I learned long ago in my scrapbooking career that good pictures are important. As I design pages, especially for catalog work, if I don’t already have the “right” picture, I will take the right picture. Since I can’t afford to have my favorite photographers take ALL my pictures (darn it), that has fostered a desire on my part to become a better photographer.
A few years ago, I bought my first shiny new DSLR camera. It was beautiful! And, even on auto mode it took better pictures than my point & shoot. And, I loved not having to anticipate a kick in Neal’s soccer games. Ah, the freedom! But, I started realizing that even though it was a huge step up, I still ended up with pictures with faces in the shadows, etc.
I had this powerful camera and I wasn’t using it to its full potential. On the recommendation of my cute sister-in-law, I bought this fabulous book: Understanding Exposure. It’s fabulous, I read the whole thing, took notes in the margins, but I was confused. About this time my friend, Natalie, suggested we take a class from Pictureline. We had a great time and for a couple of years, a group of us took a class once a month. I learned a lot thanks to tour amazing teacher, Sasha.
I now shoot in manual mode 99% of the time and will even use RAW. I can tell a HUGE difference in my pictures. But lately I’ve been feeling the urge to get better. Isn’t this what we do in this life? Step-by-step, line by line, precept upon precept improve ourselves?
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ENTER Big Picture Classes:
Mastering Manual Mode with Elisha Snow
I’m enrolled in this 8 week course and THRILLED beyond words! I’m so excited to refresh my knowledge and take my skills to the next level – AND just in time for Christmas!
Here’s where it gets good for you – REALLY GOOD! My friends at Big Picture Classes have given me the opportunity to have one of YOU join me – on the house!
That’s right. One of you, my friends, will get to take this $139 class for FREE!
Mastering Manual Mode: Reaching your full potential as a photographer
8-week workshop taught by Elisha Snow valued at $139
10/25/2012-12/19/2012
http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/masteringmanual.php
About the class: You've finally purchased that fancy digital SLR camera and have started shooting pictures in auto mode. You've probably been amazed at the difference in quality, speed and clarity in comparison to that old point-and-shoot, right? If you haven't taken your DSLR camera out of auto mode, then this class is for you! There's so much you can do with your camera, so get ready to be amazed!
In this 8-week class, you'll learn how to reach your full potential in digital SLR photography — exploring what you can do in program, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and other creative modes. You'll learn exactly what ISO, shutter speed and aperture mean individually and how they work together to create that perfect photo. You'll delve into white balance settings and focus modes, and learn more about camera equipment, accessories and lenses. You'll get a refresher on some basic (but important!) composition tips and discover some fun and amazing photo techniques that Elisha has amassed throughout her own learning adventures.
Read rest of description and register here
New to Big Picture Classes? Learn more here
http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/howitworks.php
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Giveaway Info: The class starts on October 25. That means this giveaway is going to be a quick one!
Leave a comment on this blog post by midnight on Tuesday, October 23, 2012. I’ll randomly select one lucky commenter to take the class with me! I’ll email the winner, so be sure to fill in your email information when you leave your comment. (To be fair, please only enter if you have or have access to a DSLR camera)
If you are not the lucky winner, I hope you will look into joining us! You will love the freedom and creativity that comes with understanding what your camera can do!
I will be sure to share my assignments and progress with you. There are some pre class photos I need to take this weekend.
p.s. Look at the other Big Picture Classes. They have a great variety!



I'd love to take this class but funds won't allow it. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Tracy
Posted by: Tracy Bohman | October 23, 2012 at 10:51 PM
Elisha is amazing, her photography is well composed and beautiful! What an awesome opportunity. I love my DSLR, and most of the time I feel like I could use some coaching to take things to the next level.
Posted by: Janette Childs | October 22, 2012 at 08:36 PM
OMGosh - I have wanted to "master manual-mode" for months and just haven't had the opportunity or funds to do it. Thanks so much for this chance!!!
Posted by: Heather | October 22, 2012 at 12:42 PM
Ooh, me, me, me please! I so could use this class and learn how to use my camera properly!Keeping my fingers crossed! Thanks for the chance!
Posted by: Melinda T | October 21, 2012 at 03:36 PM
This is exactly what I need! Thank you for introducing me to these classes, so that even if I don't win I can start saving for a class soon!
Posted by: Lisel Zito | October 21, 2012 at 01:27 PM
I would love to learn how to use my camera! I hope I win!
Posted by: Heather Blood | October 21, 2012 at 12:04 AM
I would LOVE to win a seat in this class. One of my major creative goals is to be a better photographer. Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Kimberly Kalil | October 20, 2012 at 09:31 PM
I swear I posted an entry and I do not see it now. I Hope that I win!!! I have missed Sashas classes and this would be great !!!
Posted by: natalie lyman | October 20, 2012 at 06:13 AM
I would just love to win this!!! I just recently got my first DSLR. I really would love to learn manual. I live in Okinawa and I really want to capture our time here. This class is just what I need!
Posted by: Shannon H. | October 19, 2012 at 07:27 PM
i would love to win this, what an amazing class, I have been enviously eyeing Elisha's classes for so long!!
Posted by: ruth | October 19, 2012 at 06:46 PM
I really need this class!
Posted by: conniemelancon | October 19, 2012 at 06:21 PM
Oh, what a great giveaway. I took one of Elisha's classes in January. She was such an inspiration. This class has been on my wish list. Thanks for a chance to win.
Posted by: Linda M. | October 19, 2012 at 05:02 PM
Oh how fun! I just got a new Canon t2i and I have no idea how to use it properly!! Would love to take the class with you!
Posted by: Lisa Spiegel | October 19, 2012 at 04:23 PM
This would be a fun class to take!
Posted by: Kasey | October 19, 2012 at 02:36 PM
This is like a dream come true...... I have a DSLR but am so afraid to take it out of auto because I do not want to ruin a great photo op..... PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Natalie Weaver | October 19, 2012 at 02:25 PM
I love how well my DSLR shoots in auto, but I do feel guilty that I don't really know how to shoot in manual. I could use a class like this to get me in gear and help me stop procrastinating on learning manual.
Posted by: Angela Fehr | October 19, 2012 at 01:58 PM
I, like you, am very comfortable with my DSLR and although I feel like I take great pictures, i would love the opportunity to take it to the next level. What more can I say but pick me, pickeme:-). I would love the port unity should it present itself. Thank you for the consideration and the potential opportunity to make the memories not only for me, my family and friends, fantastic.
Posted by: John Peebler | October 19, 2012 at 01:53 PM
I need this!!!!!
Posted by: Melissa | October 19, 2012 at 12:18 PM