Photographers of the Washington/Baltimore Metro Area

How do you capture the essence of a person in a single image? How can you manipulate light to produce an emotional response from the viewer? And, how do you evoke genuine expressions from your subject? In this hands-on portraiture class, we will explore it all.

We will cover the technical elements, as well as the motivation and the artistry, involved in producing meaningful portraits. Most importantly, we will explore how the collaborative relationship between subject and photographer can produce stunning results.

Join us and unleash your creativity, and learn how to produce high-quality, aesthetically pleasing portraits that leave a lasting impression.

Baseline camera settings for portraiture* (ISO, f/stop, shutter speed)

Composition techniques to enhance your images (hand placement, camera angle, filling the frame)

The do's and don'ts of posing to bring out the best in your subjects

Evoking genuine expressions to add emotion and depth to your portraits

Skillful control of light to achieve the desired mood and ambiance

Harnessing the power of natural window light for captivating portraits

Using continuous studio lights for seamless professional results

Techniques for manipulating shadows to achieve the desired effect

Correcting White Balance using a gray card in Lightroom for precise color accuracy

Unlock your true potential as a portrait photographer and create stunning images that stand out from the crowd.

*Participants will get the most out of this class if they have a solid understanding of exposure basics and are comfortable working in either Aperture Priority mode or Manual mode.

Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

Go beyond the basics and take your skills to the next level. If you've got a good handle on exposure basics and are comfortable with setting Aperture, Shutter and ISO, then maybe it's time to build on that foundation and develop additional skills.

Once we can master the technical skills, we can free our minds to be more creative and intentional with our photography. This class will help you understand the powerful tools available to you to make your exposures stronger. That in turn, allows you to more easily tap into your the right side of our brain for more imaginative images.

Topics include:

Equivialent Exposures - achieve a different "look" by changing exposure settings without changing the brightness of an image.

Exposure Bracketing - what it is, why to use it, how to set it on your camera, and how to process a bracketed set of images.

Histograms - A powerful tool to evaluate your exposures before leaving the scene.

Metering Modes - understand how your camera reads and measures light.

Filters including Polarizers and Neutral Density filters - what they do and when and how to use them.

Hyperfoal Distance - Where to focus to acheive more sharpness throughout the scene.

Workflow Demonstration - Downloading, organizing (with Lightroom) and a popular image back up plan.
Bring your camera to the class to find some of the settings that will be discussed. This class is designed for DLSR and Mirrorless cameras with manual exposure settings.

This is not a beginner class, participants should be familiar with setting exposures and understand the role of ISO, Aperture and Shutter. They should be using either Aperture Mode, Shutter Mode or Manual Mode. If you are not stong with these settings then consider taking the Photo Basics-Getting Off Auto class first.

Questions about this class can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com

This hands-on class will explore the unique aspects of the street photography genre. Michael Koren will be your guide as you create compelling photographs that go beyond the ordinary snapshot.

Street photography is very popular now more than ever because photographers have access to high-quality cameras in mobile phones and smaller high-resolution digital cameras. A camera’s ease of access and proliferation raises the issues of ethics and privacy in public places and the difference between a snapshot and a street photograph.

The group will photograph outdoors around the White House and Lafayette Park area where you’ll create photographs that demonstrate your personal vision while using your own gear optimized for street photography.

Topics include:

Proper techniques and settings for street photography

Pro tips and techniques for capturing compelling images

Create captivating images using anticipation, patience, composition, and visualization

Hands-on image capture

Privacy and ethics concerning street photography
Image review and feedback

Prior to the class participants will be sent the link to a recording that Michael has prepared providing tips and proven techniques for street photography.

Recommended gear: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual exposure controls and lenses in the range of 28mm - 70mm. Smartphone’s are welcome too.

Questions about this class can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

iPhone Photography in the Vineyard
There’s nothing prettier that a beautiful vineyard in the fall! Join Marie Joabar at renown Breaux Vineyard for a hands-on Smartphone Photography class.

Unleash the power of your phone camera! Learn camera settings and the hidden tools for capturing every day snaps as well as for more creative images.

Marie will also cover exciting ways to edit your photos as well as proven composition tips to capture stronger images.

Topics Covered:
Capture

Getting more out of the shooting modes - Portrait, Pano, Time Lapse, Cinema, Night and more

The features and benefits of using Portrait mode

When and why to use Live mode and some hidden settings that make it extra fun

Choosing what to expose for and adjusting exposure to brighten or darken

Using gridlines for compositional framing

How to achieve sharp focus and
Tips for zooming while capturing

Editing

Editing images with native camera editing tools to include; color, contrast, lightening shadows, cropping and more

Adjusting focus after-the-fact with Portrait Mode images

Filters for creative editing

Removing objects from images (this may not be available on all smartphones

Composition Tips and Photo Management

Tips for better compositions and storytelling and how to frame striking images
Note - The training (and notes) will be based on an iPhone. Android user are welcome and should have the same settings but they may be in a different place than the iPhones

Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.