#1042 Exposure Basics + Your Input, Please!

Posted on January 20, 2014 by admin

On Saturday, we hosted a good crew looking to refresh or develop good base photo skills.

We looked at the basics of exposure and how to master manual exposure mode.
… It’s scary but essential if you want to drive creative control yourself.

And contrary to popular belief it’s not that hard to get good, solid exposures in manual exposure mode – at least when you understand the concepts and steps involved.

Benefits of manual exposure mode:
• YOU control brightness of your photos and choose creative outcomes
• Avoid letting the camera decide on exposure – the camera will choose different exposures based on what it aims at (dark tree or bright snow…) rather than what light level exists.
• Avoid grey snow scenes (a sure way to know someone doesn’t understand exposure!)

In three hours participants were getting consistently better exposures.
And more smiles. 🙂

Learning about exposure and histograms

Spring and Summer Workshops? Your input please!
Initial offerings of spring and summer workshops are set but we have a few more slots we’d like to fill.

What do YOU want to learn?
• Portraits?
• Composition?
• Motion/sports?
• Any guest instructors?

Send us a note – we’d love to hear from you!

Photo workshops

#1040 Learning how to Photograph Events for the Workplace

Posted on January 12, 2014 by admin

Photographing key-note speeches

Years ago a government communications staff member lamented about the quality of photos she had to deal with in her work. She admitted photos often came from staff with intentions better than their photo skills – the reality being there was not always a budget to hire a working photographer.

She suggested we offer a photo course for communications staff that would help people get better pictures of their work events…

… And Photography for Communications Professionals was developed. We have run this course for many, many organizations including Carleton University, Ottawa Airport, Library and Archives Canada, Passport Canada.

The one day photo class includes material from:
• Creative Fundamentals
• Natural Light Portraits
• years of shooting events
and packages it in a format geared to communications staff from government and large organizations.

Photographing podium speeches

The Format
1. There is a classroom section covering equipment, theory and challenges like consent forms.
2. A hands-on, practical session gives participants a safe environment to develop skills photographing:
• staff portraits
• podium speeches
• tricky lighting scenarios typical of events
• with and without the use of flash.

“Photography for Communications Professionals is the perfect length, perfect structure, and perfect information for government photographers. One of the best teachers I’ve ever experienced.”
A.P.

Details
This course is offered as a class and as a custom course for individuals or groups.

Group Course:
Wednesday, March 19; 8:30-4:30
Location:
• Morning: Classroom to be determined
• Afternoon: On Location shooting in central Ottawa/Hull
$600/person + any location costs

Custom Course
Available anytime schedules permit.
One person; full day: $775 + any location costs
Groups – please contact us for pricing
Location: Anything is possible. We can meet at your location or we can arrange locations.

Join us! Register online at the bottom of this link.

Photographing in tricky lighting conditions

#1037 HoHoHo!

Posted on December 23, 2013 by admin

HoHoHo!

Thanks for the fun this year!

There was much to smile about:
• Media and Celebrity Photo Contest
• Photo Workshops
• Our Online Photo Program
• Building the BIG large format Camera
• Watershed Art Exhibition developments
• Our new photo tips site

… and thanks for your support for keeping us going.
Without YOU none of this would be possible.

Congratulations to all of our students for your efforts and successes. You’ve come a long way!

Happy Holidays!
Holiday schedule:
We will be checking emails every few days and are open for online workshop registrations but we’ll be laying low (and skiing, building snow sculptures, skating and recharging) until the new year…

We’ll be back on the blog in early January.

Happy Holidays

#1030 Special Deal on the Online Photo Challenge

Posted on December 4, 2013 by admin

In light of the festive season where many people are challenged to find meaningful gifts we offer you a special deal on our Online Photo Program.

Yippee!

Limited Time Special Offer
We’re offering a special deal to help you buy a worthwhile gift while saving you some $money.
• Six month membership is normally $195 + HST.
• Until Saturday December 14th, we’re offering six months for only $160 + HST.
Register now!

Online Photo Challenge – “Straight from the Camera” – © Alan Garner

What’s so good about our online class?
Well… Let me count the ways:
1. Challenge!
Each new monthly challenge offers photographers a reason to practice and grow.
2. It’s interactive!
Every month we present material, you submit photos, I offer critique and EVERYbody has the opportunity to share on the Private Facebook group!
3. New content every week.
We send an email linking to new content four times each month. Most regular courses last one to eight weeks after which many people’s passions dwindle. Our online program keeps you engaged every week!
4. Better Photos
Yes, your photos will improve.
Erm, I should add it’ll take some effort on YOUR part but we provide a platform that supports your growth in a fun, interactive and supportive way.
Ahem:
“[My photos improved over the last year…] It’s all thanks to you, the course and the forum! I know that I wouldn’t have learnt as much just taking a class here and there. For this, I can’t thank you enough!”

