Centerpiece Photography » …Different (in a Good Way.)

The beginning photography and Photoshop classes have been a HUGE success.  I’m so excited for the opportunity to show people how to take better “everyday” photos of their families.  Here’s what one (very!) enthusiastic attendee said about the classes she attended:

“Melissa is an amazing instructor! Extremely patient, kind, optimistic and not to mention someone I admire both as a photographer and mom!  She has inspired me with the classes and I never knew I could enjoy something so much.”

Another attendee (who drove all the way from Wichita for the classes) remarked:

“There are so many photography and Photoshop classes out there from which to choose, so I was excited to see that Melissa offers the classes. I trust her knowledge and her talent is obvious in her work. It was well worth my drive from Wichita to attend and now as a graduate of the beginning classes, I’m looking foward to the hands-on photography class that she offers. I’m ready to take the next step!”

I think the attendees have enjoyed the classes so much because I’ve boiled all the information you need to properly use your DSLR camera and Photoshop into easy to understand pieces. In the beginning DSLR photography class, you’ll learn:

• How to set your camera to get proper exposure (not too dark or too bright)
• How to stop shooting blurry, out of focus images
• How to get bokeh (a fancy word for that dreamy, blurry background)
• How to use gorgeous natural light rather than the harsh flash
• How to stop shooting in full auto mode (otherwise its just like your old point and shoot)

In the beginning Photoshop class, you’ll learn:

• How to navigate the Photoshop workspace
• How to retouch your photos (remove scrapes, milk mustaches, and so forth)
• How to crop and resize your images
• How to convert images to true black and white (not greyscale)
• How to adjust the exposure (brightness / darkness) of your image
• Basic digital scrapbooking techniques (adding multiple photos, fonts, elements and etc.)

At the class you’ll learn the basics in a fun and relaxed environment.  I show lots of sample images in the photography class and explain why the images did (or did not) turn out.  In the Photoshop class I demonstrate the techniques and I walk you through the creation of actual projects.

Class sizes are limited to allow for questions.  BYOC!  Bring Your Own SLR Camera to get hands-on practice.  (An SLR camera is one that can change lenses, not a point and shoot camera.)  A laptop is not necessary for the Photoshop class.

Photography Class Date:  Saturday, February 4 from 1:00 to 3:00.

Photoshop Class Date:  Saturday, February 4 from 3:00 to 5:00

Cost: $65 for one class or $100 for both classes.

Classes are held at the Centerpiece Photography studio:  3123 SW Huntoon, Topeka, Kansas.

To sign up for one or both classes, just e-mail Melissa@CenterpiecePhotography.com or call 785-232-4768.  (Hurry!  Spots are limited.)

Spring has sprung (finally!).  To celebrate, we are hosting the spring blooms mini-sessions.  Enjoy some sample images with the spring blooms from previous years:

Due do construction at Gage Park, unfortunately we will not be able to offer the tulip mini-sessions this year.  Instead we are offering these spring blooms mini-sessions at a very special rate (usually reserved just for holiday sessions).  For just $85 per child (or $150 for two or more siblings) you’ll receive the 10 best digital files of each child.  The trees will be blooming soon, so don’t hesitate in reserving your session.  Call Melissa at 785-232-4768 or e-mail Melissa@CenterpiecePhotography.com