Photography Workshops

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Big Bright Lights Photography Workshop – $47.50
Sunday December 8, 2024 from 7-9:30 pm | Studio & Main Street in Rochester, Michigan

Click this LINK to enroll and reserve your spot

 

 

This workshop is expected to run from 7 pm to 9:30 pm. The workshop fee is $47.50. Please click on the link above to register.

For several years now Downtown Rochester has draped itself in an amazing light show. People across metro-Detroit come every night during the Christmas season to see and photograph the show.

This workshop is intended to teaching you how to take properly exposed night images. We will start in the classroom and discuss proper camera settings and technique for capturing beautiful images after dark. Once the lecture wraps up we will hit the streets and capture the magic of The Big Bright Light Show!

This workshop is on SUNDAY Evening for a reason. Downtown will be the least crowded on Sunday evening, so there will be fewer cars in the parking lane. We will be able to get clearer images of the buildings. It is also fun to capture Light Trails as cars drive by, so if that is of primary interest to you, consider coming to the Tuesday, November 26th night as there should be substantially more traffic.

Minimal Equipment Requirements:

You will need a digital camera, sturdy tripod. It will be very helpful if you also bring along , a remote release, and a flashlight or headlamp, the manual for your camera so I can help you get it configured properly for the best night exposures. We sell the remote releases and tripods in the studio. Remote releases run $15.95 – $17.95. Tripods vary in price. Please call if you plan to buy a remote release or tripod. As with many things these days selection is limited due to supply chain issues.

Additional Recommended Equipment:

An assortment of lenses. Just like photographing during the day, a variety of lenses will afford you the ability to compose a mixture of different looks. I sell “Storm Jacket” rain covers in the studio in case of wet weather. You can also purchase disposable rain covers on-line. This workshop will only be cancelled/ rescheduled in the event of heavy rain. Misty rain or snow actually makes for amazing images, so plan accordingly. You want to keep warm and dry.

Clothing Recommendations:

It will be cold and dark. I strongly recommend a hat, gloves (fingerless if you have them), wear multiple layers so you have the ability to adjust with the weather.

Class size is restricted to 12 persons so I will be able to give everyone 1 on 1 help once we start shooting. The lecture/training will be at our Studio – 426 West University Drive, Rochester, MI 48307.

The lights are amazing! Come and experience this annual workshop with Bob! Misty rain or snow will not deter us, so plan accordingly. Wet streets make for AWESOME reflections. You will want to be there – even if it is wet!

If you have questions, please contact us: [email protected] or 248-941-4859 (Bob).

Click this LINK to enroll and reserve your spot

Macro Flowers / Still-Life Photography Workshop $47.50
Thursday, December 12th, 2024 from 7-9:30 pm | Studio in Rochester, Michigan
    Sharp focus stack image of a flower
    Flowers in the studio!

     

    Join Bob for this training & shooting workshop!

    Follow this link to enroll and reserve your spot!

    Setting up and photographing still lifes and flowers are a great way to enjoy your photography at home.

    This studio workshop will start with Bob giving instruction on shooting under a variety of different lighting scenarios, then the group will be encouraged to create their own still life arrangements. Bob will have a variety of objects on-hand with which to play and create, and participants are encouraged to bring their own objects as well. The supplied props will include an array of fresh flowers, always a hit with photographers.

    Lillies light by a studio strobe.
    Photographed with a 70-200mm non-macro lens. Using the back edge of the studio light to avoid putting light on the wall.

     

    A macro lens is not required, bring what you have. You will be surprised at how close your current lenses will allow you to get. A tripod is very helpful, as is a remote release. If you have no tripod, contact us to see if we can help you out with a loaner tripod and plenty of technique tips. We also sell tripods and remote releases in the studio.

    We will create plenty of stations so everyone will be able to shoot without a long wait.

    What are Students Saying About Flower Photography?

    “I learned a lot about photographing flowers and lighting…also had a good time!” Gina

    “It was great! Bob was very helpful (as usual) and I learned a lot!” Priscilla

    Click on this LINK to enroll and reserve your place.

    FREE Equipment SALE and SWAP Event
    Saturday, December 14th 2024 FREE

    Click on this LINK to RSVP

     

     

    Studio Lighting kit
    Elinchrom D-Lite Softbox Kit

     

    I am an authorized retailer for numerous photography product lines including PeakDesign, Elinchrom, Tenba, Induro, Vü Filters, MagMod and many others. Since the pandemic, the number of workshops and attendees has dwindled so I am motivated to clear out the stock I have on hand to free up space and resources for other projects. You probably have equipment laying around that you haven’t touched for years and really should move along, and/or there is something you want that someone else may not be using. Join us on Saturday December 14th and see if there is a deal to be had.

     

    Click on this LINK to RSVP

    iPhone Photography Workshop – $47.50
    Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 | 7-9:30 PM | Rochester, Michigan Studio

    HERE is the LINK TO ENROLL.

    Photo of the camera lens part of iPhone
    Phone cameras are becoming increasingly better, and they are always with us.

     

    iPhone photography – Apple Cell phone cameras continue to get more and more advanced. If you have something other than an iPhone you are welcome to attend, but I know the iPhone camera system and supporting apps very well. I would have to poke around your operating system to figure out if your brand camera phone has similar functionality.

