct - Ends: 14th Nov
*No lesson Sat 31st Oct (cup weekend)
This is a 4 week course
Each lesson will be partly in the studio and partly on location nearby (weather permitting).
There will be a lunch break and wind down time in the middle to refresh the mind for the afternoon.

Take the next step and learn to apply what you learnt in B1 in the field. A series of carefully selected topics & locations provide the platform for guided use of your new camera skills.

On location  
8 x 2-3 hr lessons (+travel time)
1 x 2hr Discussion classes
Max. 8 people per class

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

In these classes you will learn to apply the basic skills of photography that you have learned in Back to Basics 1 or equivalent, to each topic. The particular skills needed for each topic will also be discussed and practiced.
The topics have been carefully chosen to advance your understanding and abilities in photography. 
As we teach rather than lecture, you will be shown and guided through each topic and new set of skills.

TOPICS

• Texture & Form
• Animals
• CloseUp / Macro
• Black & White
• People
• Low Light
• Landscapes
• Movement

EQUIPMENT

• A DSLR camera, mirrorless, or a compact camera with adjustable settings 
• Tripod will be needed for some classes
• Film Cameras can be accomodated

EXPERIENCE

A familiarity with the use of the manual settings of your camera.
This is the next step - Applying all of the techniques you have learned.

NEXT B2 COURSE

A New Way of Doing Level 2
To cater for people’s time pressures and busy schedules, Level 2 will now run on a system more like taking units at a university.
Registration
You register for level 2 and have an initial discussion, receive a booklet for notes and instructions as well as a list of topics that you need to complete.
The Lesson Topics
These are accessed via Day Trips, Workshops and Longer Trips. The beauty of this is you can do the nominated topics at your convenience.
All these lessons include individual instruction as there is a limit on numbers of people, comprehensive notes and of course, going to interesting locations.
You need to complete 8 of the 9 topics listed and at least one review class to receive your certificate.
The Topics are:
Black & White, Landscapes, Texture & Form, People, Macro, Movement, Low Light, Animal Photography & Photo Editing. (Yes, there are 9 topics there).
Day Trips & Workshops
These run roughly once or twice a month, depending on the seasons. Some locations will cover more than 1 topic – however you can only mark off one topic per class. You can however, choose which aspect of the lesson you wish to nominate for level 2. Your tuition on the day will then have that aspect emphasised for you.
Longer Trips
Longer Trips go from 2 – 5 days and run twice per year. They will cover multiple topics over the days, depending on what we are observing. You can therefore complete several topics in one trip.

Learning is Ongoing 
Day Trips, Workshops & Longer Trips, are not just for Level 2. Learning is ongoing. As they are all small class sizes, each level of student is catered for. Consequently, you can keep attending and learning on these activities for as long as you wish. One never stops learning

COSTS
Registration - $50
Day Trips & Workshops - $75 half day
                                       - $125 full day
Revue Classes - $45
Longer Trips are priced differently for each trip

Visit Beautiful Locations & Learn New Skills to take awesome images
Max. 10 people per class

TUITION

Group and individual tuition is included as well as notes on the techniques used.

EXPERIENCE

A familiarity with the manual settings of your camera is an advantage, but not essential.
A desire to take interesting photographs!
This is the next step - Applying all of the techniques you have learned.

Finishing times are approximate as the subject, light or inspiration might entice us to stay longer.
Locations will be announced closer to the time.
Bookings are essential. There are limited places so book as soon as you have decided. Book via phone or email

CLASS SCHEDULING

You will notice there are fewer trips in the heat of Summer and the Depths of Winter and lots in Autumn and Spring. This is for several reasons. Firstly, the light is better for photography as the sun angle gets lower in the sky as well as the best times of the day for light (early morning and late afternoon) are not so early and late. Secondly, the severe weather can occur in Summer and Winter, making it very uncomfortable for photography or having to cancel it.

If you have a location or topic that interests you please email or phone me.

COST

½ day on location  -  $85 
Full day on location  - $150
Longer Trips - variable
Review Class - $49

REVIEW CLASSES

Having taken lots of photos at these great locations, its time for some extra guidance and insight. Sort a selection of photos and come to the review class for discussion on what worked well and what could be done to improve your shots. Dates are listed below and under Workshops.

WEEKENDS AWAY & LONGER TRIPS

We now have one or two of these trips per year. A great way to get away to great places, take beautiful photos with tuition and great company. What more could you want?
See the Longer Trips page for more information and scheduled trips.

