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Grand photos

 Photo Club of The Grand in Surprise, AZ


 

Classes

The following educational programs are offered for members to develop their skills in photography and image processing.  Most courses are taught by volunteer club members who give their time and talents freely.  They prepare for their instruction periods so that you may benefit from them.  Some classes are presented in a sequence of parts. To gain the maximum benefit from the instruction, class participants should make an effort to follow through and attend each class session as it is scheduled.

This season we ask that you register for classes you plan to attend. This will allow instructors to adequately prepare class materials and available class space.  PLEASE NOTE: Classes will be available for registration on the first day of the month preceding the scheduled event date.  Prior to the registration opening date, a note in the left hand margin will have the message "Registration is Closed".  It does not mean that the event is "Full". 

Occasionally, when some classes are posted on the website but are not yet open for registration you may notice that there are already people registered. Why is that? It is because these are registrants who were on the waiting list for an earlier session of that class. Because they were on the waiting list they are pre-registered for the added class prior to the class opening for registration to the general membership.

The waiting lists provide a means to determine demand for a particular topic and serve as a queue to fairly accommodate in the next class those who 'waited in line' for the first class.

To register you will need to be logged into the Grand Photos membership site and then scroll to the class and click on the register button below the class title.  Most classes are free; when there is a fee as part of the registration process, you may pay online using a credit card, or you may print out the invoice and take a copy of the invoice along with your payment to the studio and leave it with the monitor.

Upcoming Classes

    • October 10, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Grand Photo Studio - Village Center
    • 10
    Register

    Tips for Better Smartphone Pics (Android) - Gary Jann

    Your best camera is the one that is always with you.  For most of us that means our smartphone.  So, what's the secret taking great pictures with your smartphone?  As it turns out, there are a few of them.  Come and learn about some of these tips to improve your smartphone pics.

    Note: This class is geared toward Android users. Apple users should sign up for the October 17th & 24th offering with Margaret Anne Coles

    Equipment required - Android Smartphone

    Experience - beginner, intermediate

    Registration - REQUIRED

    Class will be available for registration - September 1, 2023

    • October 17, 2023
    • October 24, 2023
    • 2 sessions
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Tips to Improve Your Smartphone Pics - Apple with Margaret Anne Coles & Dennis Hilgar

    Come learn some tips to take better pictures with your Apple iPhone. In this interactive two-session class you will be introduced to and use features of your Apple iPhone to take pictures. In the first session you'll learn some of these features and practice using them and then have an assignment to work with these features before the second session which focuses on photo sharing and discussion. 

    Experience level - Beginner and Intermediate

    Equipment required - fully charged Apple iPhone

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration on 9-1-23

    • October 19, 2023
    • 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Notecard Printing - Barbie Hallstrom

    Isn't it about time you shared some of your art with the world? Did you know you can print those wonderful photos of yours onto notecards right here at our Club? In this class we will show you just how to do that. 

    Experience level - all

    Equipment required - A photo of your choice resized to fit a 5x7 print. 

    We will upload it from your device, flash drive or SD Card.

    Registration - REQUIRED

    Supply cost $1.00 per notecard kit.

    This class will be available for registration September 1, 2023


    • October 19, 2023
    • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Notecard Printing - Barbie Hallstrom

    Isn't it about time you shared some of your art with the world? Did you know you can print those wonderful photos of yours onto notecards right here at our Club? In this class we will show you just how to do that. 

    Experience level - all

    Equipment required - A photo of your choice resized to fit a 5x7 print. 

    We will upload it from your device, flash drive or SD Card.

    Registration - REQUIRED

    Supply cost $1.00 per notecard kit.

    This class will be available for registration September 1, 2023


    • October 24, 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 5
    Register

    Beginning Snapseed - Jerry Weinstein

    Many of the professional photo editing apps are complicated and have a steep learning curve. But Snapseed comes as fresh breath of air and combines professional photo editing with ease of work. You will learn how to process your Smartphone or Tablet photos using basic techniques and learn to develop a "workflow" to help in the ease of using Snapseed. 