Better Photos through our Online Program – © Maisie Ismail

5. It’s cheap!
Cheap like inexpensive, not cheap like crappy!
The normal price works out to $32.50/month. With this special offer it’s even cheaper!
6. Get inspired
There are many members with amazing work.
There are many members grappling with he same challenges that you are, photographically!
On both the program and the interactive, private Facebook forum you will find people to help, inspire and support you!
7. It’s fun!
Yes, it is.
8. There’s a crazy guarantee
If, in the first month, you decide you don’t like it we offer a money back guarantee.

Last month we offered a “Straight from the Camera” challenge. It was designed to help photographers develop better in-camera photos so as not to rely on post processing to fix mistakes.

Online Photo Challenge – learn to properly make whites white in the camera! © Gilles Gagnon

Members said:
“I realized just how challenging it is to take one’s time in order to get it right. This month has provided me with an even greater appreciation for the craft. Thanks for the great challenge!” MI

“Thanks again for helping me learn more about photography!” CS

Join us or have a loved one join us.
It’s easy.
Special price of $160 + HST lasts only until Saturday December 14th.
Register online right now!
Or read more details… and then join us.

#1029 People’s Choice Award Winner

Posted on December 1, 2013 by admin

We opened our doors to the fourth annual Studio Open House at Ottawa Studio Works.

We offered:
• New works from our Watershed series created with our Large Format Camera.
• Winter and spring workshops
• An exhibition of student photos selected by jury.

Open House – Ottawa Studio Works

Student Photo Show
One visitor asked “Who shot these photos?”
Harry – “Our photo workshop students.”
Visitor – “But they’re good.”
Harry – “Exactly.”

Open House at the photo studio – People’s Choice second place is awarded to Julius Liptak’s “Cuban Patriot” – featured here!

People’s Choice Award!
For the student show we asked visitors to vote for their favourite photo. By the end of the evening we had a decisive and clear winner.

Marie Josée L’s macro shot of droplets suspended on the stamen of a flower won over the Open House visitors. Her photo is the People’s Choice! And for her efforts she wins a free three month session of our Online Photo Program.

Second place went to Julius Liptak’s Cuban Patriot (see above) and there was a very close tie for third: Al Garner’s Green Oasis, Morina Reece’s ‘Vintage’ Portrait and Cheryl Kreis’ Dogs in Flight.

Congratulations to all…

Thanks again for the fun. And thanks to our sponsors who made this show possible:
Artopix.ca
DaveAndrews.ca
PatrickGordonFraming.ca

Thanks to our sponsors!

#1024 Art for Gambia – Charity Exhibition at Ottawa Studio Works

Posted on November 20, 2013 by admin

Mark your Calendars!
We’re opening our doors to a good cause.

Terry SanCartier is bringing the art exhibition to Ottawa to support the “Run for Gambia” Fundraiser.

Artists have donated artwork for the exhibition to raise funds for the Love for Gambia charity. This is your chance to buy some artwork AND see your money support a good cause.

Terry SanCartier is also organizing a 424 km run in Gambia to raise awareness and funds.

Art Exhibition Ottawa

What is RunForGambia?

A 424 kilometre running expedition across the West African nation of The Gambia in conditions of high heat & humidity. It will take place in June 2014.

The run starts in the rural community of Koina on The Gambia’s Eastern border with Senegal and ends in the capital city of Banjul by the Atlantic Ocean.

Why?

To raise funds to keep children alive through health education programs.

Your support helps the Nova Scotia Gambia Association (NSGA) deliver life-saving education and training programs that teach Gambian communities about HIV/AIDS, malaria, sexual health, maternal health, gender equity and human rights, youth leadership, water sanitation, and land mine safety and awareness.

Who is running?

Terry SanCartier of Ottawa-Gatineau. He will be accompanied by a team of three gambians.

“My reason for doing this run is to draw attention to the cause.” Says Terry. “during my run through the Gambia, I will meet people who will want to hear about why I am doing this. I will help the NSGA spread the word about health education to small communities across the country & to raise awareness for healthier habits.”

“Running is an activity that promotes good physical & mental health. It shows young people what one can accomplish with hard work & commitment. Anything is possible! Even something as crazy as running across a whole country in incredible heat & humidity!”

Join us!
OttawaStudioWorks.com
160 Preston St, near Somerset.
December 5th, 2013
5-10pm.

