Learn underwater photography from
Cathy Church
at Workshops in Tacoma, WA USA
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Dive & Travel Expo 2010, at the Tacoma Convention Center May 21-22, 2010
I will be teaching two workshops at the Dive & Travel Expo. Go to http://www.divenewsnetwork.com/expo/ for complete information about all of the other wonderful workshops and free seminars being offered.
I will teach: 3-hour workshop for beginners with a new camera (with or without an external strobe):
"You bought your digital camera, now what?"
Saturday, May 21 10 am to 1 pm
Bring your camera system to this three-hour workshop so that you can enjoy hands-on guidance to show you step-by-step how to get the best possible photos from the camera system YOU have. The class size will be limited so that everyone will get the personal attention that is needed when you say "Where do I find THAT function?"
Topics covered: Batteries, media cards, image size, understanding menus (white balance, etc.), setting the controls for easiest use underwater, focusing techniques, getting good exposures, aiming the strobe, zoom and auxiliary wide-angle lenses, diving with your camera, compensating for focus delay, getting the best photos.
If you only have one camera for two people, that will be fine. Bring a fully charged battery and a spare if you have one.
IMPORTANT: When you sign up for the class, you MUST email Cathy's office (ccoffice@candw.ky) and tell then what type of camera you will be bringing so that they can prepare a handout for each style of camera you have. Clearly include the make and model, such as Olympus E-PL1. Or let them know if you have no camera to bring.
When you leave this workshop you will have developed a good working knowledge of underwater digital photography with your system.
Limit 30 attendees.
Cost $50.00 Limit 30 attendees. Sign up with Dive & Travel Expo.
Mastering Underwater Strobes (for cameras with manual controls and an external strobe),
Sunday, May 22, at 11 am-12 pm.
This workshop is aimed at manual exposure cameras with external strobes. This includes all SLR cameras, Olympus SP350, Canon G10 and other compact digitals that allow full f-stop and shutter speed control. Topics will cover all aspects of strobe use for primary lighting and for balanced flash fill. You will learn Cathy's favorite creative lighting techniques with single and multiple strobes for more beautiful photos with any system.
If you do not already know what an f-stop and shutter speed are, Cathy will review it for you, or contact her (at cchurch@candw.ky)for a one-page handout to read in advance, to help make your seminar more enjoyable.
As the brochure says "Cathy takes a complex topic and makes it clear. Her humorous, easy-to-understand approach has made her the country's most popular photo instructor."
Photographers without manual controls are welcome to attend. Although some information will not pertain to your system, you can learn about the things you need to consider as you move up to another camera.
Cost $50 Limit 30 attendees. Sign up with Dive & Travel Expo.
__________________________________________________ Earlier this Year ____________________________________________
Beneath the Sea, New Jersey, USA, March, 2010
Marseille, France October 29 - November 1, 2009--a great time was had by all
I was invited to jury, present and exhibit at the 36th annual world wide festival of underwater images held this year in Marseille after 35 years of being held in Antibes, France. Go to http://www.underwater-festival.com/ for information about Le 36e Festival mondial de l'image sous-marine festival. It was held from Thursday, October 29 to Sunday November 1,2009 in the Palais du Pharo in Marseille.
Manchester, UK November 6, 7 and 8, 2009--We really had a marvelous time!
I was in Manchester, UK November 6, 7 and 8, 2009 to contribute a presentation to Visions in the Seas, a festival of underwater photography in aid of the Shark Trust.
Cathy's previous Workshop Titles and descriptions:
"Teaching the fearful diver"
This discussion is designed to help the fearful diver, the support person of the fearful diver and the instructor understand the best approaches for all three to deal with fear that gets in the way of enjoying learning how to dive. It starts with the understanding that fear is real and that just saying "Don't be afraid" is truly counter-productive. Join me in a combination lecture and discussion where everyone can bring their individual issues to the seminar.
"Choosing an U/W Digital Camera system."
In this free 45-minute seminar I will discuss various types of cameras and the pros and cons of features such as point and shoot versus manual controls, menu functions, strobe configurations, housings and accessories. This is especially suitable for anyone who has not yet purchased a camera or is considering upgrading.
Mastering Underwater Strobes and more (for point and shoot cameras) 3-hour workshop for beginners or people who have some, but limited experience with their camera and want to especially learn how to use their external strobe:
Sunday, March 28, 9am-12pm
This three-hour "Mastering Underwater Strobes and more” is designed for divers with cameras with limited exposure controls such as Sea Life, Sea and Sea, compact point and shoot cameras, etc. It will cover all aspects of getting the best exposures for better blue backgrounds and prettier foregrounds with whatever camera you are using.
This is a hands-on workshop, so you should bring your camera with you (and an extra battery and your owner’s manual if possible.) Please email Cathy in advance at cchurch@candw.ky and tell her what brand and model of camera and housing you have. She will prepare a handout specifically to your camera to make sure that you will know how to find each setting that she discusses.
The topics will include use of strobe use for primary lighting and for balanced flash fill, use of menu settings such as white balance, use of add-on lenses, etc. You will learn Cathy's favorite creative lighting techniques with single and multiple strobes for more beautiful photos with any system.
As the brochure says "Cathy takes a complex topic and makes it clear. Her humorous, easy-to-understand approach has made her the country's most popular photo instructor." Limit 30
Other Seminar and workshop topics in the works but not scheduled yet:
"Getting started with digital editing"
This seminar will be a hands-on workshop on using photoshop techniques to make adjustments to your photos. We will cover making selections, adjusting color, contrast, and exposure, using layers and clone tools. I will cover mostly basic operations to help those who have never used photoshop before, but will touch on several advanced techniques to show you what more can be done.
All attendees should bring a laptop computer and a copy of Photoshop 7, CS, CS2, CS3 or CS4. You can download a trial version of CS4 if you do not wish to buy it before the workshop.