    Experience level - beginner 

    Equipment required - smartphone or tablets with the app Snapseed installed

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration September 1, 2023

    • October 25, 2023
    • November 09, 2023
    • 4 sessions
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 9
    Register

    An Introduction to Photoshoots - Richard Coles & Kendra Anderson

    This class offers participants the opportunity to learn and participate with others in hands-on photoshoot experiences at two different locations. Along the way, you'll build friendships and share ideas while gaining an understanding of what is involved in photoshoot activities and how to participate in future photoshoots. 

    Session 1 on Oct 25th is classroom - 10-Noon

    Session 2 & 3 on Oct 26th and Nov 2nd will be "in the field" and time is currently set for 9-2pm weather permitting but that could shift! Details will be finalized as the those dates approach.

    Session 4 on Nov 9th is 6-8pm and will be a learning experience involving sharing and discussion of photos taken by participants, and a wrap up of this workshop.

    Experience level - open to participants of all experience levels with Smartphones, Mirrorless or DSLR cameras.

    Equipment required - camera(s) of your choice including smartphone, mirrorless or DSLR

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration September 1, 2023


    • October 31, 2023
    • November 10, 2023
    • 2 sessions
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 13
    Register

    Seeing the Natural Light - Gary Jann

    This class focuses on using natural sunlight without camera filters or flash.  We will discuss how to see light and assess the quality of available light.  We will talk about how to manipulate light to create unique photos with various moods.  We will become comfortable to shoot any time of day and under any weather conditions using the available natural light.  The end objective is that this course will enable you to read, observe and utilize light and adjust your subject accordingly to create magical moments with your image.

    Instructor: Gary Jann

    Experience level: all

    Equipment required: smartphone, DSLR, or camera body (your choice)

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration September 1, 2023

    • November 02, 2023
    • November 16, 2023
    • 3 sessions
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 10
    Register

    Using Apple Photos with Margaret Anne Coles & Dennis Hilgar

    Learn how Apple Photos will help you find the shots you’re looking for with powerful search options; organize your collection into albums, or keep your photos organized automatically with smart albums. Perfect your photos with intuitive built-in editing tools where you can improve light and color, apply filters, enhance framing by cropping and more.

    The class is actively interactive and participatory - learning about aspects of Apple Photos to process images and practicing their use in class. You'll also learn to intelligently curate photos to find trips, holidays, people and more.

    Experience level - primarily Beginner and Intermediate but Advanced users may also find they pick up some helpful tips

    Equipment required - Apple iPhone, Apple iPad or Apple laptop fully charged and running the latest operating system version. 

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration October 1, 2023

    • November 02, 2023
    • November 09, 2023
    • 2 sessions
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 16
    Register

    Smart Phone Family Photography - with Jim & Vicki Barbour

    Our goal is to teach you techniques to make your family photos better. We will emphasize seeing and finding natural light to photograph groups and individuals as well as how to pose individuals and family groups.

    The first session will be in the Studio learning about factors to consider such as finding the light, composing the group and considering the background.  The second session will involve members taking pictures, sharing and discussing them.

    Experience level: all levels welcome

    Equipment required: a smartphone (Apple or Android) with the free app Snapseed installed

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration October 1, 2023

    • November 07, 2023
    • November 14, 2023
    • 2 sessions
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 10
    Register

    Layers and Layer Masks in Photoshop Elements - Peggy Boike

    Understanding how to use Layers is key to successful editing in Photoshop Elements.  With layers you can add components to an image and make adjustments, such as color, contrast and brightness, and work on each component or adjustment one at a time, without changing your original image.  In this two-session class you will be introduced to layers and also layer masks for selective editing.  Participants will actively practice techniques in class on their own laptops.

    Experience Level: Advanced. Participants must be familiar with using Elements in Expert Mode

    Equipment required - laptop with Elements installed

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This workshop will be open for registration October 1, 2023

    • November 14, 2023
    • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 5
    Register

    Printing 101 for Apple Users - Herb Yelverton

    This course is for those who use Apple. This is a basic class of how to print to our printers in the Photo Club using your Apple device. The printers covered are the Canon 1000 and the Canon 100. Participants bring their own devices and print one picture. This is an introductory course that does not get into the more advanced functions our printers are capable of. 

