Seeing as I needed to start posting I figured this was a good subject. These are just my views on the experience, but it may be helpful for someone else considering one of these courses.
Camera: Nikon D5000
Experience
Limited, I have only owned the Nikon for about 6 months. Currently 12 weeks into a City and Guilds Level 1 (limited but the tutor is great and covering more in depth topics than would normally be covered). I am really getting a lot out of the C&G the further we go into it, although I wonder if a lot of that is the current tutor.
Equipment
Photography interests
Products (I run several e-commerce websites and the suppliers pictures are generally bad), aiming for the usual white background look. The products are generally glass or white plastic in clear plastic wrap.
I am also looking to take better pictures of my children and I quite like the idea of portrait style pictures.
I am not looking to be a pro or even semi-pro, I am happy in my current job and the only overlap I can foresee is related to the products. I am not creative (at all!) but I still like photography generally so wont let that put me off
and I have considered doing the Level 2 City and Guilds if placements allow as this is more studio based.
I bought the Lencarta lights after buying some continuous lights from http://www.stevesphotoshop.co.uk and realising that these didnt give me the flexibility I wanted in respect of the control to light the background and the products. Initially I wanted the smartflash but after reading various forums decided to spend a little extra and get something that would ultimately last a little longer (in terms of my requirements rather than the equipment failing). I choose Lencarta for a number of reasons, the price was a good start but I had watched numerous videos with Gary and felt confident he knew what he was talking about. I had also emailed him with a question and had a prompt reply back with nothing but helpful information (unrelated to Lencarta equipment).
The kit was delivered next day and I have had no regrets (apart from maybe wanting another couple!)
So when I saw the day courses I figured it was a perfect way to get a better understanding of the kit I had and how to use it (rather than have all the gear but no idea).
The Review
The course I attended was run by Jonathan Ryan in Maidstone. I was a little apprehensive because although I am not stupid I still know my limits and have a serious lack of knowledge generally (I am also at that stage of thinking too much about various settings and not on the photo I am taking).
First one into the room and I am met by Jonathan with a big smile and welcoming hello plus loads of kit. Despite him not expecting me (my name was missed off the list) I wasnt kicked out
. He is a real character, has a very good way of making you feel out of your comfort zone and squirming but without making you too uncomfortable to the point that you want to quit.
The other attendees were far more experienced than me, mostly with expensive kit and stories of paid work they had recently done. As we went around the room I was starting to feel more and more out of my depth. There was me with my 6 month old SLR and a ton of gear I dont really know how to use sitting in a room full of people that are mostly there to move one step further towards becoming a pro. When its my turn to tell everyone the camera I bought I was expecting someone to laugh (mostly Jonathan), but no one did. Jonathan showed interest in the camera and said he felt it was a pretty good model. That I found kind of cool and helped make me feel relaxed generally. He also pointed out that if I wanted to really understand products to go and pay Gary a visit - he was the king of products and they bored the pants off of Jonathan!
Everyone pretty much knew Jonathan or at least of Jonathan. They were mostly regulars to the TP forums. Me, not so much. I did not do any googleing had no idea who he was or what he was about (sorry Jonathan lol).
So there I am, we have done the meet and greet and covered some basics (seen some shots he took that generally smash the concept that photography has rules) and then he gets right into the inverse square rule of light. If I didnt feel out of my depth before I certainly did now! But this was the turning point, the first slide made me panic. I am looking at the projector thinking how do I pick up my bag and camera and run before he can close the door, tackle me to the ground, stick the numpty cap on my head and ask the group to take photos .
So then the next slide is displayed, and with an explanation from Jonathan it starts to make sense. No really it did! I am not saying I totally got it, but it did make sense. Lesson 1 of the day!
We spent some time going over the Lencarta kit generally, a few questions and answers. Jonathan asks me to fit a softbox to a head which I am comfortable enough doing, its not hard (or is it). While I am in the middle of this I mentioned that I always worry about taking off the softbox - I worry with the weight I am going to smash the lamp as I lift it off. Here comes lesson 2 of the day Jonathan explains (and shows) that you should always attach the head to the softbox (on the floor) rather than the softbox to the head. This way it wont get broken and is far easier.
