AVAILABLE CLASSES

Digital Basics (Free with camera purchase)

Do you have a digital camera and want to know more about what it can do? If you would like to use your camera to its potential, this free one-hour seminar can help you. We’ll talk about the advantages of digital photography, some common terms, storage media, printing and about some simple programs to play with and manipulate your images.

Beyond Digital Basics (Free with camera purchase)

This class is a continuation of our Digital Basics class. In this class we will get further into the basic operations of your camera. Topics include, how to shoot in continuous mode, using face recognition, recording video and some of the extra features on most cameras. We are taking the next step with your digital camera in hopes of getting the best possible photographs from your digital camera.

DSLR Concepts

Cost: $69  Length: 2 hours

If you have owned your DSLR camera for awhile, perhaps taken the camera specifi c class on it, and still wonder how to put all of its functions to best use, this is the class to take. Most SLR cameras have the same functions and operations options. The objective of this class is to help you achieve the best photo without having to ‘repair’ it with a manipulation program. This class will help you understand how to use the settings in your camera to solve some of the common picture taking problems encountered when using the Automatic modes. Topics will include, improving your shooting techniques, depth-of-fi eld, when to use the Priority settings, when Manual might be the best option, selecting ISO values to improve your shooting options, using your light meter controls to improve on your exposures, and how White Balance can improve your photos. Lense choices and fl ash uses will also be covered. This class is for the DSLR or fi lm SLR owner who is comfortable locating the various functions and settings on the camera. If you have not taken the camera specifi c class on your camera, it is recommended that you do prior to taking this class. Bring your camera and fully charged battery or spares as well as the manual and any lenses you might have to this two-hour class.

Portrait Photography

Cost: $69  Length: 2 hours

Taught by Creve Coeur Camera’s Class Instruction who has over 10 years professional portrait photography experience, this class is for anyone who has a desire to improve their efforts when making portraits. We’ll discuss lenses, apertures, depth-of-field, equipment, and posing and lighting techniques. This is a class which owners of SLR type cameras will find most useful; however, some of the smaller point-and-shoot type cameras are often capable of making portraits as well.

Studio Lighting

Cost: $69  Length: 2 hours

This class will cover the basics of Studio Lighting and how to get the most out of your lighting equipment. Topics will include, how to get a more professional look with your studio lights, how to recognize good lighting and light modifiers. The class will be held in our studio classroom located in the front of Creve Coeur store. Lighting will be provided and photographs will be taken during the class to show you a live ‘mock photo shoot’. Bring your camera and a fully charged battery to the class

Understanding Your Electronic Flash

Cost: $69  Length: 2 hours

Do you have an External Flash or are you thinking about getting one? Well this two-hour seminar will help you take advantage of the many features your flash has so that you can improve your everyday photographs. We will discuss how to use bounce flash, remote flash, and the different modes within your flash. Did you know that your flash will help you auto focus in low light conditions? In our Electronic Flash class we’ll discuss all the advantages of your external flash!

F/Stops — Huh?

Cost: $69  Length: 2 hours

Whether you have a film or a digital camera, the principles are the same. In this class, we’ll explain the relationship between f/stops, shutter speeds, depth of field and how to make them improve your images. Knowing when to change your ISO vs. your shutter speed or aperture setting is the first step to getting the best pictures in any situation. This is a class for anyone who has an SLR (single lens reflex) style camera with interchangeable lenses. Bring your camera, lenses, fully charged batteries and if you are brave enough, examples of your successes or failures.

Photographing Children

Cost: $69 Length: 2 hours

This new class focuses on capturing children in all the situations you may find them in. Whether it be a birthday party, sporting event, or just around the house. We want to help you pick the proper settings on your camera in order to prevent your photos from coming out blurry or just a moment too late. In this class we will discuss your focusing options, your drive modes, and how to pick the proper location and poses for your photographs. There are a few simple steps you can take to improve your pictures immediately and we are here to inform you of them. Bring your camera with a fully charged battery and we’ll get started on better photos of your children.

Sports photography (SLR)

Cost: $69 Length: 2 hours

You purchased a great SLR camera so you could capture the sporting events your family is involved in, but the results are less than pleasing. This class is for you! We’ll go through the functions and settings on your digital SLR and show you which ones will help you improve the results. We will cover settings such as ISO, white balance, the relationship between shutter speeds and apertures, and depth of-field. Preventing blurred images is the name of the game when it comes to Sports Photography and we will show you how to use your camera’s settings to prevent these undesired photos. The various choices in lenses can make a difference in your photos and we will go over the best options for your type of sporting event.

