Almost 5 years ago Chris and I bought our first DSLR without knowing the first thing about how it works.  After lots of really bad pictures, reading lots of books, and taking lots of risks, I can honestly say that I love using my camera and know a trick or two that I can pass on to you.

Come join me for a quick, down and dirty (well, not really dirty…we’ll all stay very clean, I promise) introduction to digital SLR photography.  Here’s the info:

Date: January 30, 2010

Location: 4101 Sacramento Street, Concord, CA 94521

Time: 9:00 – 10:30

Bring: Your Camera and a picture that you LOVE and one that didn’t turn out and you don’t know why.

Included: A PDF download of  Guitar Hero Photo Breakdown Cards, A quick verbal explanation of your camera features,  and help analyzing what went right and what went wrong in your pictures.

Price: $30

Questions Answered:

1. What is ISO and what happens when I choose a higher ISO?  A Lower ISO?
2. What is aperture and what happens when I choose a big number?  A small number?
3. What is shutter speed?  When should I choose a high shutter speed?  A lower one?
4. What do I need to know to get a good picture in natural light?  What do I need to avoid to get a good picture in natural light?

Doesn’t that sound like fun?  I’m super excited about this – and I hope you will join me! If you want to register, click here!!! You can pay online with your credit card or drop a check in the mail.  If you pay with credit card, be sure to select “pick up” so you aren’t charged for shipping.  Did I mention I make a good cup of coffee?  I have that and cream and sugar…maybe even a few snacks .  How do bagels sound?

I really hope that are able to come to demystify that fancy camera and get on your way to taking amazing pictures.  Drop me a line if you have questions and let me know you are coming!

• You get a 13 page PDF as an instant download.

• There are twelve “cards” within the kit.  The first two are overview & technical info.  Each of the following 10 cards contain:
  • a sample image
  • lighting conditions
  • camera settings
  • my thinking about  how to set up and execute the picture.

• The pictures I used are pictures I’ve taken of my children in a very real environment.  No extra lights, no intense photoshopping afterwards.  I was working around laundry baskets, nap times, school schedules, and every thing else that seems to get in the way of good pictures.  These are real pictures.

• These cards are designed to let you into my thoughts when I am taking pictures.  You’ll find some of them focus on technique, some of them focus on what I think works best with kids, and some of it focuses on how to be present in the moment.  They all focus on designing and executing a strong image.

Currently, I have two sets available for purchase:

1. Guitar Hero – Images of my children creating & playing with cardboard guitars that we made at home.
2. Trim the Tree – Images of my children decorating the Christmas tree at grandma’s house.

Here’s a sample of one from the Guitar Hero set:

And here’s a sample from Trim The Tree:

Aren’t they cool?

You can purchase one set for $20 or both for $35.  Once you’ve made your purchase, It’s an immediate download.  Then you can view them on your computer monitor and/or print them as you choose.

You can buy them here! Just click the “add to cart” for the one you’d like to select first. Once the pop-up appears, you can click “continue shopping” to add the other one to your cart.

Photo Breakdown Set #1: Guitar Hero:

Photo Breakdown Set #2: Trim The Tree:

I want to empower you to take amazing images of your family!  I made these cards to support you in doing just that. Once again, I’m thankful for you all and the opportunity to take pictures.  Enjoy the rest of your Thanksgiving weekend!

Sara