In walks Amy and then bang we were into the practical. There was no time wasted, we were setting up a single light shot (as Jonathan explained if you dont know what one light does how can you possibly understand what 2 or 3 do?).
Taking pictures of Amy was really hard for me, instructing a total stranger whilst worrying that I looked like a total idiot in front of 7 other photographers was a real mission. I was not thinking about my photos - all I wanted to do was press the trigger, pass the hot shoe trigger to someone else and sit down. This funnily enough is exactly what I did! 10 minutes later I realised that my pictures were seriously over exposed. I looked around and everyone else had nice shots with a grey/black background. So sheepishly I mention that my pictures are over exposed, Jonathan grabs the camera and takes a look.
Now I know for a fact that I setup my camera correctly, however at this point Jonathan is insistent that I did not listen and had set the camera wrongly.
Im looking at the menu showing the current settings:
Jonathan is looking at the pictures and the exif data. At this point I am thinking crap, my camera is broken. It is set to one thing and clearly doing another. Then he pipes up you dont have auto ISO on do you? Auto what?? I didnt even know I had an auto ISO. Even though it was in manual mode the camera had turned on auto ISO. For the last 2/3 weeks I had noticed that the ISO setting wasnt working correctly but didnt look into it too much as I had been busy and only taken a handful of pictures. Lesson 3 of the day!
The rest of the day was taken up with nothing but practical. Amy didnt make anyone feel awkward (although I think we all struggled with the concept of a model in front of us). We covered high key, low key, general lighting and the various light modifiers. It wasnt structured in a way that we covered each light modifier separately; it was more of a pick one and lets see what it does and it really felt like it worked.
Now I know to some this will sound stupid, but I kept seeing Jonathan and a few of the others with blinkys enabled (the camera flashes over exposed areas of the picture) which was perfect for the high key lighting. I kept seeing this thinking cool, wish my camera did that Lesson 4 of the day it does!
The other interesting feature was seeing Lightroom in action. I have seen various youtube videos where the camera is tethered to the laptop and the pictures appear instantly on the screen. I have always wondered about this and thought it was really cool. Again wishing I could do this Lesson 5 of the day I can (now I have got a copy of Lightroom 3)
Conclusion
It was clear that each course is tailored to match the people attending (or at least if that wasnt the plan thats how it panned out). So dont be put off if like me you are at the early stages, I am glad I went and would go again on the same course.
Jonathan was brilliant, quirky, fun, lively, seriously switched on and full of useful advice without being judgemental or patronising. Everyone was accepted, no one was made to feel stupid and midway Jonathan asked how we felt it was going and if he was moving too fast.
Amy (our model) was great; she put up with us and did a fantastic job of looking great, despite being a last minute replacement (due to the booked model breaking her leg the day before!).
The other guys on the course were all equally great - everyone had advice, wanted to learn (and help).
Finally the equipment was spot on. It did what it said on the tin. Worked without fail and just made me want to buy more.
At the end of the day I had enjoyed myself, but was questioning if the course was really for me. After the hours drive home and chatting the next day with various people I realised I had learnt a lot more than I realised. Various things about the day came back to me, simple comments, practical things and generally understandings.
I picked up far more than I expected if not everything I expected. In truth I am not sure what I expected to come away with but overall I got a lot out of the day.
Taking all that into account I would certainly do another of Jonathans courses, and I am also really keen to attend one of Garys courses at some point. I was probably 6 months too early in my experience level but I understood enough to get a lot out of this course. I would be happy to do the same course again in addition to any others.
It has made my mind up about going on the Level 2 C&G and at some point I will expand my lights with more Lencarta kit.
The final lesson of the day became apparent know your camera, which I clearly didnt.
