Trip to Kew Gardens & Camden Town

[Mike Farley]

I did wonder whether the one superzoom lens would do everything you wanted. It's a sensible approach purchasing what you find you need rather than buying for the sake of it, which is true GAS.

What has been your experience of the courses you have been on? Are there any you would recommend? As you are intending to do some studio work, have any of the instructors demonstrated how to direct a model?

[Mata]

Hi Mike

So far it has been quite varied. But I have learned something from each one. Sometimes they cram too many people (10 plus) so there is less time for individual attention. Good for the organiser but not so good for the participant.

Directing the model was easy for me as I used to do modelling myself. It only seems yesterday..

If someone has an interest in studio work I would highly recommend the Park Cameras – Beginner’s Guide to Studio Lighting part 1- held at their Burgess Hill store (part 2 is being held at their London store tomorrow. Umming and ahhing if I should go. Haven’t decided as of writing this post.

I was fortunate on the day as they only had four people so there was plenty of time for everyone to get the individual attention they needed.

The day was made even more pleasant by the facilitator Anthony who took you through the whole set-up process step by step so everyone got to work with the props/lights.

The setting up also include “tethering” – camera linked to computer so your image was downloaded directly to be viewed and any adjustments made in lighting and camera set-up. His direction was to get 90% of your image right in the set-up process so you would only need minor adjustment in processing. That is something I have taken to heart. It means you can save so much time in the processing part or having to retake the photos all over again.

The course also include a model to work with. At £59 I personally though it was money well spent.

The photo below has been cropped but no adjustments made. I feel it just needs a little work to finish it off (the light in the eyes and fine tone the skin a little).

Full details on their website: http://www.parkcameras.com/c/302/Studio-Courses.html

Sarah.jpg (153.09 KiB) Viewed 2069 times

[Mike Farley]

Thanks for your comments and recommendation for the Park Cameras courses. I have done a bii of studio work, but it is not something which holds a lot of appeal for me. That said, a course or two to find out more could be fun.