    Experience level - No experience needed 

    Equipment required - Apple iPhone or iPad

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration on October 1, 2023

    • November 21, 2023
    • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 6
    Register

    Matting - Ron Pescitani

    Hands- on experience.  Bring a photo (8x10 or less) and learn how to measure and cut a mat to frame your photo.  Limit 8 participants

    Experience level: all

    Equipment required: bring a photo for matting (8 x 10 or less)

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration October 1, 2023

    • November 28, 2023
    • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 6
    Register

    Canvas Stretching - Ron Pescitani

    In this class you will see how easy canvas stretching can be as you follow along as the instructor demonstrates this technique.

    Experience level - all levels

    Equipment required - none

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration October 1, 2023


    • November 29, 2023
    • 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 7
    Register

    Are You Taking Dirty Pictures? - Shel Wecker

    Is your digital camera sensor dirty? Is your focus system accurate? What's the best way to clean your camera body and lenses? This class will show you how to answer those questions and fix problems if they exist. After a demonstration, class participants will go through the leaning/calibration process with their own cameras. 

    Experience level - all levels

    Equipment required - your DSLR camera (any format with or without a mirror); your camera manual; microfiber lens cleaning cloth; lens cleaning solution. Optional recommended items are a sensor brush, squeeze bulb blower and soft rag for external camera body.

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration October 1, 2023

    • November 29, 2023
    • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 12
    Register

    Photo Walk in Grand - Barbie Hallstrom

    A hands-on class for iPhone users to help you learn and practice a variety of iPhone techniques. This month's offering will focus on slow motion and we'll practice photographing waterfalls. 

    The venue is here in our own community at Grand and within walking distance of the photo studio. We will start with a brief class meeting to discuss the subject matter as well as offer some tips on techniques and methods to try, and then we will walk to different nearby destinations to practice shooting. 

    Experience level - all levels, beginner to advanced

    Equipment required - iPhone (any model), tripod and ability to mount an iPhone to that tripod, and highly recommended to download the $1.99 app Slow Shutter 

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration October 1, 2023

    • December 05, 2023
    • December 12, 2023
    • 2 sessions
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 16
    Registration is closed

    Advanced Snapseed - Jim Barbour

    This is the follow-up course from the basics on how to process your Smartphone or tablet pictures using “Snapseed”.  Learn some of the more advanced tools and techniques (brushes, select tool, layers, and double exposures) and have the opportunity to process your photos with the guidance of mentors. In the first class, participants will follow along on their devices with images provided as Jim then demonstrates on the TV screen the editing process.

    Experience level: should know the basics of Snapseed or have taken the Beginning Snapseed course here at Grand Photos. This is an intermediate / advanced class that builds on the experience of prior use of Snapseed.

    Equipment required: your smartphone or tablet with the Snapseed app (free) installed

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration on November 1, 2023

    • December 12, 2023
    • December 19, 2023
    • 2 sessions
    • Grand Photo Studio - Village Center
    • 16
    Registration is closed

    Basic Composition for Beginners - Audrey Pavitt

    What makes a good photograph? What exactly is meant by good composition?

    This class will identify and explore some simple concepts that will help you to produce better photographs. These concepts include photography "rules" such as thirds, leading lines, etc. You will practice identifying the elements and have an assignment for the second session to practice applying the rules with your camera (or smartphone) and presenting your results. 

    Experience Level: Beginners!

    Registration - REQUIRED

    The class will be available for Registration - November 1, 2023

    • December 14, 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 16
    Registration is closed

    Beginning Snapseed - Jerry Weinstein

    Many of the professional photo editing apps are complicated and have a steep learning curve. But Snapseed comes as fresh breath of air and combines professional photo editing with ease of work. You will learn how to process your Smartphone or Tablet photos using basic techniques and learn to develop a "workflow" to help in the ease of using Snapseed. 

    Experience level - beginner 

    Equipment required - smartphone or tablets with the app Snapseed installed

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration November 1, 2023

    • December 27, 2023
    • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 14
    Registration is closed

    Photo Walk in Grand - Barbie Hallstrom

    A hands-on class for iPhone users to help you learn and practice a variety of iPhone techniques. This month's offering will focus on using burst mode for fast action events whether that might be a dog or child playing or a sporting event. 

    The venue is here in our own community at Grand and within walking distance of the photo studio. We will start with a brief class meeting to discuss the subject matter as well as offer some tips on techniques and methods to try, and then we will walk to different nearby destinations to practice shooting. 

