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!
Soo excited for these classes. Thank you Kevin!
Potential Topic….
The dreaded lag time between hitting the shutter button and when the camera actually does it…not good for taking pics of kids….I’ve heard stuff about improving that with certain batteries or that all SD cards are not created equal? Some SD cards can process faster than others? Huh…best of luck!
Can’t WAIT for this! I got my first DSLR for Christmas and could really use a boost in using it well. 🙂
when i got my nikon d5000 for my 60th bday i thought by the time i mastered this i would be able to fly a jet;). i only shoot in m mode and my pics of objects is not bad but i have issues with landscapes and esp people and furfolks.[my furbaby is camera shy] action shots are dang hard there has got to be a better way. i refuse to go to auto mode i need to learn to do this the right way. one thing i really like about the digital cameras today is you can shoot 100 shots with instant proof of what you are doing right or wrong.
Yahoo!!! I can’t wait maybe now I will actually take a great picture!!! Thanks
What a beyond GREAT idea!! I can’t wait to watch the videos and learn along with everyone else. Goodness knows I need it!
Those shots are crystal clear and the angles are so interesting-spectacular!
This is exciting news! Yes, I would be s great candidate for this class. Sign me up!
hi, do you think the boys could teach a class or two on how to get the BEST shoots & pics available with a point&shoot type of camera for those of us not even lucky enough for a plain DLSR? For example, I have a little Sony cybershot and what I really would like to know is the best tricks for getting close-up shots of plants etc. Yes, yes – I could drag out the manual (not even sure where it is) but I’m with you … I’m a visual learner.
Just a thought & a wish
Thanks
https://www.google.com/search?q=using+point+and+shoot+cameras&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1&rlz=1I7GGLL_en
I am SO excited about this!!! I just bought my DSLR as a wedding present to myself in October and am still learning the ropes. I just learned quite a bit about layer masks, and they have started to play a HUGE role in my photoshop editing, so I think that would be something I would be interested in learning more about. I don’t know if that’s considered beginner, but I consider myself a beginner and it’s definitely important when I’m editing photo’s.
Oh, and I second anyone that said white balance or equipment/tools. I have been looking for a 3rd lens (mine too came with the 18-55 kit lens and I never use it) and I’d like to know what photographers REALLY use and what is best recommended for what types of shots. I am like you… I need to physically SEE how the SAME shot would look on different lenses so I can really grasp WHAT the lens is doing. I’m always lost when it comes to equipment… flash, lenses, etc.
SO excited!
I know you cannot see me jumping up & clapping, but I am!!! I actually spent an hour on photoshop last night & my husband had to hold me back from throwing my computer out the window (normally I am not a crazy lunatic…I’m quite the opposite). Most people would describe me as laid back, easy going & quiet, but geez louise, why do they have to make photoshop so hard to learn!?! So I will be anxiously waiting their class, website & videos! Brilliant idea!!!!
Wow i would love to take their class! Sounds like it would really help me out. Something i have a hard time with is lighting. I know about iso and shutterspeed and aperture a bit, but I can’t take a crisp picture under lamp light no matter what. And outdoor pictures are hard for me because either the sun is making the subject squint or casting a dark shadow across their face. Those are things i would love to learn about.
I’m so excited about Kev and Josh’s upcoming class! I’d love it if in the Photoshop portion they’d teach us how to cut an object away from its background, and place on a different background. Also, how to change the color of an object (like changing a shirt from red to green). Can’t wait!!
I CANNOT wait for the video series. I’ll be “taking the classes” for SURE. I am really ready to get out of the automatic mode on my Canon Rebel!!!
Visual learner? check
Always use the manual setting? check
Think Exposure, Aperture, Focal Length, ISO are math? DOUBLE CHECK!!
Have math avoidance issues? You really have to ask?
I have a hybrid camera, Canon G7. Thought it would less scary than a traditional SLR. Not even sorta. Sure hope your tutorials will cover that.
OMG I am SO excited for this!!! This is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for. I can read books and look at websites but the only way it is going to stick for me is to actually see it done. Going to photography workshops are great but CRAZY expensive. I am SO excited about this you have no idea!!! Oh geez I have so many questions where to start 🙂 I guess just make sure you go slow and really just assume we know nothing… specifically about the photoshop b/c honestly I don’t. I’ve had photoshop elements for a couple years now and have opened it a few times but really just had no idea what to even do. Does it matter what version you have b/c mine from 2009 is probably extinct by now. Do they ever use lightroom? That is another one I’ve heard great things about but never used. OH I CAN’T WAIT for this to begin!!! Good luck with the rest of the class and I’m sure it will be amazing boys!!!
