Allure West Studios has a class on digital photography for beginners, which requires the student to…read morebring a DSLR, a pad and pen/pencil, and the manual for the camera (you don't use it--I don't know where mine is). My wife bought me the class as a gift. The gift was a nice surprise, since I had been talking about wanting to learn more and to stop using the "auto" mode on my camera. I was afraid of the manual mode. Prior to taking the class, I researched the studio a bit, and I have to say, I was a bit skeptical since most of the reviews were overwhelmingly positive. There's a reason for it: the class was excellent.
The class is around 3 hours (ours went a bit longer than that) and is made up of only several people. Our class size was 5, which was nice. It allowed personal attention and removed any fear of asking questions. There is a short break in the middle, and that break essentially split the class into two 'parts': (1) a general overview of photography; and (2) how to use the manual mode.
The first 'part' was a general overview of photography, equipment, and the reasons why having quality equipment results in quality pictures. Jung, our instructor, explains with great detail why the choice of equipment, namely the flash and lens, is so important. He also took several photographs in the class to show before and after results of using the flash incorrectly versus using the flash correctly. I have learned just how important lighting and a quality lens are to pictures.
The second 'part' was an overview on how to take pictures and involved a light hands-on activity with the camera. Jung explained the four basic settings of manual mode. He explained: (1) what each setting does to the picture; (2) when to use each setting for the particular subject; (3) how to correctly adjust each setting; and (4) in what order to adjust each setting. He provides many small tips and tricks to avoid purchasing superfluous accessories. He also makes sure each student is using the correct settings, so no one is left behind.
Jung offered several recommendations for entry/amateur-level lens and flashes. These recommendations were nice, because I know if I go to a big box store, or even many local stores, the salespeople only want to sell equipment. Jung had no ulterior motives. He was not selling anything; he just wanted his students to take better photographs. He lets you to contact him after the class to ask questions, especially regarding the purchasing of new equipment. He will provide advice not specific to one brand, which is helpful since the Internet is full of people with conflicting opinions (i.e., Canon is better.. no, wait, Nikon is better.. no, wait..).
All in all, it was an excellent class, and I look forward to taking his Level 2 class sometime in the near future.