Book via phone or email

NEXT SUBJECTS & DATES

2020

The Beauty of Roses plus Old Architecture  March Sat 14th   9.30am - 4.00 pm approx       Book Now     via phone or email 
Start the morning by walking amongst the beautiful rows of roses. Look and think of all the different ways you can photograph them - new blooms, buds, rose hips, the stamens, fallen petals, dying flowers and much more.
After a leisurely lunch, we go into the Werribee Mansion and photograph the interior of this spectacular building. It looks great in B&W or colour.
Location: State Rose Garden Werribee
Full Day Trip - $150
Half Day - $85

Autumn Flowers & Grasses  April Sat 4th   1.30pm - 4.30 pm approx       Book Now     via phone or email 
Come and see these spectacular, designed gardens that are a feast for the eyes in colour & layout. 
Location: Frogmore Gardens, Trentham
Entrance fee additional

** Weekend Away
Wilsons Promontory   April 17th - 19th 
Two days & 2 nights to see this amazing part of Victoria. Ancient Rocks, Tidal River entering the sea, Birds, Wombats, Wallabies, Sand Dunes, Banksia Forests and more
We have some wonderful places to see and photograph. 
More Information

Autumn Colours of the Dandenongs  May - Sat 2nd   10am - 12       Book Now     via phone or email 
The Gardens in the Dandenongs are truly spectacular, with rich colours, elegant branching on the trees, a beautiful lake with falling leaves and more
Location: Sherbrooke

Other Topics to be Scheduled shortly
Low Light at Tahbilk Winery
Autumn Colours
Landscapes
City Buildings
Animals at Night
Werribee Zoo Private Tour
B&W at Korrumburra
and more...

Learn the Real Basics.

Do you feel at sea when you try and figure out the buttons on the camera? Or are you swapping from film to
digital and are having trouble operating your digital camera off Auto? Do you want to learn how to get your
photos out of the camera and printed, or into a computer?   
These classes are a great start.
If you are looking at choosing a new camera and need help, feel free to ring and discuss.

• Classes are held at the studio in Blackburn
• Small classes for hands on learning. Max 6 people.
• The information is given in easy steps with time to discuss if needed                       

Lesson 1 is 2 1/2 hrs
Lesson 2 is 2 hrs - you can do both or choose the one that you need
COST:
Lesson 1 (2 1/2 hrs) Camera Set Up and Basics  - $ 95
Lesson 2 (2 hrs) Photos onto Computer Basics - $ 85

Lesson 1  Camera Setup - the what where & how of your camera. This class now runs longer and we have added a section on getting started - basic focus techniques and exposure.
Requirements:
Your camera with a fully charged battery and memory card. Your instruction book or manual
Lesson 2  Photos from Camera to Computer - Getting your photos out of your camera and into your computer, making folders & filing images so you can find them easily.
Requirements:  
A Lap Top, your camera with memory card and some photos on it 
This class is now scheduled by request. Book via email or phone.

NEXT LESSONS

2020

February
Wednesday Morning              Book Now
Lesson 1 (Camera Set Up)    19th Feb  9.30am - 12.pm

March
Friday Morning              Book Now
Lesson 1 (Camera Set Up)    20th March  9.30am - 12.pm

April
Monday Morning              Book Now
Lesson 1 (Camera Set Up)    27th April  9.30am - 12.pm

June
Wednesday Morning              Book Now
Lesson 1 (Camera Set Up)    10th June  9.30am - 12.pm

Bookings Essential

COST

Lesson 1 Camera Set Up and Photography Basics (2 1/2 hrs) - $ 95
Lesson 2 Computer Basics (2 hrs) - $ 85

Enhancing and Using your Favourite Images 
by using Photoshop or similar, or making Photobooks
Learn techniques for things like Macro Photoraphy, Photographing Animals or Children, How to Use Depth of Field, Seeing Light and more.
Scroll down to see what classes are available.
Check often for new classes or sign up to our newsletter
Classes held at: 97 Pakenham St Blackburn unless otherwise stated.
Cost: $85 per session unless stated otherwise.      Book via phone or email

2020

Revue Class    Feb -  Wed 26th  10.00 am - 12.00          Book Now      via phone or email
Bring your photos to discuss and learn how to improve what you have taken - or to confirm what you have done right. It can be from your own trips or from trips you have done with Master Your Camera. This is truly the best way to learn.
Cost $49

