I had an insanely fun weekend shooting all kinds of Valentines Day craft and decor ideas with a super-talented stylist friend of mine (posts full’a pics coming soon!) and Kev, and his friend, Josh, spent most of the weekend working away on their soon-to-be-launched photography/Photoshop video training class website. (‘video’, meaning: they’ll be teaching through online videos, so they can actually show folks how to use their cameras and software!)
(Kev & Josh)
Here’s a sneak peek video they put together last week that tells a little bit about what they’ve been up to…
Those outtakes crack me up every time. (Fun fact: that’s Kev and Josh singing/playing the music in the background of the video!)
I’m especially excited about their video classes because 1) I really want to learn how to use our DSLR camera, like, for real, so I that don’t always have to ask Kev to shoot things for me when I’m in a tricky-to-shoot-for-whatever-reason type situation. 2) I have absolutely no patience with instruction manuals, and am a strictly visual learner, so their videos are exactly what this “you-HAVE-to-show-me-or-I-will-not-get-it” gal needs, 3) They prove you don’t have to buy the biggest, fanciest, most expensive camera, lens, or tripod to take amazing pictures. They demonstrate all their photography techniques with basic DSLR’s, lenses and tripods- and plan to teach an online course in Photoshop Elements (which is around $100), too!, and 3) They’re going to let me teach a Photoshop course about how I do my presto change-o’s. Yesssss!
In addition to helping folks learn how to use their DSLR’s and Photoshop, they’ll also be sharing all their special tricks and techniques when it comes to shooting weddings, portraits, interiors, and products…
And what I love most about those video classes is that Josh & Kev actually take you right out there in the field, or into an interior, and physically show you how they shoot it. They walk you through their thought process, and show you what knobs they’re turning, what buttons they’re pressing, and what settings they’re using on their cameras. That’s what I’m talkin ’bout, Willis!!!
They’re going to kick things off with classes specifically created for beginners, and they’re mission is to take the guesswork out of photography and Photoshop, and help folks understand their DSLR cameras and Photoshop programs in a very affordable, casual, easy-to-understand way. Like Josh said to me the other day, “you don’t have to worry about every little thing on your camera, or in Photoshop, to get great-looking pics“. Eventually, the guys would like to offer intermediate and advanced classes as well, but for now, they’re strictly concentrating on helping out beginners.
Anywho, since they’re getting so close to launching, I’ve been racking my brain trying to come up with a list of last-minute photography/Photoshop-related questions they may have forgotten to include information about, and I’m hoping you might be able to help me with my list! Is there anything in particular you think would be important for them to teach when it comes to DSLR’s, shooting photography, or using Photoshop? I’d love to pass the info on to them so they can make sure to include it. (Thanks in advance for your input!)
Those two have been working on their site every second they can manage to get together, and until very late in the evening on most nights, for a very long time now, and I’m so proud of them for stickin’ with it. Photography is definitely a passion for both of them, and I couldn’t think of two more talented/laid-back dudes I’d want to learn how to shoot and edit photography from! (Okay, fine. I am married to one of them, but those are two of the reasons I said yes!)
PS- Of course, I’ll blog about the launch of their site here on TLC, but for more information and special announcements about their site, follow the guys on Twitter!
And the winner of the Simple Starfish necklace is…
Congrats Tara! I’ll be in touch with you soon!
This is so exciting! I don’t have a fancy camera yet but I would love to learn how to use one. So glad they are getting to do what they enjoy.
Just bought a Canon eos 60D. I am scared enough to take it out of the box. Just tired of having my son march in band and having these blurry blips while everyone else has these wonderful shots of their kid. Will it matter which manufacturer camera one has, Canon vs Nikon to understand these directions?
Hey Gerry!
We use a Canon Rebel for most of our demonstrations, but our shooting methods will work for any DSLR camera. Josh and I shoot with Canon 30D’s, 5D’s and 7D’s, but the same principles apply to all types of cameras! 🙂
Very funny video! Just going to purchase my first DSLR and Photoshop Elements. Your classes couldn’t have come at a better time!
CRAZY AWESOME!! The outtakes make me miss all you fools. Such good people. 🙂 Proud of you!!!!