This couldn’t of come at a better time. I just purchased my new DSLR about 3 weeks ago. I know just enough to get everything all messed up in the setting. Filters if something I don’t understand. I did just purchase a digital Hoya filter for outside photos. What can I do or use for inside lowlight conditions. I look forward to your lineup but price will be a mitigation factor as to if I can participate.
I didn’t read through all the comments so this may have already been mentioned, but I would LOVE some great advice on how to make inside shots look light and bright without a whole bunch of artifical lighting. Is there an app for that? lol, just kidding!
Gotchya covered, Olivia! 😀
Alabama accents.
The best.
Cannot wait for the lessons.Ya’ll are SO great to create this for us.
This is fantastic news – I am sooooo looking forward to watching these – all of them. Thanks for your great work.
I can’t wait. Even though I’ve had my D90 for a couple of years I still have issues. Especially with ISO and shutter speeds. I also just bought Photoshop Lightroom 3 a couple of months ago and I’m at a stand still with it right now. Don’t really know how to edit “faces” with it (smooth out lines, make eyes bright etc.). Would really love a tutorial on that.
I cannot figure out the sweet spot for the settings that draw in enough light but that can keep up with a wiggly subject. I’d love an answer from the experts!
Yea! Yippee! Woo-hoo!
I can’t wait!
I can’t wait for this to start
White Balance!!! I guess I should say White Balance, please!!! I know I can change it to the Tungsten setting and all that, but how to do a custom white balance would be awesome. Do I need one of those foldable white screens? What the heck are the little black, white and gray cards for? Is it better to nail it while taking the photo or just alter the white balance in Photoshop? Also, maybe some tips on some great lenses. I bought two instead of getting the kit lens (Tamron 28-75 2.8 and Canon 50 1.4), but I was just sort of taking the camera shop guy’s opinion on it. And he wasn’t a blogger.
Some questions/lessons for Kev and Josh’s website
1. using the lens hood. What is it for? When does it help? Why did they send one with my camera?
2. recommendations on where to have your photos printed
3. how to deal with edited photos that look different when they have been loaded onto a flicker type web site
4. saving and sharing edited photos (dealing with merging layers or saving as jpg/tif)
5. tips on batch editing photos
Love that video 🙂 Cracked me up. I’m sure their lessons will be awesome for those of us who do indeed, fear the “M”!
Layla, Can not WAIT for this class! I would like to know more about the advantages of shooting in RAW and what to do with it in photoshop afterward! 🙂
So, so excited to hear this!!!
Just know, most of us WANT to take awesome pics, but MOST of us don’t know much about our cameras. Start very beginner-like pre-school!
THanks so much for making this VISUAL for us visual learners!
JUst Awesome!
Hey Lisa!
Photography 101 will definitely be for complete DSLR beginners! We’re going to start from absolute scratch!
This sounds like something I would be interested in. I have no idea how to tackle Photoshop and would love to learn. My husband bought me what I call a fancy camera and I am afraid to take the settings off of automatic, I don’t know how to properly use it. Looking forward to the launch!
Sounds like a fabulous class and one that I desperately need! I have PSE and fiddle around in there but I’m not sure really what I’m doing. I hope they touch on workflow, like all the steps from taking a picture to uploading to what’s the best thing to correct first in PSE and what’s the last thing to correct in PSE.
SUCH a great comment! Thank you for your input, Jennifer!
Hey L & K,
I’m super excited to hear you’re offering photograph and elements courses soon. I would love it if Kevin and Josh could address lenses, particularly when shooting tiny spaces. My bathroom and office are sooper small and I’d have to knock down walls just to shoot ’em!
Hey, I finally signed up on Twitter, all your fault : ) so I can get updates your courses. I tried Tweeting you guys, but I’m such a nerd…I’m not sure I did it right. I may have Tweeted you multiple times or not at all!
oxox
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer!
Thank you for the comment…made us smile! 🙂
We definitely talk a lot about lenses, and which one(s) to use for different situations…like small bathrooms! 😀
Yes!! I’m so excited to learn – I feel like a kiddo waiting for Christmas! Did I mention my tiny bathroom is the size of a british phone booth. Seriously. I think I need a coke-bottle lens.
been anxiously awaiting this!! my question…how the heck do you take good shots of food at NIGHT?? i am not home to do my super wonderful cooking (ha ha) during the day..so it has to be done at night…and yes, i know the best food shots should be done with the best lighting. so is it even possible at night?? Also, still haven’t purchased photoshop – get me the class and i will do so- BUT is there a big difference in elements and the BIG overwhelming version?
can’t wait on the class! this should be fun AND educational!!
