Workshop Info
I stick with what I know best, the things I really like to talk about: CAMERAS, IMAGES, and WORKFLOW. That's it. I've been a perfectionist and control freak in these areas for many years. I memorize every menu option on my cameras, and shoot with BOTH Nikon and Canon. I brutally self-critique my images and delete them if I know I can do better. And, clicking over 100,000 frames per year and processing over 20,000 per year, I'm constantly in search of the ultimate workflow...
I love to help other photographers master their equipment, or train their eyes to SEE great images, OR... (sometimes most importantly) ...avoid burnout by saving time and avoiding frustration on the computer.
I don't believe we can master something overnight or in the course of a 1-day, 3 hr workshop. I dunno about you, but everything *I* learned about photography came from lots of practice, frequent critiques, and the REPETITION of a few other things. I think the best way to truly learn and master something is through continued contact, Q&A sessions, and personal feedback / assistance.
So with everything I do, my main goal is to connect AND stay in touch. Workshops are kept small and you're encouraged to re-attend future dates, free of charge. And of course I eat written questions for breakfast, so email me any time! ...If this all sounds like a good investment to you, I hope to see you soon!
WORKSHOP CATEGORIES:
This workshop is all about cameras and the critical controls that will allow you to achieve consistent quality in your images. You've GOT to know your camera like the back of your hand, whether you like to shoot low-light action or f/1.2 portraits... Beginners, amateurs and professionals are all welcome to attend. We'll sit down with our cameras and chat about all the buttons / dials / switches and customization settings. We'll apply these things to the real world, so you can get amazing results consistently. Workshops are usually held in Orange County, 3-4 hours of hands-on discussion and Q&A. Some workshops may be held at public events such as air shows to provide a specific technical challenge... Portrait-specific photo shoots are available upon request.
Cost: $55 - $95
This is where it all comes together- making your images stand on their own two feet from the moment you click them. There are so many factors that can make or break your image at the moment the shutter is clicked- the focus and exposure, of course, but also the white balance, as well as the picture style and in-camera contrast, saturation, hue, sharpening, etc. etc.
Learn how to understand light and accurately set your white balance. (Hint: I bought one of those expensive WB tools, and haven't used it in years!) Learn how to understand color and skin tone, and how to shoot JPG *or* RAW images that look great on the back of your camera AND on the computer. (Click here for a sample of "SOOC" images) Both Nikon and Canon users are welcome, as well as any others. This workshop focuses on portraiture and skin tones, but covers in-camera processing and light / exposure in general...
Cost: $145
• Natural Light Portraits - (Workshops Nov 14 & Jan 30; click for details)
Being able to see (and then capture) beautiful light is surely *THE* most important visionary skill for both hobbyist and professional photographers. (In addition to posing etc. if you shoot portraits) Chances are you've been in situations where you don't have the time to set up a flash, or have an assistant to hold your reflectors, etc... This workshop follows the notion that "there is no such thing as bad light", and explores how to MAKE gorgeous images wherever you happen to be, even without "tools"... Workshops are usually on-location around Orange County, 3-4 hours shooting plus an optional lunch / dinner chat session.
We will also touch on the subject of in-camera processing (colors, skin tones, etc.) as the shooting conditions allow. If enough attendees are interested, the workshops' main emphasis can be focused on in-camera colors, skin tones, and getting awesome natural light portraits whether you shoot JPG *or* RAW...
Cost: $95
The "workflowshop" is a 2-part workflow coaching experience that can help you if you feel frustrated or disheartened about photography because of the daunting task of sorting, photoshopping, and sharing the photos you click. If you look at other people's digital images and always wonder how they produce so many pictures that ALL look so clear and crisp, then this workshop is for you. Whether you're just starting out with digital photography and workflow, or are an advanced professional in search of workflow nirvana, private sessions will focus on your own personal workflow, and official workshop dates will focus on general workflow guidance.
Attendees may schedule consultations as often as my schedule allows, first come first serve. (On average we can cover *EVERYTHING* with 1-3 appointments) Attendees are also welcome to re-attend official workshop dates as well.
Cost: $225
If you're still hungry for more, private coaching sessions or portfolio assessments can be scheduled 3-5 weeks in advance, on a first come first serve basis. I regularly consult with photographers privately on the subjects of basic / advanced workflow, in-camera processing, (JPG and/or RAW colors) ...and portfolio building / artistic style. On-location photo shoots are also available for private assistance, on the subjects of natural light and wireless flash, or in-camera JPG / RAW processing settings.
Cost: $225 and $450
Take care!
=Matt=
(By the way, this image was made by putting my camera on a tripod, opening the shutter for a really long time, and then running around with a flashlight! (My wife's name is Joy...) :-D I love to get together and just shoot for fun. If you're in the Orange County area, follow me on Facebook or Twitter. If I'm going out to shoot landscapes, or to practice portraits with a friend / model, I'll usually give a heads-up and would love to meet other photographers!