I’m sure that this is a frequently asked questions but, I would love to know how to take pictures in dark situations when you want to see the background along with yourself in the picture as well . I’m thinking Christmastime, when you go somewhere, lets say the Zoo, and they have all those pretty lights up. Or like, the Eiffel Tower at night. Just using the flash gets you nowhere.
looks like a lot of fun! i want to see how you do those presto chango rooms!! best to you all! susan
i’m super excited about this! i watched the preview and i love their energy! i have my own small photography business. i edit in lightroom and photoshop, but i love to keep learning about it. photoshop= massively overwhelming. i’d love to feel even more comfortable with it. i can’t wait!
I’m so excited for the website! I got a DSLR for Christmas and want desperately to take awesome photos and learn photoshop! I can’t wait!
This course & your post are so timely for me! I have a 6 month old highly-photogenic baby boy, but I have a nice DSLR and NO photography knowledge! I’ve been searching for a course that takes the mystery out of the manual!!! I can’t wait to learn from your favorite dudes. 😉
I am afraid of the “M” and I cannot find my manual so I need help! So looking forward to your tutorials on this site (sorry I don’t follow Twitter, it’s too much noise). Thank you Thank you Thank you!
Oh my gosh… I am so excited!!
What a great idea! I take a lot of pictures, but I always feel like I’m missing out on ways to make my photos look better!
I am very much looking forward to Kevin & Josh’s photo lessons. I am about to order photoshop but have a quick question. How do I know what version I should purchase? I’m a beginner, so is Elements all I need?
Love you blog.
Can’t wait! So many people, like myself, have a hands-on learning style and this will definitely be attractive to those folks. Thanks for accepting this challenge!
Can’t wait for this! So exciting. I have a Canon Rebel that I really want to get off auto :0) Could you maybe mention them including info about resolution? My big problem, even with auto, is my pics look half decent on my screen, then when I download them to be printed, the resolution is horrible :0( I’d LOVE to know more about that in the course, as well :0)
Blessings!
This is cool. My husband has a Canon DSLR that I am very intimidated by…maybe we can become friends. Will be on the lookout for the course!
Layla! i am sooooo excited about this! I need so much help with my dslr!
Thank you Kevin and Josh, for all the long hard hours you are putting into this!
My photo question: When I am taking a picture of a window, (like when I am trying to show curtains I made), how do I get it to show the curtains, and not a big white blob (ie: the window) in the middle of my picture?
Thanks!
Traci
White Balance and ISO!!!!! Those are two things I just can’t quite seem to master! I’m really excited about this site. I think it will make a world of difference in my photography.
Layla, this is a dream come true! I have always been in awe of your photoshop transformations and always wanted to try and do a presto-change-o of my own rooms. Being able to see it before I do it would be sooooo cool!
Have you considered doing an e-book with all the transformations you’ve done over the years? I would love to buy a copy if you ever do it! Annnnnnnnd, will you ever be taking on-line design projects again? Sigh. =) Anyway, I am looking forward for Kevin & Josh to do their thing, too!
Blessings,
Sindy
Thank you thank you thank you! I feel like this is what I’ve been looking for my whole life ;). I love you guys. Have been a fan for years and have loved watching you grow (but not up!). Can’t wait for the launch.
How about how to chase a 19 month-old and not have every third shot be blurry or dim or unfocused or……beginner you said right? Plus, indoor lighting (which I’m sure they are covering). Can’t wait…..
Can you tell us what to look for in a DSLR before the classes start?? I’d love to invest in one, but don’t know what it important and what is too much fluff for a beginner. My point and shoot just got broken and so I need to buy a new camera anyway. I’ve been wanting a DSLR so maybe this is my chance. 🙂
I create custom window treatments and like to take photos after they are hung and installed. Since I am facing the window, inside looking out, the lighting is always off – terrible glare from any amount of sunlight outside. Short of going to a client’s home at early dawn or dusk, how can I take good photos (and/or edit appropriately) with them all having such strong backlight? Thanks!
