#1044 – Online Photo Program – Black & White Environmental Portraits

Posted on January 26, 2014 by admin

Online Photo Program – © Al Garner

We had a good crop of member photos from this month’s online photo challenge.

As usual, we set a photo challenge every month and we feed tips, links and videos throughout the month as members do their best to produce photos for the monthly critique.

Online Photo Class – © Barb McK.

This month we offered a DOUBLE challenge:
1. Environmental Portraits – photos of someone working/living in their natural environment.
2. Member photos had to be in Black & White – either converted in post processing or shot on film.

The private Facebook forum buzzed as members posted photos, offered criticism, ideas and encouragement.

Online Photo Program – © Gilles G.

The whole process helps photographers grow. Comments this month:

• “I had lots of fun this month. I wasn’t too confident coming into this month’s challenge. After posting my three pictures on the Facebook forum and receiving such helpful and positive feedback, I felt much better. What a great community!”

Online Photo Course – © Brooke B.

• “There is zero chance that I would have taken these shots without the online photography program. I think the monthly assignments are starting to have a cumulative effect and my photography is steadily improving. I think I get the biggest bang for my buck from the online program. Keep it coming!”

Online Photo Course – © April L.

• “I have been learning for over 6 months through one-on-one Creative Fundamental course, Lightroom course and the On-line Program which I absolutely love.

These courses combined, have taken my photography to a whole new level. I have learned so much and I have a much better appreciation to the complexities and creative side to photography and, I am having so much fun.

Thanks so much Harry. I am still learning and I will be for a long time. You are an exceptional teacher.“Good work this month, members!

Want better photos?
Join us!

Online Photo Program – © Cheryl K

Online Photography Course – © Morina R.

#1043 Student Success – Photo & Review

Posted on January 22, 2014 by admin

We ran Mastering Manual Exposures last weekend. The session was spent helping students understand the intricacies of light and exposure.

In short we helped people make whites white in appropriate places.

In three hours we brought light to a scary subject.

Some feedback:
“I really appreciate Harry’s teaching style which is low key, no pressure but he is obviously extremely knowledgeable and a professional. He always provides just enough feedback and he tailors it to the specific individual.”

“I have been learning from Harry for over 6 months through a one-on-one Creative Fundamental course, Lightroom course and the On-line Program which I absolutely love.

Thanks so much Harry. I am still learning and I will be for a long time. You are an exceptional teacher.“

#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

#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.

#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.

#1021 New Courses! Macro and Tulips with Louise Tanguay.

Posted on November 12, 2013 by admin

She’s back!
Last year Louise Tanguay‘s workshops were very well received. They often sell out.

We’ve convinced her to come back and share her fabulous skills with you again.
Louise travels the world teaching (some for Freeman Patterson), producing coffee table books and shooting for magazines.

She has two workshops coming up in May, 2014 – Macrphotography Workshop and Tulip Safari. See some of the student’s successes last year.

Want better general photos in nature?
Take the Macro Workshop!

Want a shorter (and cheaper) experience with Tulips?
Take the Tulip Safari!

#1019 On Location Lighting with Blair Gable – Review

Posted on November 6, 2013 by admin

In October we offered On Location Lighting with Blair Gable.

Apparently, it went well:
“It’s the best class I’ve taken, by far (this is my 11th photo class.)”
GM – her first course at HarryNowell.com!

We do our best to bring you the best in photo workshops!

Students came with a mix of backgrounds but many were new, working photographers, advanced amateurs and past students looking to advance their skills.

A big thanks to Blair and his crew for sharing his talents and space.

Stay tuned… Blair will be back for 2 more photo seminar/safaris new dates coming soon – iPhone photography and Post Processing with Photoshop.

studio photography class - Ottawa/Gatineau

“It was a great way to boost my creativity – to push myself to try new things.”
RG

“I just wanted to say thank you for a fantastic experience. Not only did I gain a lot from the class environment, I also gained a lot from the one on ones I had Blair.”
ML

“Good fun, very informative and inspiring to be more creative.”
Anon.

#1018 Online Photo Course – Student Successes!

Posted on November 3, 2013 by admin

In October we ran a compositional challenge for members of our online photo program.

One of my pet peeves is messy, nasty backgrounds that pull and detract from a beautiful main subject.

Our challenge, “Framed,” was designed to help photographers make their main subjects pop!

Member photos made me smile!
And the program continues to create smiles:

“This course has accomplished two things for me. First, it has renewed my love of photography and second it has made me a better photographer.”

Framed! – Online Photo Course © Sara H. – White dress and black hair help separate the woman from the background. She’s also framed by the door!

“I really do like the format and look forward to getting out more as it provides a purpose to taking photos with an objective/goal…and you provide very good advice and tips which everyone can benefit from.”

Framed! – Online Photography Course – © Willa M – The person is framed in beautiful circle of light. The sun flare leads your eye to the main subject!

“Thanks for another great challenge this month. I found myself looking for ways to frame almost everything I saw over the last few weeks!”

Congratulations, everyone!
Join us for the Online Photo Program @ HarryNowell.com.

Framed! Online Photo Challenge © Don D. – Photographer is framed in the middle horizontal rectangle of the background. Nice silhouette!

#1015 New Photo Course – Exposure Basics – Mastering Manual Mode.

Posted on October 28, 2013 by admin

Better Photos
Few things scare a novice photographer more than the words “Manual Exposure Mode.”
Join us on this short course to learn how to avoid grey snow.

Learn to shoot with more confidence in Manual Exposure Mode!

Whites should be white!!

Who should take this course?!
This mini course is perfect for new photographers looking to establish a solid set of skills or for the intermediate photographer looking for a refresher.You will learn:
• simple, effective tips to get consistently better exposures
• about the importance and effectivenes of histograms to evaluate your photo in the field (erm, the screen on the back of your camera is notoriously bad at evaluating exposure!)
• the basis for successfully photographing advanced lighting conditions

About the Histogram

Join us:
Dates:
Saturday, January 18th, 2014; 10-1pmLocation
A central Ottawa location with lots of warm shooting potential to explore the world of exposure.

Cost
$80 + applicable taxes