Mike's Camera | 5 Session Modular Critique Workshop

The Modular Critique Workshops are designed to give aspiring photographers a sound mechanical photographic foundation. The Modular Critique Workshops are designed to explore new photographic topics accelerate learning and improve your photography in a short period of time, in a rigorous and engaging curriculum.

Who Should Attend

Beginners and Intermediate Digital SLR enthusiasts who are looking for an advanced photography salon environment with a twist of lecture and critique and a desire to reach beyond their current abilities should attend. This five-session class will improve your photographic skills and push you to capitalize on your existing abilities. The program will encompass an overview of exposure; shutter speed, aperture, ISO and color balance, followed by composition and creative techniques. Within the ten weeks program, group as well as individual projects will be assigned that will challenge your abilities, further your experience and understanding and improve the outcome in your photography.

Education & Critique

Through an approach of presenting a new lecture topic for each module, a basic foundation of photographic skills is developed and built upon. Each lecture is followed by a critique of the students’ work. In turn, each student will progress in learning new concepts at a rapid rate. Participants will contribute in the topics of the following modules, and as such, each subsequent module will be tailored to address the interests expressed and identified by the group.

Each of these workshops will present a unique opportunity to experience photography instruction and critique in a very hands-on and intimate approach. 16- 8x10 Prints for critiques are included in the tuition price.

Program Sequence

Session 1- The Basics of Photography Expanded

The first session will cover topics including Aperture, Shutter Speed and Film Speed, as well as an aesthetic understanding of composition and seeing and understanding light.

Session 2- Perspectives

The second session will be dedicated to examining and understanding perspective and looking through and understanding different lenses: wide angle, normal and telephoto. Color theory and the importance of color and the moods color represent in photography will be discussed.

Session 3- Macro Photography

The third session will comprise of overview of the tools of macro photography. Macro lenses, extension tubes, and close up filters will be explored. The apparatus of macro photography will be integrated with the specific importance of background composition and depth of field for macro success.

Session 4- The Decisive Moment

Brian’s will showcase his favorite photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson who is best known for his term “The Decisive Moment.” Henri Cartier-Bresson’s long passion for photography will be explored with a slide presentation of his Life’s accomplishment and also a compilation of video interviews where he discusses his work and theories.

Session 5- The Final Critique and Gallery Show & Reception

This session will provide students the opportunity to present their work to friends and family for a galley style opening and reception at Mike’s Camera in Boulder. Each student will hang 3-pieces 11x14 mounted or framed and can discuss their work.

Spring/Summer 2012 Workshop Dates

All sessions are from 6:00-9:00 PM Mike’s Camera, Boulder

Tuesday May 8th

Tuesday May 22nd

Tuesday June 5th

Tuesday June 19th

Friday July 13th

Student Responsibilities

At the termination of each session, a shooting project will be assigned for the following week. For planning purposes, a weekly commitment of 3-4 hours outside the classroom is to be expected.

Each 3-hour class will begin with a lecture followed by a critique of the students work. Students will be expected to bring three 8x10 inch prints to the next session for critique.

Cost

$255 per person for Mikes Camera Smile Club Members

$280.00 for non-members

16- 8x10 prints critiques included in price. Prints orders for your critiques can be placed online at the Online Photo Center at mikescamera.com

Class Size

Due to the hands nature of this on class, sessions are limited to 15 people

Additional Info

Contact Brian Rabin at brabin@mikescamera.com or by phone 303-443-1715

To Register

About Brian Rabin

Photographer and Educator, Brian Rabin is a seasoned photographer and a lead instructor at Mike's Camera. Brain is well known for his enthusiasm and passionate instruction style and brings over 20 years of experience in various photographic disciplines including event photography, portraiture, macro and street photography. His work has appeared in one-man shows, group exhibits and has been published in national and local magazines.

Originally from New Jersey, Brian now calls Colorado home. Recently, Brian’s work has been featured as a contributor in last year’s issues of Edible Front Range Magazine and a group exhibit with The Photo Martini Club at the Denver Aquarium this summer. In addition his work has appeared in the Japanese website Eco.Goo.

Brian is also a Certified Photographic Consultant, by Photographic Marketing Association International and a past member of Professional Photographers of America (P.P.A.). PMAI, the Photo Trade organization awards the Certified Photographic Consultant (CPC) designation to individuals who successfully meet rigorous testing on photo and digital imaging technologies. The CPC is the highest professional recognition in the photo/digital imaging industry.

Brian is a graduate of the New England School of Photography were he specialized in Classical Portraiture and Color Procedures. The combination of the two – disciplines reflects his outlook on life and his personal style of balancing the traditional point of view with a splash of something new or experimental. For Brian, photography is a vehicle to explore life. He can often be heard saying I hope my students learn as much about photography as they teach me about people, photography and life in the classes I instruct.

Modules for Critique Workshops

The two session Critique Workshop modules will be offered every 4-6 weeks and consist of one lecture and hands-on shooting event, followed by second interactive session of lecture and critique. Allow three to six hours for each Module session. Topics may include, but are not be limited to the following photographic topics:

Candid & Street Photography

Taking better candid pictures of family and friends and children and everyday life

Portrait Photography

How to get better results when photographing people

Studio Portrait Photography

Studio flash photography: photographing your friends and family with studio lighting or professional results.

Studio Product Photography

Studio flash photography for products for catalog and e-bay.

Off Camera Flash Photography

Understanding your cameras flash system for flash and fill-flash photography.

Macro/ Close-up Photography

A hands-on review of basic skills, including composition, exposure, depth of field.

Dates and topics for modules to be announced. In addition to the topics listed above, additional topics may be added based on participant interests and feedback.