Macro Photography

Cost: $69 Length: 2 hours

This class will discuss the all the ways to get the best macro photographs. We will discuss the different lens choices, focusing, composure and many other topics involved with macro photography. There will be photographs taken during the class to show you what techniques work best in the Macro world. Bring your camera and any macro equipment you have with you. A macro lens is not required for this class.

Night Photography

Cost: $69 Length: 2 hours

Photographing at night can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding times to take pictures. Our night photography class will discuss the use of tripods, using slower shutter speeds, tips and tricks for photographing at night as well as using alternative sources of light. Come join us in our Night Photography class to learn how to take some of the most creative and inspiring photos with your very own camera. Tripods are highly recommended and we encourage you to bring lighting sources such as an external flash, flashlight, glow sticks and anything else you can think of that can illuminate your photos at night.

Photoshop Elements

Cost: $99  Length: 4 hours (2 classes, 2 hours each)

In the first two hour session, using our in-class computers, we’ll go over the tools, photo enhancements, and selecting within an image. Using a pre-chosen set of common problem pictures, you will see what these tools can do. We will also briefly discuss organizing your photos within Photoshop Elements. In the second two-hour class, we will continue to expand on using the tools in the program and explore such options as layers, the many different ways to retouch your photos as well as making composite images. We will spend time learning about color correction and some of the magical changes you can perform with this program. Class limit of 12.

Pre-requisite: Understanding of basic PC and Windows computer operations, and the Digital Basics seminar.

Wedding Photography for the Beginner

Cost: $129  Length: 4 hours (2 classes, 2 hrs. each)

If you have been asked to photograph a friend or relative’s wedding and this is your first time attempting to do this, come to this two-part, four hour class for an introduction to the procedures, techniques and equipment which you will need to shoot a wedding. Discussion will include: what equipment to use, the general outline of the events which typically occur during a wedding, how to work with the other service providers and what finished products you might consider offering the couple. Also included in the discussion will be the reasons why you must have a contract as well as dealing diplomatically with awkward situations which may occur. You must have at least one adjustable SLR camera (Single Lens Reflex camera) to attend this class and more than one lens is desirable. An extensive handout is included with this class, which includes an event outline and a suggested photo list.

Class size limited to 15.

Photoshop CS5

Cost: $99  Length: 4 hours (2 classes, 2 hours each)

Take your Photoshop skills to the next level in our Photoshop CS5 class. In this intermediate level class we will cover a lot of the keyboard shortcuts, expand your knowledge about layers, take advantage of using actions as well as learn how to batch process files. Taking advantage of the time saving features in CS5 can speed up your workflow exponentially. The class is open to anyone using Photoshop CS and above. If you are new to Photoshop, the Photoshop Elements class is recommended before taking the Photoshop CS5 class.

Class limit of 12.

Pre-requisite: Understanding of basic PC and Windows computer operations, and the Digital Basics seminar

The St. Louis Zoo Field Trip

Cost: $99  Length: 6 hours (3 sessions, 2 days)

A three session photography experience, this field trip is primarily geared to SLR camera users. On a Thursday before Saturday’s field trip, we’ll meet in the classroom to discuss camera techniques and lenses. Composition, focusing, the use of available lighting, as well as tips and strategies for making sharper photos, will also be addressed. On a Saturday we’ll meet at the zoo for a two/three hour shooting spree where you will use these new techniques. After lunch (on your own), we’ll meet again in the Creve Coeur Camera Classroom to view and critique the images made during the photo safari, to answer questions and help solve problems. Class size limited to 20 attendees over the age of 18. A good understanding of camera operations is required. Cost of class includes a print card from Creve Coeur Camera for $25 worth of enlargements or prints from your day. Prepayment is required.

Workshop: Portrait Studio Lighting

Cost: $200  Length: 5 hours (lunch included)*

Introducing our new studio workshop series! Come to our Creve Coeur location to go through the entire process of shooting in a photographic studio. We will discuss various lighting styles and techniques, preparation, camera settings, lighting accessories and posing. Live models and lunch will be provided over this 5-hour session. If you have or are considering setting up a studio in your home, this is the class for you! Bring your DSLR camera and lenses for use with our lighting systems and live models. This class is limited to 15 attendees.

Workshop: Lemp Mansion Model Photography

Cost: $200  Length: 5 hours (lunch included)*

Join us for a 5 hour workshop series where you can learn how to shoot models. Topics discussed will include use of light, reflectors, posing, using studio lights on location, the advantages of external flashes and getting the most out of your portrait sessions. We will provide lunch as well as live models to photograph throughout the workshop. Our Portrait workshop is designed around you taking control of your camera and making the best of the lighting you have to use. Start making photographs instead of taking them! This class is limited to 8 attendees.