Hey Kelly! There’s definitely a way to shoot food at night with lights on and Photoshop (to cool the warmth of the lights). We use Photoshop CS5 and love it. Definitely worth the investment if you plan on editing LOTS of photos and doing graphic design type things.
Where can we go to get signed up for alerts about this series? Is there a page to follow, or an email alert set up?
Hi Lesley!
Layla will announce the launch date here as soon as we have it, or you can follow us on twitter by clicking on the badges at the end of this post! Thank you! 🙂
Love love love the video. This photo class looks like it will be a blast with these guys. I can’t wait. I have a Nikon camera, will they be doing any instruction with Nikons?
Hi Kathleen! We use a Canon Rebel for most of our demonstrations, but our shooting methods will apply to ANY type of DSLR camera! 🙂
I. Can. Not. Wait!! I am stoked…STOKED I tell ya!
That sounds awesome! I get super excited if I can get the foreground-in-focus-background-out-of-focus effect, which I’m sure is Focus 101. I’ve always loved TLC tutorials, and I’m sure the quality will be great! 🙂
Aimee
YEAH! can’t wait!!
Oh my….I am over the top excited about this! I’ve been hoping someone would do something like this!
Poses are something I struggle with … I know what I like, but not always good about making it happen. Sounds like they are going to cover that anywho.
Can.hardly.wait
Yeah, baby! I have loved the photos on your blog since I first came across it a few years ago. I love how bright and “airy” they are, and I am so hoping that these guys will talk a little about how to get that effect. I have PSE and am eager to “get a clue” through these video workshops. Can’t wait!!
Yay!! I’ve been waiting every so patiently~ 1. I am an ELEMENTS user so I cannot wait for their tutorials!! 2. Please explain back button focusing in terms that I can understand– I’m still confused!! 3. Focus Points and how to use them!!
Thanks fellas!!!
Oh My Gosh Layla!!!! I am so excited I won the Starfish necklace! I am beyond excited right now!!!! Thank you so much!!!!! YAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!
Cannot wait!! I’m such a visual person !! Sign me up for the first class!!!! I’m really glad they r gonna start off with the basics. I have a canon rebel T2i and I just purchased my fist cooooool lens!!! I’m gonna tell all of my friends about the site. We all want to learn and don’t know where to start :). The manual is crazy!! I just gave up on it!
Thank you so much!!!!! Can’t wait!!
Congrats, Stephanie! We’re actually using a Canon Rebel for most of our demonstrations!
I have never been off “A” on my Nikon D40.
Thank you, Josh and Kevin!!! I have photoshop but have never used it. Too much technology for me to grasp without pictures. Great idea!
Can’t wait and thank you for all the late nights and time you put into this project. I hope you become gazillionaires. You should license your videos and sell them to DSLR camera companies.
Thank you so much, Kathy! Can’t wait to get this party started! 😀
Wonderful idea! I really would like to get a DSLR camera but haven’t because I wouldn’t know how to use it!
(And P.S. Big fan of Kevin’s sweatshirt up there. Love Hello Somebody!)
Cannot wait for this! I recently started a blog and my photography needs all the help it can get!
Thanks as always Layla. I look forward to the launch and I hope they have great success with it! Have a good one!
SWEET! I can’t wait to see what all types of things I can learn. I fear the M. Not gonna lie.
That was the cutest video ever! I love what they’re getting ready to launch too. Awesome!
Is Josh single?? He seems like my kinda guy! For real!
LOL! Nope, he’s married. 🙂
I purchased a Nikon D90 SLR one year ago and I’m SO ready to learn how to use it. P-Dubs tutorials have been great . . . but I’m one of those “you-HAVE-to-show-me-or-I-will-not-get-itâ€kinda gal, too. HELP, I’m stuck in auto. Can’t wait for the tutorials. (perhaps there will be a lesson about making the background is a little blurry, but focuses clearly on the subject. I may need a special lens for that . . . like a 50 mm, not sure.) I have bought a few How-To Nikon books, but I find it difficult to execute the process.
I’ll pass the word about the training videos to my pals. The classes sound great. (I only have Adobe’s Photoshop Elements – love it.) Can’t wait to sign up for the Photography sessions. You had me at the word . . show.
Thanks, Laurie!
We’ll definitely be covering “blurry backgrounds”, and can’t wait to get started! 🙂