Canon Live Learning

[Kevin W]

I am new to the world of DSLR. I came across a workshop that Canon does. Anyone ever been?

If so what did you thing?

Worth the money?

Thank You
Kevin

[Picture North Carolina]

I am new to the world of DSLR. I came across a workshop that Canon does. Anyone ever been?

If so what did you thing?

Worth the money?

Thank You
Kevin

Post a link that shows info about the courses, outlines and instructors.

[WaltA]

This one ? ...

http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=2068

[Kevin W]

Yep.....that's the one Walt

[bsaber]

I've thought about going to one of these. I would like to know if it's worth it too.

[WaltA]

This is the first I heard of it and, of course, most of them are too far away for me. Didn't see any on the West Coast that I could get to easily.

Looks pretty good to me though. I too would be interested in any responses from anyone taking them.

[chauncey]

Just stumbled across this thread and it made me angry...Ya buy their gear and they charge you for lessons on using it. Kinda ballsy.

[gooble]

Just stumbled across this thread and it made me angry...Ya buy their gear and they charge you for lessons on using it. Kinda ballsy.

??? Not sure if you're joking or not. Do you expect free training with a purchase? Are there any other industries or consumer products where that is customary? I can't think of any. You don't HAVE to pay them for anything if you don't want to.

I went to one of thes in Phoenix, AZ given by Douglas Kirkland. It was pretty well done. He was an interesting guy with a great history in photography. It was mainly part discussion of his beginning and work and then they had three or four models that he shot pictures of live and he would discuss what he's doing and why and the pictures would pop up on the big screen so people could see as he shot.

Except for a techinical glitch with the computer and wireless feed of his images it was good. I didn't learn much technical from it as I already was familiar with the techniques he used but he was interesting and fun to watch how he interacted with the models and assistant.

The seimnar was $45.00 and they gave out $45 vouchers good towards the purchase of a Canon product at the camera shop that sponsored the event. So basically the event was free as I applied the voucher to a camera battery that I wanted to buy anyway.

Edit: I think each one of these workshops is different depending on the photographer conducting it so the best thing to do is find one that interests you; either the photographer or their topic.

[Fut]

I wouldn't bother with the training, this forum has loads of info and it's usually very helpfull if you have questions or need a bit of advice.

[timnosenzo]

Depends on the workshop I'm sure, but I attended a EOS Speedlite Workshop with Bob Davis, and it was VERY informative. I've done a few other portrait/lighting workshops, but this one was definitely the best. I'd recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about the Canon Speedlite system.

[WaltA]

I wouldn't bother with the training, this forum has loads of info and it's usually very helpfull if you have questions or need a bit of advice.

Not taking anything away from this forum - I think one-on-one training with a photographer out on a shoot is far different from asking a question on POTN.

[egordon99]

Tell me about it....I spend $2K on a Martin guitar and they won't come to my house and give me private guitar lessons....

:rolleyes:

Just stumbled across this thread and it made me angry...Ya buy their gear and they charge you for lessons on using it. Kinda ballsy.

[WaltA]

I don't get it, I spend thousands of dollars on Windows software and ....

Sorry Chauncey, just had to chime in here. ;)

[chauncey]

:lol: just realized that I forgot to add the smiley. :lol:

Given my reputation...wouldn't have thought it was needed though.

[egordon99]

:D Glad you were joking....I know this is the "entitlement" generation, so I thought folks actually expected something like this ;)

:lol: just realized that I forgot to add the smiley. :lol:

Given my reputation...wouldn't have thought it was needed though.

[WaltA]

But getting back to the original post, it seems to me its very difficult trying to get serious about photography training.

On my part, "Advanced" is too advanced, "Beginner" is too limited and Intermediate is - well, generic. Trying to get training (or even buy books) that meets my "exact" needs is difficult.

Most local photography courses start with "This is a digital camera" so where do you go if you are an amateur (although experienced in film and P&S and digital) who wants to expand his understanding of exposure and lighting?

[gooble]

But getting back to the original post, it seems to me its very difficult trying to get serious about photography training.

On my part, "Advanced" is too advanced, "Beginner" is too limited and Intermediate is - well, generic. Trying to get training (or even buy books) that meets my "exact" needs is difficult.

Most local photography courses start with "This is a digital camera" so where do you go if you are an amateur (although experienced in film and P&S and digital) who wants to expand his understanding of exposure and lighting?

I kind of agree.

The Canon workshop/seminar (I don't know if it really was a workshop as the attendees had no hands on) with Douglas Kirkland was semi advanced. He shot models against a white BG and sometimes used 3 to 4 lights with softbox and umbrellas. He showed how to light the BG and make it anywhere from completely white to black.

I was already familiar with the techniques so didn't learn much there. I did enjoy watching him work though, and how he interacted with his assistant and the model.

I did feel though that less experienced photogs would have been overwhelmed and more experienced photogs would not get much out of it.