F.A.Q. about Seewald's Orange County Photography Classes and photo workshops

F.A.Q.

Frequently asked questions about
Michael Seewald's
Digital photo classes and regular film camera classes.

Will the class cover technical techniques for creative exposures (setting shutter speed, aperture, ISO -- things like that)?
Yes, but you don't need to have any knowledge of it what-so-ever.

Are students expected to know that kind of thing beforehand?
No, any knowledge you do have will be a bonus to moving you along quicker though.

What type of equipment is required?
A camera of any sort (regular film cameras or digital) and a tripod. The page about 'Day two' explains this in more detail. Some painters take the classes as they would like to gain Seewald's knowledge on composition. A camera with interchangeable lenses would be a big plus.

A tripod (preferably with a 'ball head') will be needed. You can read up on that on the 'Day 2' info page in detail, and the kind to get.

Is there a tripod available to rent for student use?
Yes, you can rent a tripod, that lightweight one with the ball head that Michael suggests getting, for $20. You can use the rental fee towards the purchase of a new one.

I want to take the class but see they are all sold out, what do I do?
Contact us by filling out our guestbook and letting us know you want to be placed on our photo fun-shop notification e-letters, you will be kept up to date. Sometimes they sell out before we send the newsletter, so you might make a note to check our site every other week or so, it will be fairly accurate on classes and availability.

Your site mentions that the class will critique photos brought to class. What type of photos should we bring (prints/slides/electronic files for laptop viewing)?
Bring whatever is easier for you. We will be able to critique any and all. The best scenario would be to bring prints of about 8x10" in size, with the original unaltered, un-cropped one from a digital file, neg or slide brought to class. Small prints would be ok. Slides is the least best as they are hard to show cropped, so better to have prints made from them.

How many should we bring? Four is more than enough. We usually only get to two or three. Don't fret if they are not award winners as they may be after Michael explains how to improve your existing work.

I live close to the Carmel venue so I won't need accommodations. Is the price the same for "locals"?
Yes, but you would not have to pay the additional accommodation charges.

Are there more details about the individual days and what they entail?
Yes, go to the main Photo 'Fun-shop' page and click on the links on the left hand side. 'Day 1' goes into in-depth info about that day, start times, locations, driving directions, etc.., and from that page it leads to the 'Day 2' info page.

How much are the classes and are they full?
You can go to the 'main' Photo 'Fun-shop' page where these facts are listed near the bottom.

How do I sign up? :)
Call Michael at his studio in Northern San Diego County. 760.633.1351. Or e-mail him your request to michael at seewald .com

Classes usually sell out (95% of the time) so it's best not to hesitate if you are seriously wanting to improve your skill level.

What if I cancel out at the last minute?
You'd better make sure the date works for you first, as these are intimate and limited, a cancellation at the last minute for any reason would make you forfeit your fee, unless it was over a week away, then a credit would be issued. Trip cancellation insurance would be wise if flying to the destination.

Cancellation policy as of 1.1.'04. More than a week before class, a certificate for a future class will be issued. With less than a week before class: No refund nor certificate will be issued. Classes are held rain or shine.

Go to the photo workshop student testimonial pages