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!
So so so excited about this!!! I have a LOT to learn!!!
This is exactly what I need. I’m a “you-HAVE-to-show-me-or-I-will-not-get-it†type of girl, too. My outdoor shots are ok, but I struggle with lighting indoors.
Ohhhh, white balance! I’ve been struggling and practicing with that on my new DSLR. Auto white balance or one of the in camera settings? Or preset white balance and how to do it…and can you keep changing the preset? I hate that I can’t find anything in the manual or online about how to do it with my camera. It’s just a bunch of trial and error for me. Looking forward to all the new photography stuff!
I’m an eager student. God bless you guys,
It might be nice if they had a post or a pre-video prior to their class that talks a little bit about DSLR cameras and what features you need/don’t need depending on what you are trying to do for those of us who don’t have a DSLR yet. I have a cheap point and shoot camera so I’m not sure whether I should invest in a DSLR for what I want to do. I’ only take photos of my family so I don’t need a lot of special features but two of my kids play sports so it would be nice to get a camera that does a good job of capturing them in motion.
I can’t tell you how excited I am!! I am more of a “watch video” to learn stuff instead of a book. I like visual! I would love to learn how to get the Bokeh effect. As many times as I try, it doesn’t come out right.
I was all set to comment “What about Photoshop Elements?” and I kept reading and there it was: a PSE class! I’ve recently had a great epiphany: layers! There are layers! But the rest of it is a hot mess in my head! So a class, from A to Z, is what I think I need, rather than random freebie tutorials, although they’ve helped me to at least be familiar with the PSE workspace… Can’t wait to hear more about Kevin’s classes!
I am so– looking forward to this!
Awesome!!!
Couple things Layla, I dont have a Twitter acct so it would be great to be able to be on board with their launch in another way.
Items of interest for classes for a total beginner who JUST got a Nikon 3100!! Yea!
1. It came with a kit lens 18-55mm and wanted to know what the best other lens I need for taking pics of kids running around at home and sports. It would be great if there was one lens that did it all including portraits. RIGHT!
2. Other than lenses a list of camera equipment in order of priority that will be needed to advance one step at a time, including off camera flashes.
3. How to come up with poses for portraits for families and singles
4. In PS to be able to make those beautiful shiny, watery looking eyes in portraits.
and last but maybe most important to many…. classes priced that will be doable for those of us hit hard in this economy.
Thank you for this launch, I am so excited for you and ME :o)
Looks like learning from Kevin & Josh will be fun! I just got a dslr for Christmas and so far I’ve taken maybe 20 photos. I’m intimated to say the least. I don’t even know which lens to use for which photos. I have two that came with the camera, so I have to my a choice before I can even use auto!
I would really like to know how to shoot sports (my kids) and night photos.
Seriously, your post couldn’t be any more timely. I just purchased Photoshop over the weekend – yahoo…I’m so excited to use it, but already overwhelmed with the manual etc.. Currently, Nicole,co-founder of our blog http://www.yby5.com does all the photo’s, but it’s time for me to jump in and shoot my own. I’m so excited that they’re offering this visual appraoch to learning. I look forward to learning how to better utilize my camera and from what I hear the best editing software program.
Thanks for sharing…can’t wait!
I’m so excited for this! I actually just started taking a fundamentals course through our community college because I need so much help!
JUST what I need! I have the money sitting in my account just waiting to be spent on a DSLR, but I have NO idea which one to buy. Just when I think I have it figured out, another piece of information (that really makes no sense to me in the first place) comes along. I don’t want to buy TOO MUCH camera for myself but I know I want some good lenses. So maybe I will hold out and see if these guys can help me decide what to do!
I love the fact that they are filming it and walking you through it. I have taken several online classes and it is all reading, then I go do it. It is fine and I have learned a lot, but I think it is so beneficial for visual learners like myself to see it in action! Yeah!
For me, I want tack sharp focus. Can recompose and get it or do I need to manually move my focus point What is going to be the best to get that sharp image?
Thanks!
Oh wow! This is great! I can’t wait.
I’d love to know more about shooting RAW vs. regular.
And more information on shooting action shots….my daughter is on a swim team and I’d love to be able to take better shots when seconds count.
Don’t have a Twitter account and do not want one, so can you keep us posted on when the launch will be of their new site? Thank you. Looks very exciting and something I have been wanting.
To say I’m excited is beyond an understatement!! *giddy*
For those of us with “point & shoot” cameras, some tips & techniques on settings would be very helpful.
🙂
white balance! Nailing exposure. Back light.
That’s what I’M talkin ’bout, Willis!
Sign me up!
Ha! You and I are on similar wavelengths today. I just posted about better photography. Specifically composition, will Kev & Josh be teaching those basics? I know I learned a lot about composition being an art major: http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/2012/01/photography-tips-better-composition-and-lighting-tips.html
Well…I guess my question isn’t about photography so much as photoshop or whatnot…I’m a brand new blogger and would love to know how to make buttons for my blog. Maybe that’s more of an idea for a post. Or maybe you’ve already done one and I’m spazzing out. Heh. Could be.
VERY excited about these classes. Yes yes yes!!!
Wowow super excited Shoot Fly Shoot clever and enticing !!!
xo – Susie
http://www.stayathomesusie.com/
Just what I need to get of the auto mode! Have been on it for four years and haven’t had enough nerve to do photo shop. Just download pictures and sent to printer..
Would love to learn how to take action shots of kids at baseball games, soccer and swim team events. In all kinds of lighting.