I am so in with the camera classes sign me up
I bought a Nikon D3100 thinking I could teach myself…HA!! I can turn it on, but that’s about it. So looking forward to this class!! You guys ROCK
So, I’ve been hoarding my VERY- precious- to- me Lettered Cottage emails the past couple weeks, because I’ve been too busy to sit down and enjoy them until this afternoon. I love them all, but am beyond excited about this one in particular. I definitely want to sign up for the class! I started a blog this past year, wanting to share my great vintage treasures that I use in decorating, but find I don’t post often, because my photos just plain stink! I also have an etsy shop, so of course those photos are super important when the people can’t actually hold the merchandise in their hands before purchasing. I can’t wait to take it all in! 🙂
Glad I looked back to recent posts – this sounds like a great way to learn with such fun guys. I don’t have a DSLR, but I have a Canon G12, which is an advanced point and shoot, with manual settings, but not different lenses. I’m hoping some of the same stuff will apply??? I also have Photoshop Elements 10 and hope most of your beginning instructions will work in PSE, too. I’ve taken 3 classes in PSE and still find it overwhelming, and hard to remember everything. I’m wondering particularly about shooting indoors without a flash in less than ideal light without setting up tripods and lights, etc., just capturing my grandson in everyday fun moments and not having my shots too noisy and blurry. I do OK outdoors, but inside I’m so often disappointed.
Layla, this sounds great! Can’t wait to hear more! Sounds like a great course!
Layla, just thought of a question I’d love to ask. Someone may have already mentioned this but I’d love for Kevin and Josh to talk about how they get the gorgeous bright lighting like you see in the craft posts you posted. Love that look!
Thanks!
Hi Susan! That’s one of Kev’s specialties, and I think he’s going to do a great job of teaching folks how to capture that kind of brightness too! 😉
I AM SO EXCITED TO LEARN anything you can share with us/me!! I just took a class to learn how to use my new DSLR (Nikon d3100) and let me just say in a class with a hundred or so people it’s still very confusing! I want to take great pics of my own kids/ friends kids/and MOST ESPECIALLY NEWBORNS!! I am so fascinated with NEWBORN Photography!!!
Just wanted to say Thanks for your work and wanted to know how much the videos will cost!!! SO EXCITED IN Nashville TN!!
Love Love Love the idea of learning Photoshop!!!
Wow! I am excited for this. I probably have a ton of questions, but the ones that quickly jump to mind are:
1. how to fix blemishes on skin (Photoshop)
2. how to set up a photoshoot with a black backdrop and not get any of the lint or wrinkles/waves showing but still have the subject well lit.
3. how to how to set up a photoshoot with a white backdrop and not get any of the lint or wrinkles/waves and shadows showing while the subject is well lit.
4. If you have a cheap kit lens and want to shoot in Manual but don’t want to use your flash, how best to get a well lit photo.
5. Anything on shooting indoors — very tough for me!
I am sure most people have mentioned these, but if not, I hope that provides a few more options for the guys.
THANNNNK you! I am all.over.this. I just got my first DSLR, Canon T2i and am in LOVE. But it is so overwhelming and I although I have read the manual and bought a book I, too, am a visual, hands on type learner and know I won’t truly get it until I am shown. Can’t wait!
First of all,–I am BEYOND excited about this! This not only looks like it will be extremely informative, but I like that the video style is very professional and clean-looking. I just got a Canon Rebel for Christmas and can’t wait to learn new tips and tricks!
As for what in particular I’d like to learn, I am very interested in portraits and engagement photos so I’d love to learn more about that!
Very Excited to learn this!! I love looking at other peoples photography and taking some pictures. But I am sure I will love it more once I know more!!
I.cannot.wait! I don’t even have a dslr camera but we are thinking of investing. This website just might make us take the plunge! Thanks!
I just got my first DSLR. It just showed up on my doorstep last Friday, and I have a ton of questions that would probably be answered if I read the manual, but I don’t have the patience.
My camera came with an 18-55mm lens and a 75-300mm lens. What’s the difference between these (and all) lenses? Pros? Cons?
I also ordered some filters because I was excited, and Amazon told me I should. I’m getting a UV Protective, a CPL Circular Polarizer, and an FDL Flourescent Filter. What are the differences and uses for different filters?
That “M” terrifies me, so I can’t wait to learn how to make it my friend!
I am so excited about this photography workshop … it will be a winner!
Their website is very appealing, and I will be seeing you at the Haven Conference. I am so happy to be going!