These classes build from a basic introduction of the camera and its controls to the concepts and settings that determine exposure and focus. If you have a new digital camera or are coming back to photography after a long break this is the place to start.
These classes are geared towards mirrorless cameras along with traditional DSLRs. If you’re not sure whether your camera is right for this class, check the FAQ tab or email us from the CONTACT page.
CLASS ONE
The Basics: A tour of your camera and a thorough overview of the fundamentals of exposure.
- Buttons and dials: locating and deciphering the physical controls on your camera.
- Basic menus & settings: file size, quality, file formats (JPG, RAW) white balance and ISO.
- How it works: the difference between mirrorless and DSLR cameras and what goes on when you take a picture.
- Exposure: a thorough explanation of shutter speeds, f-stops, and their relationship to ISO and light.
- Motion blur and depth of field: understanding the creative side of f-stops and shutter speed is key to better photos!
CLASS TWO AND THREE
Taking Control: Exposure modes and focus control.
- Exposure modes: you’ll learn how to actually control f-stop, shutter speed and exposure by moving beyond the green Auto mode and understanding the difference between P-A-S-M, (P-Av-Tv-M)
- Variable program mode: the hidden Program exposure mode that allows quick, creative control.
- Built-in flash: when to just say no and how to keep the flash from popping up at the wrong times.
- Focusing modes: If it’s called auto focus, why do some photos still turn out blurry or are focused in the wrong place? Learn control of where your camera focuses with focus point selection. Then learn about when the camera focuses and the difference between settings like AF-S/A/C (Nikon, Sony, Fuji, Lumix) and One Shot, Ai Focus, Ai Servo (Canon).
- Putting your new skills to work: You’ll receive some prompts and ideas for shooting photos using the concepts you’ve learned.
CLASS FOUR
Image review: Learning by doing.
In this class, we’ll join in a fun and supportive image review of the photos you shot and submitted. If you’ve never had your images shown in front of others, don’t fret! Our teachers are gentle and encouraging, which we think is the best way to learn. This is usually the favorite part of any workshop and by bringing this experience to our class series, everyone will have a chance to share their successes and near-misses and learn from each other.
Q: How much does the class series cost?
A: The registration fee is $210.
Q: Can I take individual classes instead of the series?
A: These classes are bundled as a series and cannot be taken individually.
Q: How will I know if a class makes or not?
A: If a class doesn’t make and has to be canceled, you will receive an email no later than the night before the scheduled class date.
Q: How late can I sign up for a class?
A: As long as the class doesn’t show as “sold out” you can register and pay up to six hours before the starting time of the class.
Q: What if I have to cancel?
A: If you cancel 7 days or more ahead of the scheduled date of the class, you will receive a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee. A cancellation between 5 to 7 days ahead of scheduled date will receive 50% refund minus a $25 administrative fee. There is no refund or transfer credit for cancellations within 4 days of start time of the class or workshop. Full details on cancellations are on our Policies page.
Q: What’s the difference between the full-day workshops and the class series?
A: The material in this class is also taught as a full-day workshop. This choice lets you find the best timing and structure for your schedule and learning style. The workshops are smaller, more hands-on and there is time for shooting with a model. We’ve found that some people enjoy the intensity of an all day workshop while others prefer to have the material spread out over several classes.
Q: Where are the classes held?
A: These classes will be at Dallas Center for Photography located at 4756 Algiers, Dallas, 75207.
Q: Can I and my friend/spouse/etc. share one camera for the class?
A: Yes, we frequently have couples and friends who share equipment. For in-person classes, registration is per person, not per camera, so you would each need to register individually.
Q: What kind of camera is best for these classes?
A: The classes are geared toward mirrorless and DSLR cameras that have exposure control with PASM or P/Av/Tv/M settings. That includes the Nikon D3000/5000/7000 series, D600/700/800, D4/5/6 series or the Z mirrorless. On the Canon side the Rebel or EOS T or D series of DSLRs and the M/R mirrorless. Most of the Sony Alpha series, Fuji T series and many others including Lumix, Ricoh, Leica, etc.. The classes may also be appropriate for smaller, high quality cameras that offer manual controls, such as the Canon G series, Lumix LX, Ricoh GX, Sony RX, etc. If you’re not sure if your camera is appropriate for the classes just drop us a note through the Contact page.
Peter Poulides
Peter is the director of Dallas Center for Photography and teaches several of the classes and workshops. In over 30 years of shooting assignments for national magazines and corporate/stock photography he’s learned a few things and likes to pass it on. His favorite student review is “You remember what it’s like to not know”.
He also works one-on-one with clients to further particular shootings skills, organize their photos with Lightroom or work on projects like books and exhibitions. He still shoots occasional commercial jobs but is busy with personal book projects and running the expanding DCP.
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Richard Klein
Richard is committed to passing on the craft and joy of image making by teaching classes and workshops at the Dallas Center for Photography, University of Texas at Arlington, the University of North Texas, Texas Woman’s University and as a contributor to lynda.com.
“Learning is a process and I see myself as a lifelong learner continually taking on new subjects, being in a state of Beginners Mind. My commitment as an educator is to share complicated material in a way that is easily understood by the student regardless of their experience level.”
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Michael Mulvey
Artist, Educator, and Photographer. Michael Mulvey’s work is rooted in the visualization of sociological practices.
His research interests range from capturing the cultural divide along the border with Mexico to the gentrification of West Dallas Neighborhoods, using methods of the documentary, alternative process, and conceptually constructed still lifes to create various pathways to access cultural complexities. His practice includes the use of analog and digital devices as well as site-specific installation and photo sculpture. His most recent work features pictograms made in cameraless space on the film of items collected from the land during the gentrification process. They represent the memory of what came before and are now in a permanent visual record formed in historic photographic processes.
Michael continues his work in journalism where he first started his creative and visual career of storytelling with images. Earning the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in 2006 while a staff photographer with The Dallas Morning News. The award was for coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, America’s most costly weather event, and the beginning of the global warming trend resulting in extreme energy super storms.
Michael holds an M.F.A in Studio Art from the College of Visual Arts at Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas, and a B.S in Journalism from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
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