    This workshop will cover:

    • How to maximize the camera built into your phone;
    Screen shot of iPhone 12 camera with the quick access setting panel revealed.
    Camera phones have several different settings that we can quickly access to control the shape and appearance of our image.
    • Look at shooting apps designed to help you take your phone photography even further;
    Screen shot of a group of mobile phone apps.
    Slow Shutter makes capturing motion a joy on the phone.
    • Explore apps for editing your images after you have shot them and lastly;
    Pine tree detail shot taken by with an iPhone 6plus
    Shot on an iPhone 6plus and edited on the phone using SnapSeed
    • Lastly we will look at software programs designed to help you enlarge cellphone images so they can be printed at very respectable sizes. I have very successfully printed 20X30 inch canvas gallery wraps from cell phone cameras.

    To enroll click on the link and fill out the form.

    LINK

    What Workshops Interest You!
    Survey

      We are hoping to restart photography workshops and Photo Safari trips in 2021!  We are looking for your input on what interests you!  Photo Workshops are generally 2-3 hour workshops in our studio or in the Rochester / Metro Detroit area.  Photo Safaris are longer workshops – lasting 1-day to 7-10 days.  A 1-Day workshop in Metro Detroit is an awesome adventure that keeps the cost and time-investment very reasonable!  A slightly farther afield trip – say Northern Michigan fall color or Hocking Hills in Southern Ohio in Springtime – are generally a 3-Day Photo Safari.  7-10 Day trips involve flying, renting a vehicle, overnight stays, etc.  The Photo Safaris are an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Art of Photography.  They include one-on-one and group instruction.  Bob is there to help guide you throughout the experience.  The trips are all planned by Julie and Bob – hotel arrangements are all made, etc.  We make the experience a fun adventure!

      We are interested in creating a list of people interested in these types of Photo Adventures!  Please follow the link below to fill out our survey.  Please call us if you would like to discuss your ideas and suggestions.  Juliann – 248-495-1845.  Bob – 248-941-4859.  Here’s to Happy Photography Adventures in 2021 and beyond!

       

      https://GetShotByBob.17hats.com/p#/lcf/xkdbzvtsfrpnnvpnkfkvcwdzprhdpgvg

      Gift Certificates!
      Great Gift Ideas!

        Gift your family or friends with a Photography Workshop gift certificate!  It can be class specific or you can select any amount and the recipient can use it to attend workshops, private lessons or purchase photography gear!  Call us to learn more!

        Gift Certificates never expire.  Your receipt can determine how to use them – workshops, lessons or photo equipment.

         

        Juliann & Bob DiTommaso

        248-608-8563

        [email protected]

        Peak Design Cross Body Straps

          Peak Design creates innovative products.  Cross body straps, camera hand clutches and other options make carrying your equipment easier and better for your body!

          Bob sells the full line of Peak Design straps and bags.  Schedule an appointment to purchase these innovative products and make hauling your gear a little less stressful.

          Induro

            Induro is a premium tripod made with carbon fiber.  If you are looking for a light-weight solution for carrying your tripod, you may find the Induro products are for you!

            Schedule an appointment in the studio to “try on” the variety of tripods Bob has available for sale.  Like every other piece of camera equipment, your tripod will impact your photography results.  The carbon fiber Induro products was well made and light weight.  Come in and learn if this is the right tripod for you!

            Vü Filters

              Vu filters are made with high quality German schott glass.  They offer a wide variety of filters to meet your needs.  From UV filters that protect your camera lens through elaborate filter systems that can dramatically impact your image, the Vu Filter system helps you become your creative best!

              Schedule an appointment to learn which filters would help you most.  Bob also offers a photography workshop on Filters periodically throughout the year.

              Tripods

                I am an authorized Benro and Induro retailer. Contact me to schedule a no-charge personal tripod consultation. We price match on-line retailers like Amazon and B&H!

                I learned to shoot from a tripod. To this day, I shoot a significant portion of my work using a tripod. There are several benefits. Working from a tripod feels more purposeful, it requires that you slow down, and it affords you the opportunity to step back consider the scene, and determine if you are crafting the best possible image.

                Tripods come in a dizzying array of, sizes, materials, and price points.
                How do you begin to wade through all the choices? I would start by considering your budget. A good tripod will most likely outlast even the most active photographer, so think about this being a once-and-done type of purchase.

                When you start to research tripods you will find all serious brands provide load rating data as part of their specifications. You want to buy a tripod with sufficient design to properly hold your valuable equipment. The load ratings typically start around 15lbs and can range upwards of 80lbs. They are best viewed in relationship to each other, rather than as absolutes. If you have a consumer DSLR like a Canon Rebel or Nikon 3000/5000 series camera with the kit lenses then your gear is relatively light. An entry level tripod will most likely meet your needs. But, do you have your eye on that next level camera and a few more lenses? If you think you are eventually liable to move up to a larger camera and lenses I would buy more tripod than you need today, and plan to grow into it.

                Once you decide on a load range that you feel is right for you, the next consideration is material. Aluminum is most common. I have owned several wonderful aluminum tripods over the years. On the plus side, aluminum is relatively light weight and inexpensive. On the down side, it transmits vibration more readily than other materials, and it can get quite cold in winter climates. Conversely, carbon fiber is superior at dampening vibration, is extremely light weight, doesn’t get as cold if you will be working outdoors in winter conditions, but it can run 3 times the cost of a comparable aluminum tripod.

                A properly fit tripod should be a comfortable working height without having to raise the center column. A significant part of the benefit of using a tripod stems from the stability provide by those three legs. As soon as you raise that center column you lose much of that stability. Just like load rating data, most tripod manufacturers provide specifications on their websites. Be sure you are reading the information correctly. Often the maximum height specification is with the column UP. Look for the height with the column in the down position. The other two considerations to keep in mind when reviewing height data is the closed height, and the minimum height. Closed height can be important if you plan to travel by plane and want to know if it will fit in your luggage. The minimum height specification will let you know how close to the ground you would be able to work.