Dog-gone Delightful Share!

A few months ago, we had the pleasure of taking a road trip to Metcalfe to teach Mastering the Basics, Parts 1 and 2 back-to-back to a keen group.  Johanne was one of the participants that day and she wrote this lovely testimonial to share:

"For my 16th Birthday (a few years ago now ;-) my parents gave me my first Canon Rebel, a 35mm. I loved this camera; the pictures I shot were crisp, clear and exactly how I wanted them. About five years ago, I decided to upgrade my Rebel to a digital version; with that said, I was very disappointed in the quality of the images I was taking and as such, lacked the interest in photography that I once had.

A friend of mine asked me if I'd be interested in participating in the Mastering the Basics Courses, Parts 1 and 2 that she would be hosting in her comforts of her home a few months ago.  I accepted and was quite impressed.  The atmosphere was relaxing and fun amongst friends, and Rhonda and Gemma's 'hands-on & try-it-out' instruction style kept the course interesting.  It was easy to learn and retain the information shared. 

Since attending these courses my dSLR has not had time to collect dust, and I'm even more pleased now with the outcome of my pictures than I was before using my old 35mm. Thank you Rhonda and Gemma for helping me rediscover my passion for 'good pics'.

Looking forward to attending the Manual Course in January!
~ Johanne"

Here is a picture of her dog, Pepper, that she took before taking the Mastering the Basics courses:

The second image is a picture Johanne took after taking the courses.  Notice that the new image doesn't use harsh flash to properly expose the picture, the colours are more true-to-life, the background is nicely blurred, and there is more thought put into composition.  

Nicely done, Johanne!  We love this image!  Thanks for letting us share!


Do you want to learn how to take better everyday photos?  We can teach you too. :) Upcoming Mastering the Basics, Part 1 and Part 2 courses are listed here: http://clicksgonewild.blogspot.com/p/class-schedule.html

Register for any of our January courses by sending an e-mail to clicksgonewild@gmail.com.

Capturing Those Tiny Toes

A few months ago, before the birth of her first little one, Melissa attended Mastering the Basics, Parts 1 and 2 courses back-to-back at the Arnprior Library.  Armed with her Nikon and a good eye, Melissa picked up some photography tips during our few hours together and used her new knowledge to do some additional self-directed learning.  We were so happy when she sent us these beautiful captures of her new addition.  Isn't she precious?!  We have a feeling this will be one well-photographed infant.  :)  Thanks for joining us, Melissa, and especially for letting us share!

Mastering the Basics, Parts 1 and 2 are both full of great instruction for any point-and-shoot or dSLR owner.  Even if you have never taken your camera off the green box (auto mode), Gemma and I will help you make sense of your camera.  You will learn how to take full advantage of your camera's features (take control!) and to get better everyday photos!

There is a Mastering the Basics: Part 1 tonight (Tuesday, Dec. 6) in Braeside, with a few spaces still available.  Email us at clicksgonewild@gmail.com to register.

Rhonda
 

The Confidence To Try New Things!

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching is seeing results!  I was so happy that my friend, Cyndy, shared this image yesterday and gave permission for me to share with you.  Cyndy took both Mastering the Basics:  Parts 1 and 2 earlier this year.  She wrote about how happy she is with this image and how thankful she is that our Clicks courses have helped her become a better photographer and most importantly, boost her confidence.

I love how she used the available light here and didn't fire a flash.  It's a calm and perfect moment captured exactly how she wanted it to be remembered.  Both Gemma and I are so proud of her for taking the concepts we teach in our classes, practicing with her camera often and really running with them.  Capturing these special moments is of great importance to Cyndy, as she is an avid scrapper (in the "book" sense!) and sells Close To My Heart scrapbooking supplies to Arnprior and area.  Check out Cyndy's blog here:  http://arnpriorscrapper.blogspot.com/

The final public class of 2011 for Mastering the Basics: Part 1 is being held Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. in Braeside.  E-mail us at clicksgonewild@gmail.com for more information or to register.

~Rhonda

TESTIMONIAL | Jaime

We love to hear how our classes result in better everyday images for our students!!  It makes us SO happy!  So we're pleased to share this testimonial from Jaime and some of the beautiful pictures she has captured since taking Mastering the Basics, Parts 1 and 2 with Clicks.  Thank you, Jaime!

With a love of photography, and knowledge that the shots taken with my older point-and-shoot camera were “decent”, I knew that there was room for improvement.  Equipped with a brand new Nikon DSLR, and only weeks before a trip to The Golden State of California, there were memories that would need to be captured.  I wasn’t naïve in thinking that my new camera was going to be what did it for me, and so I was looking for someone’s help in giving me an insight into the world of photography.  At the most appropriate time, I stumbled upon the “Clicks Gone Wild”, Mastering the Basics workshops.  With a tight timeframe before my trip, I did both Part 1 and Part 2 on the same day!  These workshops were amazing.  More importantly, Rhonda and Gemma were wonderful.  Their up-beat personalities, professionalism and talent, combined with the jam-packed information that they provided in these two sessions were remarkable. That afternoon, I walked out the door knowing that I was equipped with the information needed to turn my “decent” shots, into “memorable” ones.  Thanks to Rhonda and Gemma, I continue to learn every day, through every shot.  Thank You, Ladies!

Jaime Christie-Stewart
Participant in Mastering the Basics – Part 1 and 2 – April, 2011