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Michael Seewald's
Photographic Art Classes
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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)?
Are students expected to know that kind of thing beforehand?
What type of equipment is required?
Some classes state a 'ball headed' tripod is required, is one available to rent from you folks?
I want to take the class but see they are all sold out, what do I do?
One class mentions that we will critique some of our photos. What type of photos should we bring (prints/slides/electronic files for laptop viewing)?
I live close to the workshop location so I won't need accommodations. Is the price the same?
Are there more details about the individual days and what they entail?
How much are the classes and are they full?
How do I sign up? :)
My Significant other would like to hang w/ me but not take the class, is that ok?
What if I cancel out at the last minute?
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. We will teach this to you over the average three day class. Longer classes will just do a better job of 'drilling it home'.
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. Some painters take the classes as they would like to gain Seewald's knowledge on composition too. A camera with interchangeable lenses is be a big plus, but point and shoots are ok.
A tripod (with a 'ball head') is required. Michael is constantly visiting you in the field and that way he can go over your composition right then and there. Looking at the small digital file on the back of the camera does not really allow for the 'fine tuning' that will be accomplished.
What is a 'ball headed' tripod? It's a head with a ball joint and one knob to loosen, instead of the three handled monstrosities, or two handled video ones, both useless to serious photographers, for the most part. It's described on 'materials list' for the class in detail. We, or most camera stores, rent them at a nominal fee, see next point...
Is there a 'ball headed' tripod available to rent from you folks?
Yes, you can rent a tripod from us (or elsewhere, we don't care as long as you bring a 'ball headed' one- it is required to make your learning experience an enjoyable one).
Our rentals are nice lightweight ones with a 'ball head', the kind Michael suggests and uses himself, for only $20 (that's what most camera stores charge too, but ours are basically new and the right size). Good news, you can use the rental fee towards the purchase of a new one if you like it... 90% of our students usually do!
I want to take the class but see they are all sold out, what do I do?
Contact us by filling out our guestbook, click here, (it will open a new window, just close it afterwards and you will be back to this page) and let us know you want to be placed on our photo fun-shop notification e-mail list. You will be kept up to date for the most part. Sometimes, unfortunately, they sell out before we actually send the newsletter out due to so much interest in our 'fun-shops', so you might make a note to check our site every other week or so for updated class dates, 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, (or negative or slide) brought to class. Small prints (4x5" or similar) would be ok, but would not benefit you as much as the larger ones. Slides are 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 workshop location so I won't need accommodations. Is the price the same for "locals"?
Yes, as accommodation charges are not included in any of the prices anyways.
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 and 3' 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? :)
Go to this secure page to sign up: PW_info_release_intro_page.htm
Or call Michael at his studio in North San Diego County. 760.633.1351.
Or e-mail him your request to michael at seewald .com and include a good number to reach you at.
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.
My Significant other would like to hang w/ me but not take the class, is that ok?
With most of the out of town classes this comes up with one or more Michael’s students, as he meets at places we want our loved ones to join us at. We wish they could tag along but anyone not in the class becomes a bit of a distraction to Michael and the other students, besides the spouse, so it is not allowed.
If they want to take it with you, which would help them understand your enthusiasm for it and in many cases gets them started in this as a hobby too. They should just sign up too, at a discounted rate too. I took it once, even though I was only interested in collecting Michael's art, not learning how to make art, but I’m much more appreciative in what goes into creating it and now know why some art is good and others not.
Otherwise, they could hang there and relax in the area, enjoying the scenery and walks on their own through the interesting town we meet at. And they are allowed to meet with the group at breakfast, lunch and dinner gatherings. They can also hang w/ the group from dinner on if we do an art stroll afterwards.
Thanks,
Valerie Seewald
What if I cancel out at the last minute?
Please make sure the date works for you first, as these are intimate and very limited in size- attendee wise. A cancellation at the last minute for any reason could cause a forfeit of fees paid, (cancellation details follow), and if you cancel in time to not forfeit fees, you may use you deposit to take a future class, or towards a purchase of a Seewald image.
We suggest trip cancellation insurance to cover any costs you may incur for travel, airfare, rooms, etc..
All classes are held rain or shine. Great art is created in inclement weather, just be prepared for it.
San Diego class cancellation policy as of 1.1.'11. 14 or more days before class, a certificate good for a future class will be issued (good for one year). With less than 14 days before class: No refund nor certificate will be issued. Not responsible for medical emergencies.
All classes outside San Diego county- cancellation policy as of 11.1.'11
60 or more days before class, a certificate good for a future class will be issued (good for one year). With less than 60 days before class: No refund nor certificate will be issued. Not responsible for medical emergencies.
(Policy posted here and on our 'sign-up form'.)
Missing an answer?
then please e us immediately
to valerie at seewald dot com.
Go to the photo workshop student testimonial pages
Go to main Photo Workshop Info Page.
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Seewald's photographic 'fun-shops'
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