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My goal is for you to develop your own visual language

Digital cameras, on the whole, deliver images that are in focus and exposed correctly, and yet we are often unhappy with the results, without quite knowing why. Just having a ‘well exposed’ and ‘sharp’ image is not enough to make a good photo. A good image starts with a good idea. We want to train our eyes and thereby get a better understanding of the opportunities our camera offers us.

Since 2010 I have been offering courses on image composition at my studio in Kaiserswerth, Düsseldorf. A course usually consists of seven classes, lasting 90 minutes and taking place once a fortnight. Six sessions take place at my studio, whilst the seventh takes place as a weekend outing with the whole group. The number of participants ranges from 6 to 9 people: an ideal group size where every single student receives my support and input.

The courses look at the most important elements of image composition: focal distance, perspective, layout, aperture size and exposure value, depth of focus and the impact of form and colour. The students receive ‘homework’ assignments related to these elements, the results of which are then discussed by the group. Technical questions are dealt with as and when they arise.

1. Foundation Course in Photography
This course is aimed at ‘amateur’ photographers, who want to learn more about their camera and what it can do, so that they can move on from taking photographs using only the automatic settings.

2. Advanced Photography
This course is for ‘anyone who knows their camera’, is looking to exchange ideas and wants to work thematically. (As a rule, participants attend the Foundation Course first.)

3. Masterclass
The Masterclass is, first and foremost, a place to exchange ideas and work on a theme chosen by the participants themselves. In the autumn of 2016 the group organised their first exhibition, at the Café Startklar in Düsseldorf. In preparation each of us spent almost ten months developing a photo series on the subject ‘Home - more than just a house’. A while ago we also introduced a little competition as a way to ensure regular photographic practice. Everyone takes a photo based on a specific theme in time for the next meeting. The winner gets to choose the theme for the next competition.

4. The basic principles of digital photo editing
Since February 2016 I have been lecturing on Lightroom and Photography at the Adult Education Centre in Essen. On request I can also teach photo editing in my studio (students need to provide laptops and editing programme) or in your own home. Whether you are interested in private lessons or a group course, I am happy to provide a quote.

Below you can see a screenshot of an image edited in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom during my course in Essen. To my mind the increase in contrast and saturation in this example is too extreme, but in my digital editing course I show you what is possible, so that you gain a good understanding of the software and can make deliberate decisions when editing.

In my portfolio, under the tab ‘Digital’, you will find a few of my free photo series, shot on holiday or at home with my ‘Canon 5D’ or ‘Fuji X-M 1’. (Even though I enjoy taking photographs of people when on holiday, I have deliberately chosen not to publish any photos of recognisable people in my internet portfolio, so as to protect the privacy of individuals.)

If you have any questions or are interested in one of my courses, please do not hesitate to get in touch via telephone or email.
Tel.: 0211.7334132 or email: fotokurs@ideeundbild.de

Kind regards
Hellmut Schlingensiepen

 

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