#1023 Smartphone Photography Course

Posted on November 17, 2013 by admin

Smartphone Photo Class

It’s back.

Last year we offered our first smartphone photography course. People loved it:
Simple tips and complex solutions made participants smile:
• Focus techniques
• Exposure options
• Quick post processing solutions

April 6th, 2014.
9-noon.
$80 + HST

Photojournalist Blair Gable leads you through technical workflow and creative ideas to help you create better photos.

More details.
Register.

#1022 Open House Update – Free Photo Craft and Demo

Posted on November 15, 2013 by admin

In two weeks we are hosting our:
Our Annual Open House!

3-4pm Photo Craft for kids of all ages (while supplies last)
4:30-5:30pm Large Format Camera Demo
6-10pm General Celebrations & People’s Choice Awards
Saturday, November 30th.
OttawaStudioWorks.com
160 Preston St, Ottawa.

This year we are highlighting the work of our student’s successes. Their excitement and breakthroughs keep me smiling and excited to keep teaching:

“[My photos improved over the last year…] It’s all thanks to you, the course and the forum! I know that I wouldn’t have learnt as much just taking a class here and there. For this, I can’t thank you enough!” MI, Online Member

KIDS Photo CRAFT
We’ll also be offering a kid’s photo-based craft from 3pm-4pm. Bring a youngster (at heart) and get them to try a hands on craft – they can bring their art home (while supplies last.) No camera needed.

Large Format Demo
We’ll be offering a demo on Large Format Cameras from 4:30-5:30pm. Come and see the simplicity and beauty of large format!

People’s Choice Award
Come and vote for your favourite student photo. One person will be celebrated at the studio based on YOUR votes. Pick your favourite, bring your friends!

Student Exhibition – Deadline has Past!!
Want to share your successes? The deadline is looming.
We’ve got many great submissions but if you want to be involved, please submit photos by Saturday, November 16th:
DEADLINE = November 16th, 2013
• maximum 450 pixels wide (Small web files please!)
• include your name in the filename
• sharp, engaging photos from 2013
• Send your photo submission with “Open House” in the subject line to Harry@HarryNowell.com.
• If chosen we will need a LARGE file size to create your print.

BIG thanks to our supporters!
Without them, this event would not be possible.
• Artopix.ca
• DaveAndrews.ca
• PatrickGordonFraming.ca
You will receive a beautifully matted print of your photo after the show.

Artopix

PatrickGordonFraming

DaveAndrews.ca

Our Annual Open House:
• 3-4pm Photo Craft for kids of all ages (while supplies last)
• 4:30-5:30pm Large Format Camera Demo
• 6-10pm General Celebrations
Saturday, November 30th.
OttawaStudioWorks.com
160 Preston St, Ottawa.

#1012 Platform – Learn the Basics of Framing with Patrick Gordon Framing

Posted on October 18, 2013 by admin

Framed.

As part of our Platform Presentations we are very pleased to have Patrick Gordon Framing, one of Ottawa’s premier framing shops, teach you the basics of framing – and caring – for your artwork.

Join us to learn:
• how to enhance and protect your photos (and other art).
• different options for presenting your art
• basics of framing photography (and other art) with both aesthetics and longevity in mind

The seminar will focus on matting, frames, backings, mounting, glazing, hinging, as well as conservation methods of caring for your photos.

A big thanks to long time supporter and student Ken H for suggesting this seminar!

Details
Where: Patrick Gordon Framing – 160 Elm (near Preston), Ottawa, ON.
When: Wednesday, November, 13th; 7:30-9pm.
Cost: Free – donations appreciated.
RSVP appreciated.

Photo courtesy of Patrick Gordon Framing

#1009 Creative Fundamentals Photo Class Review

Posted on October 14, 2013 by admin

Another session of our classic course is complete.

We’ve been running Creative Fundamentals since 2001 and it quickly became popular with people who were intimidated with f-stops, manual exposure mode and grey snow in their photos.

The course offers the fundamentals of photography in simple, easy to understand terms. People often join the course scared to shoot in manual exposure mode and, by the end, capture good exposures in tricky mixed lighting scenarios.

The students did well…

We often teach this course as a Custom Course.

Dates are up for the next group session of Creative Fundamentals in April 2014.

New, Advanced Creative Fundamentals II
For many years students have asked us to run a follow-up session to challenge and solidify their fundamental skills.

Well, now is your chance to test your skills further. We take the core material of Creative Fundamentals and take you further. We assume you have some experience in Manual Exposure Mode and help you:
• recognize/capture advanced exposure scenarios
• maximize control of Depth of Field
• delve into creative compositional construction

Dates are set for May 2014