Learn Photography in Small, Hands-On Classes
Stop struggling with online tutorials. Start creating photos you'll love with personalized instruction from Dan Cleary
Sign up for our next photography class on Sunday, January 12th, 2025.
Understanding Your Digital Camera: The Seven Essential Steps To Better Photography
Hi there, fellow photography enthusiast! Let’s be honest – trying to learn photography by yourself can feel like climbing a mountain blindfolded. I get it – you’re probably drowning in YouTube tutorials and wondering why everyone seems to have different opinions on what makes a great photo. Whether you’re just starting out or have been shooting for a while, finding the right guidance to level up your skills shouldn’t be this hard.
You know that feeling when you’ve watched countless online videos but still can’t quite nail that perfect shot in real life? It’s frustrating when concepts like composition and lighting still feel like a mystery and don’t even get me started on those camera settings! The worst part? Those huge photography workshops where you’re just another face in the crowd, leaving you with more questions than answers.
Here’s the good news – Dan Cleary’s photography classes are different. He keep the groups small and personal because we believe that’s how real learning happens. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your craft, Dan Cleary will work with you to develop your unique style. We’re not about boring lectures – we get you out there shooting in the real world, whether that’s capturing nature’s beauty, street life, or stunning portraits. Ready to stop second-guessing yourself and start creating images you’ll love? Join him for hands-on learning that combines your passion with solid technique. Your portfolio (and your confidence) will thank you!
Unlock The Secrets Of Great Photography With Expert Guidance from Dan Cleary
Dan will unveil his comprehensive seven step method for crafting stunning photographs in this dynamic workshop. Here’s what you’ll receive.
Step One: Master Your Camera Basics – Unlock the mysteries of your digital camera, whether it’s a point-and-shoot, prosumer model, or a high-end DSLR. Dan will demystify your device, ensuring you harness its full potential.
Step Two: Grasp Technical Know-How – Delve into the technical realm of photography as you decipher the functions of buttons and settings. Explore concepts such as F-stops, shutter speed, white balance, ISO, and the essence of proper exposure.
Step Three: Enhance Your Composition Skills – Elevate your imagery with artistic composition techniques, including leading lines, converging lines, the rule of thirds, symmetry, and creating focal points.
Step Four: Master Lighting Techniques – Learn to wield light like a pro as you uncover the secrets of directional lighting, sun versus shade, indoor versus outdoor shooting, natural light versus flash, and the significance of reflectors.
Step Five: Perfect Portraiture – Discover the art of capturing subjects at their best with insights on lens selection, camera angles, posing, expression, spontaneity, photographing children, and the effective use of props.
Step Six: Refine the Details – Elevate your photography by refining the nuances and paying attention to the finer details, transforming ordinary snapshots into extraordinary works of art.
Step Seven: Enjoying Your Creations – Once you’ve created your masterpieces, learn how to showcase them and enjoy them as fine art prints, albums, slideshows, and more.
Class starts at $89 per person, bring a friend for only $169 for both.
Hands-On Learning And Practical Techniques To Help You Create Stunning Photographs
Regardless of your skill level or camera type, Dan Cleary offers invaluable insights and techniques to elevate your photography journey. Walk away from this crash course equipped with the knowledge to operate your camera confidently and the inspiration to apply newfound skills in practice. Take your chance to embark on the 7 Steps to Better Photography journey with Dan Cleary!
“Dan’s work and professionalism are second to none! I would highly recommend him for any of your photography needs!” Becky Edgren
“Dan is one of the most knowledgeable photographers I’ve ever met and does and outstanding job- I wouldn’t recommend anyone else!” Andrew Banks
“Dan is nationally known for his creative photography.” Robert Kirchner
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will we go over everything on my camera? Everyone attending the class should bring all their camera equipment so Dan can explain all the settings.
I want to know more about landscape photography. Dan will answer everyone’s specific questions. He will go over the settings for all aspects of landscape photography.
I want to take better photos of my kids’ sports. During the class, Dan will explain the best shutter speeds and apertures for sports photography.
This class is designed for photography beginners and enthusiasts looking to learn the basics of digital photography—both the art and the science of it. Dan Cleary will share a comprehensive overview of their seven-step method for creating unique images during this fast-paced four-hour workshop.
Step One: The Basic Function of Today’s Modern Digital Camera! You’ll learn and finally understand your camera! Whether you have a point-and-shoot, consumer model, or top-of-the-line professional DSLR, Dan and Maria will make sure you get the most out of your camera!
Step Two: The Technical Stuff! You’ll learn and understand what all those buttons and settings do! But more importantly, you’ll learn how to use them best! We will be covering:
- What Are F Stops?
- Shutter Speed?
- White Balance?
- ISO (What do we use to call film speed)?
- What Is A Proper Exposure?
Step Three: Image Composition! Here’s where you will learn about the “artsy” stuff and how to give your images more impact:
- Leading Lines
- Converging Lines
- The Rule of 3rds
- Symmetrical and “A” Symmetrical Images
- Creating A Center Of Attention
Step Four: Lighting Techniques! Learn how to light like a pro with:
- Finding The Direction Of Light
- Sun vs Shade
- Indoors vs Outdoors
- Natural Light vs Flash
- What Is A Reflector?
Step Five: Making Your Subjects Look Their Best! Dan will share many of these secrets to make his subjects look their best! He’ll cover:
- Using The Proper Lens
- Camera Angle
- Posing
- Expression
- Spontaneity
- Tips For Photographing Kids
- Use Of Props
Step Six: It’s the Little Things! To improve your photography, it’s all about refining the little things and looking for details. Dan will show you how to turn what would typically be a snapshot into a work of art!
Step Seven: Enjoying Your Photographs After You’ve Created Them! You’ve created them…now what do you do with them??? Dan and Maria will demonstrate the latest ways to enjoy your images, such as fine art prints, albums, slideshows, and more!
The bottom line is that no matter your skill level or the type of camera you own, Dan Cleary will give you some of the best information regarding photography you will ever receive. You’ll leave the classroom knowing how to operate your camera and be inspired to put that knowledge into practice! Join Dan for his 7 Steps to Better Photography Crash Course!
Dan Cleary is a certified professional photographer, artist, author, teacher, lecturer, and historian living in Dayton. The Dayton City Commission and Mayor named him a Proud Dayton Original. He has run Cleary Creative Photography for the past 35 years, bringing creativity and professionalism to every client. He has published a book from the Wright Brothers: Then and Now series. It is available at many museum stores around the country, including the National Museum of the USAF in Dayton and the Wright Brothers Memorial in North Carolina, which is part of the National Park Service.