ViewFinder Center for Photography Classes, Courses and Workshops

6 December - DSLR for Beginners

The ViewFinder Center — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Getting Started with dSLR Photography

Are you using a DSLR camera or thinking about buying one in the near future? Are you wondering what all those buttons and menu setting are for? Would you like to take control of your images and break the habit of using AUTO mode? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this class is for you.

Our DSLR for Beginners class is for anyone wanting to improve their knowledge of basic photography, get more comfortable with their camera and learn how to take better photos with a DSLR camera. This is one of most popular classes, so be sure to register early!

Topics covered in this class include:

a detailed overview of camera settings and menu functions
recommended lenses and accessories
how to control exposure with aperture and shutter speed settings
using manual and auto-focus modes for static and moving images
basic composition: orientation, rule of thirds, lines, curves, patterns, etc.
using selective focus to enhance composition
Photoshop LightRoom image organization and post-processing demonstration

Date: Sunday, 6 December
Time: 10:00 - 17:30
Class fee*: CHF 300 per person
Requirements: A digital SLR camera NOTE: If you do not yet own a dSLR camera, we can provide a rental for an additional CHF 50 for the day - on a first come/first serve basis.

To register for this class, please click here

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us

*Class fee does not include lunch. We will take a lunch break while we are out shooting and each participant will be responsible for the cost of their own meal.

22 November - Creative Composition for Better Photographs

The ViewFinder Center — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:00:00 +0000

The easiest way to improve your photographs is to improve your composition. Whether you are using AUTO mode or you are an advanced amateur, understanding and improving composition will greatly improve how your images communicate to your viewers. Composition is something anyone can learn, it just takes a basic understanding of some simple principles and good, old-fashioned practice. This class will get you started with both by combining theoretical discussions with hands-on shooting assignments in the field.

Photo: Bryon Paul McCartneyTopics covered in this class include:

how to select image orientation
understanding the rule of thirds
basic to intermediate principles of composition
using lines & angles
using curves & shapes
using patterns & repetitions
creating dynamic movement to catch the eye
using focus and depth of field to create a center of interest
creating background blur to show motion

This is one of our most popular classes, so be sure to register early!

Date: Sunday, 22 November
Class time: 10:00 - 17:30
Class fee*: CHF 325

To register for this class, please click here

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us

*Class fee does not include lunch. We will take a lunch break while we are out shooting and each participant will be responsible for the cost of their own meal.

21 November - Foto Lessons on Foot: The Üetliberg

The ViewFinder Center — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

To the Top of Zürich

This is an interactive, hands-on photography class and walking tour designed to get you outdoors to take advantage of unique shooting opportunities and scenic locations around Zürich. Throughout the class, you’ll work on developing and improving your photography skills by working in real-world shooting situations with guidance and supervision from our instructors.

This class is ideal if you have already taken our DSLR for Beginners class or you are familiar with using your camera’s settings.

Topics covered in this class include:

selecting camera and exposure settings
composition and framing
working with available lighting situations
selecting which lens to use
how to spot interesting scenes and make them interesting photos

Foto Lessons on Foot combine pre-planned and spontaneous photographic moments throughout the tour. Come join us for a fun and enjoyable walk, learning and taking great pictures in Zürich.

Date: Saturday, 21 November
Time: 14:00 - 17:30
Location: Meet at Bahnhof Enge in Zürich
Class fee: CHF 170 per person
Take both the morning and afternoon sessions and save CHF 40 off the total class fees.

To register for this class, please click here

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us

21 November - Foto Lessons on Foot: Mythenquai & Rote Fabrik

The ViewFinder Center — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Lakeside Neighborhoods with something different

This class is ideal if you have already taken our DSLR for Beginners class or you are familiar with using your camera’s settings.

Topics covered in this class include:

selecting camera and exposure settings
composition and framing
working with available lighting situations
selecting which lens to use
how to spot interesting scenes and make them interesting photos

Foto Lessons on Foot combine pre-planned and spontaneous photographic moments throughout the tour. Come join us for a fun and enjoyable walk, learning and taking great pictures in Zürich.

Date: Saturday, 21 November
Time: 9:00 - 12:30
Location: Meet at Bahnhof Enge in Zürich
Class fee: CHF 170 per person
Take both the morning and afternoon sessions and save CHF 40 off the total class fees.

To register for this class, please click here

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us

19 November - Creative Lensbaby Photo Lab

The ViewFinder Center — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Fun Lenses with Dramatic Results

Photo: Bryon Paul McCartney

The Lensbaby is a great creative tool you can use to create interesting and intriguing images that will have people asking ‘how did you do that?’

