Photography classes

[3Bpics]

My wife and I are interested in learning more about how our Canon T2i works.
We bought a book specifically for the Canon camera's but it would be nice if someone could show us settings and functions for our set up.

Are there any photography classes that are recomennded around houston.
We live about 20 minutes south of Sugar Land near BBSP (the closer the better)

Thanks for any help,
Mike

[LEO III]

Mike, Houston Camera Exchange sponsors "Canon EOS Discovery Days" here every year. There are a basic and an intermediate session, and this year they are on May 6th and 7th:

Upcoming Canon EOS Discovery Days
Basic Class
Essential Functions of your EOS Camera
Date: Thursday, May 6, 2010
Time: 7:00 - 10:00 pm
Place: Marriott Westchase

Intermediate Class
Creative Photography with the EOS System
Date: Friday, May 7, 2010
Time: 7:00 - 10:00 pm
Place: Marriott Westchase

Go to the HCE website for info:

Houston Camera Exchange Products and Services

I went a couple years in a row (I'm a slow learner), and the second year, I went to both sessions. In fact, that is where I first met Able and learned about TPF. Each session is $45 per person, and even though there are two of you, you should probably sign up for both sessions.

Having said that, and I'm not being facetious, read your manual (and your book) over and over again, and carry your manual in your camera bag. (You'll find somewhere here on the forum a suggestion that you take your manual and practice on one specific topic or page a day.) Basically, the Canon instructor is going to teach the manual, but it will be done with a slide show illustrating the various functions. It moves pretty fast, so the more you've read before you get there, the easier it will be for you to keep up.

Get as familiar as you can with the terminology, so that when you are looking for something or asking questions, you can be as specific and accurate as possible. It's kinda like learning and using computer jargon: The more precise you can be when looking for help, the easier it is for you to find what your looking for, or for someone else to help you.

Also, Leisure Learning Unlimited has photography classes, but they are not Canon specific (not that it necessarily matters). The basic classes are taught by Kathy Adams Clark, who is a TPF member, and whose work you can see every Saturday in the Houston Chronicle as part of the "Nature" article written by her husband. Here's the LLU link:

Photography Classes In Houston | Leisure Learning Unlimited

Also, don't overlook the "Forum New Member FAQ" section, under Quick Links - Site Information. While the info in there is not specific to the operation of you camera, there is a wealth of information that will make your learning process easier.

Good luck!

[DoublyDan]

In addition to what was already mentioned I would go to Kelby TV and watch the D town episodes (you can also watch it on iTunes)... Their first season was Nikon only but this year (their 2nd) they do Canon as well.

They give tips and tricks for DSLR's in general and you can learn a great deal if you are just starting out....

ITS FREE.

[L Stegall]

I also highly recommend the book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. While it doesn't deal specifically with Canon, it's a great reference book for learning how to get your camera off the green (auto) box and learn how to consistently use ISO/f-stops/aperture to get a good exposure and the desired result.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by L Stegall

I also highly recommend the book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. While it doesn't deal specifically with Canon, it's a great reference book for learning how to get your camera off the green (auto) box and learn how to consistently use ISO/f-stops/aperture to get a good exposure and the desired result.

I agree with this.

I think the best training you could get would be to find a photographer in your area who's work you admire and reach out to them and offer a fee for some private lessons. I bet you would learn a lot more (and what you want to learn) in a few hours with them than you would at an all-day workshop.

[toverman]

There are comprehensive tutorials/articles on specific Canon cameras and equipment at the Canon Digital Learning Center as well. It's free, which is always a good place to start.

[3Bpics]

This is the book we have "How to Take Great Photos with the Canon D-SLR System (A Lark Photography Book) (Paperback)"
We already learned alot from the first 2 chapters.

I might start a thread about going to BBSP, because I am only 10 minutes from my front door to 40 acre lake.
We would love to meet others out there if they are willing to let us tag along while they shoot. We would definatly like to get private lessons.