Learning to See

Four full action-­packed days that will change the way you think about photography. Forever.

Do you ever look at your images and think:

• What am I missing?
• Where is the depth; the dimension?
• How do I get these to POP?
• How do others get their images to look like that?
• How can I go from blah to rock-n-roll?

All great photographic images begin with certain principles at the foundation. If you want to rise above the rest, you need to understand WHAT these are, WHY they are important, and HOW they affect your images. Then you need to learn how to master them and make them work for you.

In this educational and entertaining class, you will spend four explosive days with Jim and David learning tips and techniques that will change the way you approach your photography, which will directly and immediately affect the quality of the work you provide for your clients. And your clients will notice, too. After this, you will see the difference between the OLD YOU and the NEW YOU when it comes to your photographic superpowers! And you will blow everyone away.

In this class, using models and real environments, we cover and practice hands-on and in-depth:

• How to SEE and USE light to its fullest extent; strobes, natural, and mixed
• Painting with light. Have you ever done that???
• Technical stuff, like lighting patterns and ratios: when to use what – and how
• Studying light to bring out form and texture
• Effective positioning and posing
• How to use composition to create some powerful stuff
• How to pre-visualize your images so you get the results you want
• How to do all this using your camera instead of Photoshop

BUT, we don’t want to leave our friend Photoshop behind. Oh no, we still have a job for that. So we will ALSO cover and practice hands-on and in-depth:

• How to use Photoshop as a tool and not a crutch
• Ways to use Photoshop to create images your competition can’t. So there.
• Creating your own brushes from your own images
• Individual instruction based on YOUR personal needs. How sweet is that?
• Plenty, and we mean PLENTY, of practice time. During this week, the hours on the clock don’t mean a lot to us. We are there as long as YOU are there. No joke.

Additionally, we will also give you ideas on how to make more money by adding simple products your clients never knew you had (and neither did you). To stand out from the crowd, you HAVE to offer more than just prints these days. Come on, you knew this! But we have secrets and we are willing to share.

And finally, to top the week off, we will send you home with a slideshow of the images that were created by the class members during the week. How’s THAT for inspiration?

So, come and learn ways to set yourself apart from the snap-shot shooters. But be sure to bring your camera, your laptop computer, and a flash drive for assignments you will complete during this workshop, because you will be dizzy with knowledge and inspiration at the end of every single day.

David M. Deutsch, M.Photog.,Cr,

In today’s digital era, it is increasingly important to recognize the difference between a “picture taker” and a true artist. With almost 30 years of training as a professional photographer, David has established himself as a true artist. His unique balance of edgy and classic style gives David an artistic advantage, enabling him to capture and create memories that other photographers may never dream of creating in their career.

He believes that artistic photographic images go beyond being in the right place at the right time. They should not only be technically excellent, but should evoke emotion and feeling as well. Creating these images requires the proper technique, experience, and most of all, talent. Through the proper use of light, shadow, and positioning, just to name a few, David blends all of the elements with a remarkable eye for detail and a level of excellence that far exceeds many standards of today’s photographic industry. The result is timeless art that clients will cherish for generations to come.

David Deutsch holds the degrees of Master of Photography, Photographic Craftsman, and Certified Professional Photographer. The Imaging Excellence award through Professional Photographers of America has been presented to less than one percent of the organization’s members world-wide; David is one of the few who hold this distinction. In addition, he has been named Photographer of the Year over seven times, and is a recipient of the Fuji Masterpiece and Kodak Gallery awards.

David’s images have been displayed all over the world and have been published in numerous books and magazines. Most recently, his image “Contemporary Classic” was selected for the cover of the PPA Showcase book.

James Churchill, M.Photog.,Cr,

A man inspired by fine art, music and culture, Jim strives to go beyond the tangible in his craft. Photography is something he has pursued his entire life. Jim’s photographic chronicles began in small town Maine, where he was born. Those serene beginnings serve as a reminder of his great love for the outdoors. Growing up surrounded by a beautiful coastal panorama and inspired by a plethora of scenic overtures, he refined the qualities that shine through in his artwork today.

Jim’s true passion for taking pictures began in high school and continued into the service, where he served his country for six years in the United States Army. The word “cannot” has never been in his vocabulary. Jim’s strong conviction that he can accomplish what he sets his mind to has served him well. He began entering in his first print competitions in 1996. Jim’s journey to achieving the esteemed title, Master of Photography was completed in 2001, with his Craftsman degree following close behind in 2002.

The power of teaching is a belief that bears a great deal of significance in Jim’s life. He invests a great deal of time with his fellow photographers. Jim believes that this fundamental contribution is the key to strengthening and enriching the photographic community at large.

Jim has received the Fuji Masterpiece and Kodak Gallery awards on several occasions. He has had numerous images accepted into the PPA Loan collection, Showcase collection, as well as the American Society of Photographers’ (ASP) Traveling Loan collection. Jim is also the recipient of the ASP Regional Medallion. Jim’s images have also been on display at the Imaging Korea convention.