I don’t have a twitter account either… hope you will continue to let us know when its ready on our blog.
Looking forward to it. Lisa
I’ve had my Rebel for 2 years and I can’t do a think out of the automatic settings….looking forward to seeing what they can teach me!
What a great idea!!
This will be fun! There are some outdoor techniques I would love to learn! Morning sun-burst with model in crispy clear focus. {Best lens for this, 70-200? Filters? Best portable light (most affordable portable battery), And the editing technique to pull your model forward when they are back-lit with the setting sun. I’ve seen some Photoshop layering techniques, but would love to learn “how.”
My question is – are they doing this by “Creative Common’s” to begin, then later a fee for advanced?
Will watch Twitter, but also hope they have a FB Fan page… 🙂 I have Twitter, but am not a Twitter fan.
Can’t wait! Sign me up!, so to speak 🙂
This is exactly what I have been looking for. Bought a Canon T2i last summer. Been playing around with M/TV buttons, but nothing spectacular is happening. Have 3 boys who play hockey and thought if I bought the good camera, I would get the good shots and it is just not happening. Look forward to some tips and tricks. Thanks!
Ooh…so exciting!! My PSE completely overwhelms me…it does not seem very user-friendly and I do NOT like reading manuals either. 🙂 I usually end up using Picnik, but that will be closing too. 🙁 I also just have the basic lense my DSLR came with, and would like to know more about what other lens would be worth the investment for a beginner. Thanks!! Looking forward to more details. 🙂
Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, I am SO excited about this concept!! I was just shopping for a photo editing software and camera. The photos on my blog stink. Do you think they’ll teach some graphic design type stuff? Just a smidge?
yip heee…so happy you will be educating us!! I really want to learn more and improve the quality of my photography. I have a canon rebel and need to update. I have loved this camera and it has served me well…but it is time for a new one plus a new macro lens would love your thoughts on camera purchases as well….thanks!!
Super Fab!!! (yeah- we watch Sid the Science Kid in our home) 🙂 Can’t wait!! 🙂
Are they doing strictly Photoshop or including Elements in there somewhere?
I’m really looking forward to these courses and I loved the preview… so fun.
Just what the doctor order as I have finally decided to up my photography game a little bit. And I am totally a visual, hands-on type of learner.
Woohoo!
I will be counting the seconds until then, and I’ll be hanging on every word!! So excited for this!
GAH! I’m so remedial I had to look up what DSLR means! (Digital single-lens reflex cameras are digital cameras that use a mechanical mirror system and pentaprism to direct light from the lens to an optical viewfinder on the back of the camera.)
1) My first question is probably very common: everyone says DON’T USE A FLASH! But how do you get adequate lighting in low light rooms or rooms with only one light source on one end of the room? Do you have to purchase additional lights and stands?
2) On Photoshop – like most newbies, I need help with layers and I can’t wait to learn how you do your Presto-Change-os, especially to create perspective.
Oh, and like several others, I don’t Twitter. Hope you’ll announce the launch on your blog. -THANKS! : )
Oooh – so excited!! Can’t wait for the launch!
Jen
athomeinthenorthwestblog.com
Awesome!!! I am finally going to stop borrowing my mom’s “big girl camera” and buy my own in about two weeks. I have been shooting some good photos but what are all the buttons about????? I think something that I struggle with and would love to learn how to improve is how to make my sky blue and rainbows looks so boring in my photos. Help!!!
I can’t wait!!!
whoop! i need this! 😀
yay!
Will this be something we will be able to watch more than once? I know there will be a lot of info and I just want to make sure I can take it all in. This sounds great, I have considered taking a class at the Junior College. This would be much more convenient.
I am really really excited about this post!!! I am saving for a DSLR camera right now!!! I will definitely follow the guys on twitter!!!
Can’t wait to get off Manual Mode!
Looking forward to this launch! Can’t wait to learn how to really use my camera!
That video is so prefect!!! I love it. I shoot in manual but I have lost my photo mojo so I can always use some more tips. Cannot wait for their site. They will be FAB!
You can see these guys have more than just talent…they are funny too.
I am SO excited about these courses! I’ve been trying to find digital photograpy/Photoshop classes to take, but I work a lot during the week and many weekends. That meant most in-person classes I could take, but miss half of it. I hope they start soon!!!
I was so sad when I heard Picnik was closing and have been on the search for something new. I’m asking for photoshop for my upcoming birthday, which I hear is overwhelming so this course will definitely help me out.
(BTW do I want photoshop or photoshop elements?)
Plus what great teachers. Those guys are fun to watch.
But, unfortunately I will not be getting a new DSR Camera, Will I still benefit from this class?
Thanks, This is so exciting!
I am literally so EXCITED about this that I jumped down here to comment and say that BEFORE I even read the whole thing. 🙂 Off to read – BRB.
Okay so I watched the video on silent and still laughed and also was TOTALLY inspired!! 🙂 This is so very exciting for people like me (who happen to be people like you too) who need visual help and someone to SHOW me what to do. I’m just so excited I could squeal!!
I am getting ready to retire and I really, really, want to purchase a DSLR Camera and learn to use it. What do you recommend? Can’t wait to take some of these classes!
Pam
Hi Pam!
Josh and I shoot with Canon 7D’s and 5D’s, but my first DSLR was a Canon 30D, which you can find for great prices on eBay. The Canon Rebel is also a good/affordable DSLR, and we use it to do most of our demonstrations because so many folks have them. 🙂