Manual Camera Class | Jonesboro LA camera class

 

Many of you probably know I held a manual camera class over the weekend in my photography studio in Jonesboro, LA. If you have no idea what shooting manual is and you are interested in photography whether it be as a hobby or just to take better pictures of your kids so you can catch some memorable moments in breathtaking form, then let me just say, it’s a game changer. When I decided to start my actual photography career I had no idea what “manual” was. I always set my camera on “A” for auto and snapped away. Don’t get me wrong my camera is smart so it got some pictures, but I can honestly say it is not creative. When I began my search into photography I learned about “shooting manual”, sounded easy enough. I tried to teach myself and it was a horrid mess. I would try to change settings and my picture would be black. After turning dials for 5 minutes and shooting I FINALLY could see a bit of the picture. Then I had no idea what I did or why my picture looked grainy. I continued to try but it never stuck, I didn’t understand. I ended up finding a manual camera class locally (which was actually hard to find) and took it. Everything seemed to click then! I started to learn that the pictures I was taking wasn’t my fault but my camera’s and I could actually fix it. I’m so glad I took that class! If you really want to take more then just snapshots of your subjects, then manual is inevitable. You MUST learn it to move forward.

 

I always thought it would be fun to teach. I’ve taught Bible studies for youth and children and it was always such a blessing. I never thought I would teach a camera class. Not that I wouldn’t like to but seeing as others offer it, I never saw the need I guess. It was only a thought when I was photographing a birthday party for a client when one of the guests there, Marilyn (pictured top, second from the left) and I realized we knew each other, got to talking and she asked if I ever taught camera classes. I replied no, but I had had a few people express some interest in learning. I kind of said “well maybe I should”.

 

Fast forward about a year and a half later and I’ve got a day off with my little girl so we visit the local park in Ruston where I see, you guessed it, Marilyn. We laugh and say “hey” since it’s been quite awhile since we’ve seen each other. We start to wrap up when she says “so have you ever thought more on offering a camera class?”. I had several people ask me questions about shooting and asking for similar classes, so I thought about it. So I probably should owe the class to Marilyn for being so diligent. I told her if we could get at least 5 people to show then I would do it. It’s just too hard to work everyone’s schedules to do one-on-one’s, especially when you have a precious family that you want to spend every free moment with. She agreed. We actually had 7 ladies join in on the fun Saturday!

 

We started the day off with a small lunch and a “get-to-know-you” time, followed by a powerpoint on the details of shooting in manual. We learned not only how to set our cameras, but why we set them the way we do. Lots of questions during the process but I could see the lightbulbs go off. It was much like this for me too when I first learned manual myself. At first you’re randomly setting things and then you learn why and you can look at a situation and play it out in your head how to set your camera before you even turn it on. Good feeling!

We took our cameras out to shoot a toy car in the window light just to see what a scenario indoors would look like and how to set our cameras ourselves. I got quite a few “oh no” from these girls but they really didn’t need my help. Every one of them took what we learned and put it into practice. YAY!!! So glad it clicked for every one of them.

So as a photographer you know I want to style shoots and shoot for fun all the time. So to really put our skills to the test, I asked a previous client who I knew had a gorgeous little girl, to come and be our model for us. We got to rent a little dress and flower halo from Rainey’s Closet for her. For parents of little girls this site is a must! You can rent gorgeous name brand dresses, outfits, accessories for pictures, wedding, etc. I love it! Gorgeous dresses for special occasions without the price tag of buying something they’ll never wear again.

 

So this is Drew our model! Her mom, Sheree said she was so excited for the day and said that Drew told her friend the day before that “she couldn’t swim with her tomorrow because she had to go and be a model”. I’ve loved this girl’s personality since the minute I met her, she’s a sassy little thing and it makes me laugh. The girl had a makeover day starting at The Strand of Ruston where Becca Crowell did her hair and makeup for us. I wanted something soft and natural, and she delivered. Drew was definitely a trooper with the Louisiana heat.

 

I picked out a location I’ve been eyeing forever, but never had a situation to photograph a session. Great time to do it now! We wrapped up at this location and the questions got fewer and fewer. Makes my heart happy to know I taught something and it made sense to the others to go home and do it themselves.

 

 

So from here I’ve started a group for everyone who attends to ask questions, post pictures, etc to continue education. That way you won’t feel like you’re left alone. I’ve already had some that could not attend because of prior commitments, ask if I’ll offer another. I’d definitely consider doing so again if the need is there. I have to say it was a fun experience and I’m glad to teach something to others that I love to do so much. Until next time, happy shooting!