    Experience level - all levels, beginner to advanced

    Equipment required - iPhone (any model)

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration November 1, 2023

    • January 09, 2024
    • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 8
    Registration is closed

    Matting - Ron Pescitani

    Hands- on experience.  Bring a photo (8x10 or less) and learn how to measure and cut a mat to frame your photo.  Limit 8 participants

    Experience level: all

    Equipment required: bring a photo for matting (8 x 10 or less)

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration December 1, 2023

    • January 10, 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 15
    Registration is closed

     Cloning Images in Elements - Peggy Boike

    This class focuses on using Photoshop Elements' Clone Stamp Tool. You will learn various techniques to use when utilizing the Clone Stamp Tool and you will actively practice techniques in class on your own laptop.

    Experience level - Advanced. Participants must be familiar with editing in Elements' Expert Mode.

    Equipment required - laptop with Photoshop Elements installed

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration December 1, 2023

    • January 11, 2024
    • January 18, 2024
    • 2 sessions
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 12
    Registration is closed

    Creativity - Margaret Anne Coles

    Creativity is a key ingredient in artistic expression. As an art form, photography is all about the creative process and exploring ideas through images.  It requires the use of the imagination or original ideas to produce an artistic work.

    This class is a hands-on experience that will help you explore and connect with your creativity. Homework assignments will be shared in the second class. 

    Experience level: all - just bring curiosity and an open mind!

    Equipment required: whatever you like to shoot with - camera or smartphone

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration December 1, 2023

    • January 16, 2024
    • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 8
    Registration is closed

    Canvas Stretching - Ron Pescitani

    In this class you will see how easy canvas stretching can be as you follow along as the instructor demonstrates this technique.

    Experience level - all levels

    Equipment required - none

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration December 1, 2023


    • January 22, 2024
    • January 29, 2024
    • 2 sessions
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 16
    Registration is closed

    Photo Composition The Next Level - Jeff Martini

    This class builds on the basics of photo composition and explores even more techniques and approaches to create compelling and interesting images. From framing the photo through the viewfinder, visually arranging the elements, to cropping the final image, participants will gain an understanding of compositional strategies and will be able to apply them to their own photos. 

    Instructor - Jeff Martini

    Experience level - beginner to advanced

    Equipment required - any camera will do

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration December 1, 2023


    • January 23, 2024
    • January 30, 2024
    • 2 sessions
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 18
    Registration is closed

    Artsy Photo Apps for iPhones - Jim Barbour

    In this hands-on class you'll be introduced to a variety of iPhone photo apps to create painterly images, layered images, interesting graphic patterns and creative variations on an existing image. In session one, participants will be shown examples of the use of apps (some free, some have a one time fee) and will follow along with images the instructor will supply. Participants do have the option to first watch the demonstrations before deciding whether to purchase an app. 

    In session two, participants will share and talk about images they worked on.

    Experience level - all levels welcome

    Equipment required - an iPhone with images load that Jim sends ahead of the first class. Free apps downloaded (a list will be provided in advance) and an option to purchase low priced apps before, during or after class. An iPad can be used in place of an iPhone (so long as you have access to the apps).

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration on December 1, 2023

    • February 05, 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Grand Photos Studio - Village Center
    • 15
    Registration is closed

    Processing RAW Images in Elements - Peggy Boike

    Using Photoshop Elements, learn how to process RAW images with the Adobe Camera Raw pre-processor in Photoshop Elements. Participants will actively practice processing RAW files in class on their own laptops. 

    Experience level - all levels

    Equipment required - must have a camera that outputs RAW files and a laptop with Photoshop Elements installed. 

    Registration - REQUIRED

    This class will be available for registration January 1, 2024

    • February 06, 2024
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Grand Photo Studio - Village Center
    • 8
    Registration is closed

    How to Easily Display your Photos - Jerry Weinstein

    This hands on class is designed for Club members who are interested in framing their photos at home, who submit to display on the wall at the Studio, or who want to mount their pictures on foam board.

    Experience Level - All

    Registration - Required

    Please bring an 8X10 photo with you to work with in class and $5 to cover the cost of any materials that you may use.

    This class will be open for registration January 1, 2024

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