Revue Class     April - Fri 3rd  10.00 am - 12.00          Book Now      via phone or email
Bring your photos to discuss and learn how to improve what you have taken - or to confirm what you have done right. It can be from your own trips or from trips you have done with Master Your Camera. This is truly the best way to learn.
Cost $49

** Weekend Away
Wilsons Promontory   April 17th - 19th 
Two days & 2 nights to see this amazing part of Victoria. Ancient Rocks, Tidal River entering the sea, Birds, Wombats, Wallabies, Sand Dunes, Banksia Forests and more
We have some wonderful places to see and photograph. 
More Information

Revue Class    May -  Wed 13th  10.00 am - 12.00          Book Now      via phone or email
Bring your photos to discuss and learn how to improve what you have taken - or to confirm what you have done right. It can be from your own trips or from trips you have done with Master Your Camera. This is truly the best way to learn.
Cost $49

Photographing Ghosts     May Sat 23rd  9.30 am - 12.00          Book Now      via phone or email
Learn the techniques to take photos of people or animals when they are moving to make them look like ghosts - and much more!
Location to be announced

Other Topics to be Scheduled
Photographing Dogs
Photoshop Extended
Making Photobooks
please send an email if you are interested in these topics and wish to be put on the further info list

Do you learn better with only 1 or 2 people?

This type of class is designed for you. The content is directed specifically for your needs and the times can be flexible if needed.
You may learn better on a 1 on 1 basis, your interests or skill levels don't fit into a class or you have tight time schedules. You may also prefer to learn on a film camera.

Help for Businesses
This type of tuition also benefits businesses whose staff or owner / managers are trying to take good photographs for web sites or other quick turn around activities.
You may also need to take photographs of objects that need specific lighting or camera settings to enable detail for your customers to see and understand what you are trying to show / sell them.

All this can be accomodated and more. Phone now to discuss your needs - ph 9877 9266 or 0435 377 065

Classes held at: 97 Pakenham St Blackburn or on your own site

Hourly Rate - $150 per hour
* In general, 1 1/2 hrs for a 1 on 1 lesson is optimum for retention of information. In the field, up to 2 hrs is optimum, depending on the number and proximity of subjects to be photographed

Pay by the lesson @ $150 per hr
or
4 lessons - $840 (save $60)
6 lessons - $1230 (save $120)
8 lessons - $1595 (save $205)

lessons are 1 1/2hrs
travel to a specific site may be extra

Bring a friend and share the costs - only an extra $75 per lesson!

Take Your Photography to a higher Level. Learn more of the technical side and how to apply it to your creation of images.

In Studio & On Location
10 x 3 hr lessons
Some on location lessons may be longer than 3 hrs due to travel time and other factors
Max. 8 people per class

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

You will learn the theory behind things like composition, light, lens effects and how to apply them to your images. What techniques to applying whilst shooting to minimise post production. Understanding light and light fall off, both natural and artificial, plus much more interesting information. Discussion & image critiques are held at the beginning of each in studio class.
There will also be a photo challenge to stir the creative juices!

TOPICS

• Composition 1
• Composition 2
• Perspective - effect of Lenses & distance
• Filters – graduated, polarising, soft focus, B&W
• Colour Theory & its use
• Light & Lighting 1 – flash, LEDs, Glass, Shiny surfaces, Back Lighting
• Light & Lighting 2
• Reflections - eliminating them or using them, Silhouettes & Shadows
• Luminosity
• Discussions

EQUIPMENT

• A DSLR camera, mirrorless, or a compact camera with adjustable settings 
• Tripod

EXPERIENCE

You need to have completed Back to Basics 1 & 2 or have a working knowledge of the settings on your camera

MISSED CLASSES

Please text or phone if you can't make it to a class. You can catch up on the missed class either by joining in on the appropriate class the next time it is run for free or you can pay an additional fee of $95 and have a private catch up lesson (normally $150 per hr) at a time convenient to both parties. These classes are stand alone lessons so the order in which you do them is not important.

NEXT COURSE

2020     Classes this year will be on Saturdays
May - Sat 30th - 27th June
July - Sat 18th - 15th August

COST

$795 for 10 lessons
* Early Bird price - Book & pay at least 2 weeks before and pay only $770

Level 3 Graduate On Going Classes 
By request, after B3 has been completed, a monthly level 3 class runs to hone and advance ones knowledge. They are made up of photography trips or workshops on topics that interest or need work with a location chosen to suit, as well as review classes of photos taken. It is optional whether you choose to do these on going classes or not.
Cost $75 per lesson.