The Class:
This class is for anyone who wants to learn the basics of controlling light and wants insight into the decision their camera makes when they take a photo. This class is for beginning to moderately experienced photographers – and especially for experienced photographers that have learned bad habits.

What’s required for the class:
You should bring a DSLR with you to class. If you don’t have one, you can learn alongside other students and the instructor. Many of the topics covered can be applied to film SLRs and smaller cameras like many of the new micro 4/3 systems or “pro-sumer” cameras like the Powershot Pro. You likely need this class if your camera cost more than $400 – but everyone is welcome. Make sure to come with a charged battery and space on your memory card. While not required, bring a tripod if you have one.

What topics will be covered:
We’ll go over what the different scene modes mean, how to use Shutter and Aperture priority, talk about the theory and practice behind controlling motion blur, depth of field, ISO (and noise), file formats, metering modes, reading histograms, and more.

What skills you will leave with:
You’ll be able to make more artistic photos by adding or removing motion blur when you want to. You’ll learn about depth of field and know how to take better portraits. You’ll be able to get better photos in lower light with and without using your flash. You’ll learn about reciprocity and how to take beautiful night shots. You’ll be able to control or at least anticipate noise in your photos. You’ll learn how to get accurate exposure readings in difficult lighting situations that tend to confuse your automatic scene modes (like water with sun glare, snow, ect.). You’ll know when and why to use JPG or RAW and you’ll be able to impress your friends with better photos.

You’ll be using each other as models, and you’ll leave with professional-looking portrait of yourself. (You can opt out if you really want to…)

Class Cost: $30 if paid online before January 17th. $40 at the door. Limited space available.

Instructor: Alan Languirand is a professional photographer and graphic designer, he grew up in Rhode Island and the suburbs of DC, has lived in MI since 2005 and has been working in downtown Detroit since 2008. He’s the lead photographer for the Detroit Regional Chamber of commerce and he contributes to Ambassador magazine and dozens of other projects, shoots freelance under his brand 13protons and has a degree in photography from Eastern Michigan University.

He loves to photograph, and wants to share his knowledge so we can all have better photos in our lives. Alan says, “the technology is so cheap that anyone can get a powerful DSLR for ~$600, and a little knowledge about how to use that type of camera can make worlds of difference when it comes to how often you take photos and the quality you get.”

About Paper Street: Paper Street is an arts and business incubator in Ferndale, MI. We get you where your heart and your dreams want you to go. Learning is life. We've built an ecosystem consisting of the best teachers, the most exciting subjects and the right setting to get you to the next level in your art, business and projects without the tethers that hold you back in a traditional learning environment. Get straight to what you want to know.