Peter Bracher
11/04/11 07:02 Filed in: Peter Bracher
I learned an enormous amount at Perri & Alan Wain's digital photography course recently. It was fun, relaxed and enjoyable and I was energised by their enthusiasm for the subject. The full-afternoon format over three consecutive Sundays ensured a relaxed pace with time for a yummy afternoon tea each day, yet we still covered a wide range of theory and practice. Small numbers meant that everyone was included and received one-to-one tuition when needed.
As well as revising and reinforcing participants' existing knowledge, Alan and Perri extended this in many ways. They started by getting us to use our cameras manually, in other words out of the useful but ultimately restricting 'Auto' mode. It is so helpful to know how to 'beat the system' and take satisfying shots in conditions where 'Auto' actually creates more problems than it solves!
For me, some real 'icing on the cake' was the opportunity to try out some of the Wains own Canon equipment, including a superb macro lens. It was both a revelation and a joy to use. I might yet switch brands...!
I also appreciated being introduced to certain reference works such as The Photographer's Eye by Michael Freeman (an outstanding resource about composition and design). We were also shown the capabilities of software such as Aperture for Macintosh computers. I now use it to handle the majority of my digital photos.
Another highlight of the course was seeing each other's homework shots. It was amazing to see how they could be enhanced by strategic cropping or making various adjustments on the computer. Perri's artistic flair and familiarity with the software really came to the fore: some 'moderately interesting' shots ended up as exciting, even breathtaking! And all do-able at home and without darkroom or chemicals. Taught this way, digital photography now rocks even more!
Peter Bracher,
As well as revising and reinforcing participants' existing knowledge, Alan and Perri extended this in many ways. They started by getting us to use our cameras manually, in other words out of the useful but ultimately restricting 'Auto' mode. It is so helpful to know how to 'beat the system' and take satisfying shots in conditions where 'Auto' actually creates more problems than it solves!
For me, some real 'icing on the cake' was the opportunity to try out some of the Wains own Canon equipment, including a superb macro lens. It was both a revelation and a joy to use. I might yet switch brands...!
I also appreciated being introduced to certain reference works such as The Photographer's Eye by Michael Freeman (an outstanding resource about composition and design). We were also shown the capabilities of software such as Aperture for Macintosh computers. I now use it to handle the majority of my digital photos.
Another highlight of the course was seeing each other's homework shots. It was amazing to see how they could be enhanced by strategic cropping or making various adjustments on the computer. Perri's artistic flair and familiarity with the software really came to the fore: some 'moderately interesting' shots ended up as exciting, even breathtaking! And all do-able at home and without darkroom or chemicals. Taught this way, digital photography now rocks even more!
Peter Bracher,
Julie Andrews
08/06/10 15:22 Filed in: Julie Andrews
Just wanted to say "Thank You" for offering such an interesting and informative course. I really enjoyed the warm and friendly environment and found your passion for photography inspirational.
Julie Andrews.
Julie Andrews.
Nina Mouravi
24/04/10 18:06 Filed in: Nina Mouravi
When I travel I often spend hours photographing, birds being my favourite subject. My partner kept telling me I shouldn't neglect the basics of [digital] photography, and honestly, I tried, but one paragraph of a camera manual already made my head spin, so for years I was in denial of every technical aspect of photography and was consequently “rewarded” with flawed pictures: slightly blurred, slightly overexposed, just good enough for an obligatory slide show at a family gathering. This went on until on our recent Australian trip a friend from Adelaide suggested that I'd contact Perri and Alan Wain about a photography course. At that point we had a brand new camera with a nice lens, but most of the shots I made were still far from perfect.
For a day both my partner and I were tutored by Perri and Alan. I'd pictured myself nodding off while lectured on topics I inwardly refused to understand. Instead, I was taken on a field trip and showed how to use a range of camera features when and where I needed those. The timing made all the difference. We had a great day, and I still remember what I learned, and use it ever since.
We were curious about Perri and Alan’s own work, but didn't get to see it until much later. A good thing, too, for had I seen their images before I started to improve mine, I'd probably given up altogether. In this order, it was all encouraging. Perri and Alan are passionate about photography, and it rubs off. Moreover, they really enjoy sharing knowledge. Australia is a long way from Holland, but once I am back I'm signing in for another workshop!
Nina Targan Mouravi, The Nederlands
artist, graphic designer
For a day both my partner and I were tutored by Perri and Alan. I'd pictured myself nodding off while lectured on topics I inwardly refused to understand. Instead, I was taken on a field trip and showed how to use a range of camera features when and where I needed those. The timing made all the difference. We had a great day, and I still remember what I learned, and use it ever since.
We were curious about Perri and Alan’s own work, but didn't get to see it until much later. A good thing, too, for had I seen their images before I started to improve mine, I'd probably given up altogether. In this order, it was all encouraging. Perri and Alan are passionate about photography, and it rubs off. Moreover, they really enjoy sharing knowledge. Australia is a long way from Holland, but once I am back I'm signing in for another workshop!
Nina Targan Mouravi, The Nederlands
artist, graphic designer
Michelle
24/04/10 18:05 Filed in: Michelle
Alan and Perri created an exceptionally personalised, informative and inspirational course in a friendly and welcoming environment. I now feel confident in my ability to produce the photos I envision, utilising techniques I was previously unaware of.
Michelle.
Michelle.
Libby MiIls
24/04/10 18:04 Filed in: Libby Mills
"Thank you to Alan & Perri of Vibrant Imaging for the opportunity to learn some great photography skills. The course was fantastic and opened my eyes up to a range of techniques and ideas. Alan & Perri take beautiful photos and have an extensive knowledge and an inspiring passion for photography. If you are looking to enhance your photography skills, I would recommend one of their courses."
Libby Mills, Graphic & Web Design .
Libby Mills, Graphic & Web Design .