The Lensbaby is a simple plastic lens that allows you to play with the ‘sweet spot’ of focus creating selective focus effects that give your images a unique quality not easily achieved using normal camera lenses.

In this class, we will explore the basic use of the Lensbaby and reveal the secrets and tips to using it properly and successfully.

Photo: Bryon Paul McCartney

You will, of course, need to bring a Lensbaby to the class, or we can order one for you at an additional charge*.

Date: Thursday, 19 November
Time: 19:00 - 21:30
Class fee: CHF 175 per person (not including Lensbaby)

To register for this class, please click here

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us

Photo: Lensbaby Inc.

*Orders and full payment must be received no later than 13 November to ensure availability and delivery by class date. .

Photo: Bryon Paul McCartneyPhoto: Bryon Paul McCartney

8 November - DSLR for Beginners

The ViewFinder Center — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Getting Started with dSLR Photography

a detailed overview of camera settings and menu functions
recommended lenses and accessories
how to control exposure with aperture and shutter speed settings
using manual and auto-focus modes for static and moving images
basic composition: orientation, rule of thirds, lines, curves, patterns, etc.
using selective focus to enhance composition
Photoshop LightRoom image organization and post-processing demonstration

Date: Sunday, November 8
Time: 10:00 - 17:30
Class fee*: CHF 300 per person
Requirements: A digital SLR camera NOTE: If you do not yet own a dSLR camera, we can provide a rental for an additional CHF 50 for the day - on a first come/first serve basis.

To register for this class, please click here

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us

*Class fee does not include lunch. We will take a lunch break while we are out shooting and each participant will be responsible for the cost of their own meal.

7 November - Better Travel Photography: On Location in Lucerne

The ViewFinder Center — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Photo: Kellie Nolan McCartneyLucerne is a scenic town and a perfect location to learn about travel photography. In this class, the instructor will guide you on a walking tour of the old-town and lakefront areas of Lucerne, offering demonstrations, shooting tips and helpful advice at every turn. You will be challenged to find interesting subjects and create your own images which will be shared with the rest of the class during breaks throughout the day.

Topics covered in this class include:

how to find interesting travel photo subjects
understanding lighting and how to use it to your advantage
how to approach strangers for great portraits
shooting interesting interior images
how to deal with good and bad weather conditions
how to deal with low-lighting situations
when to use flash

Date: Saturday, 7 November
Time: 10:00 - 17:30
Location: Lucerne, meeting point KKL (KKL map)
Class fee*: CHF 325 per person

To register for this class, please click here

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us

*Class fee does not include lunch. We will take a lunch break while we are out shooting and each participant will be responsible for the cost of their own meal.

5 November - DIY Portrait Lighting Lab

The ViewFinder Center — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Great portraits are often made with great lighting. This class will show you how to create great portraits at home using simple, inexpensive home lighting (household lamps and other available lighting) - no need for specialty pro lighting equipment. The class will begin with a brief introduction, followed by demonstrations from the instructor and hands-on exercises to help you create interesting portraits that won’t break the bank. This class is fun and interactive, with plenty of time to learn and practice simple techniques that give great results.

Date: Thursday, 5 November
Class time: 19:00 - 21:30
Class fee: CHF 175

To register for this class, please click here

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us

22 October - The Basics of Photo Editing

The ViewFinder Center — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Finding the best in your photos

Fine tuning color saturation with Flickr’s Picnik editing function.Selecting which photos look best can be a daunting task for beginning photographers. This class aims to help you find the best of your images by understanding the key elements than make for a good photograph. You will learn how to look at images from a critical point of view using classic and popular images as a reference. We’ll look at how you can use online editing tools at Flickr and Adobe’s Photoshop.com to edit and enhance your photos. You will also have the opportunity to share your own images for feedback and input from classmates and your instructor.

Some of the basic edit tools at Adobe’s Photoshop.com Date: Thursday, 22 October
Class time: 19:00 - 21:30
Class fee: CHF 150

To register for this class, please click here

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us

20 October - Macro Photo Lab

The ViewFinder Center — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Photo: John HarndenThis hands-on lab class covers the basic concepts and techniques of macro photography. The class format includes a mix of theory and technical discussion with hands-on practice in our macro lab. Our studio lab will be setup with several different props and lighting situations perfect for getting real-world experience that can be applied on a day-to-day basis. You will have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of macro photography situations, with tips and assistance from the instructor.

Photo: John HarndenParticipants will need to bring their own DSLR camera and macro lens to participate in this class.

Date: Tuesday, 20 October
Class time: 19:00 - 21:30
Class fee: CHF 150