On reflection I think that as a 2 day course it would be fantastic, if it was in a studio that would be even more amazing. One day was great, 2 I think would allow everyone to come away with so much more. Working in the hotel had restrictions, space, height etc.. which I felt was a good thing in that it was more real world for a lot of people. These are the restrictions that people have when working in living rooms etc so it has its place, but maybe a follow on course in the studio would work along side (obviously the cost would be more).
For the current price of £60 this was a fantastic day, with a wealth of knowledge from Jonathan.
Camera: Nikon D5000
Experience
Limited, I have only owned the Nikon for about 6 months. Currently 12 weeks into a City and Guilds Level 1 (limited but the tutor is great and covering more in depth topics than would normally be covered). I am really getting a lot out of the C&G the further we go into it, although I wonder if a lot of that is the current tutor.
Equipment
- 2 x Lencarta Elite Pro 300, Soft box, Snoot, Brolly, Standard Reflector
- Yongnuo Speedlight YN460-II (at £35 couldnt resist)
- Seconic L-358 Lightmeter (OTT but got carried away)
- Standard kit lens
- Various remote triggers for the camera and lights
Photography interests
Products (I run several e-commerce websites and the suppliers pictures are generally bad), aiming for the usual white background look. The products are generally glass or white plastic in clear plastic wrap.
I am also looking to take better pictures of my children and I quite like the idea of portrait style pictures.
I am not looking to be a pro or even semi-pro, I am happy in my current job and the only overlap I can foresee is related to the products. I am not creative (at all!) but I still like photography generally so wont let that put me off
and I have considered doing the Level 2 City and Guilds if placements allow as this is more studio based.I bought the Lencarta lights after buying some continuous lights from http://www.stevesphotoshop.co.uk and realising that these didnt give me the flexibility I wanted in respect of the control to light the background and the products. Initially I wanted the smartflash but after reading various forums decided to spend a little extra and get something that would ultimately last a little longer (in terms of my requirements rather than the equipment failing). I choose Lencarta for a number of reasons, the price was a good start but I had watched numerous videos with Gary and felt confident he knew what he was talking about. I had also emailed him with a question and had a prompt reply back with nothing but helpful information (unrelated to Lencarta equipment).
The kit was delivered next day and I have had no regrets (apart from maybe wanting another couple!)
So when I saw the day courses I figured it was a perfect way to get a better understanding of the kit I had and how to use it (rather than have all the gear but no idea).
The Review
The course I attended was run by Jonathan Ryan in Maidstone. I was a little apprehensive because although I am not stupid I still know my limits and have a serious lack of knowledge generally (I am also at that stage of thinking too much about various settings and not on the photo I am taking).
First one into the room and I am met by Jonathan with a big smile and welcoming hello plus loads of kit. Despite him not expecting me (my name was missed off the list) I wasnt kicked out
. He is a real character, has a very good way of making you feel out of your comfort zone and squirming but without making you too uncomfortable to the point that you want to quit. The other attendees were far more experienced than me, mostly with expensive kit and stories of paid work they had recently done. As we went around the room I was starting to feel more and more out of my depth. There was me with my 6 month old SLR and a ton of gear I dont really know how to use sitting in a room full of people that are mostly there to move one step further towards becoming a pro. When its my turn to tell everyone the camera I bought I was expecting someone to laugh (mostly Jonathan), but no one did. Jonathan showed interest in the camera and said he felt it was a pretty good model. That I found kind of cool and helped make me feel relaxed generally. He also pointed out that if I wanted to really understand products to go and pay Gary a visit - he was the king of products and they bored the pants off of Jonathan!
Everyone pretty much knew Jonathan or at least of Jonathan. They were mostly regulars to the TP forums. Me, not so much. I did not do any googleing had no idea who he was or what he was about (sorry Jonathan lol).
So there I am, we have done the meet and greet and covered some basics (seen some shots he took that generally smash the concept that photography has rules) and then he gets right into the inverse square rule of light. If I didnt feel out of my depth before I certainly did now! But this was the turning point, the first slide made me panic. I am looking at the projector thinking how do I pick up my bag and camera and run before he can close the door, tackle me to the ground, stick the numpty cap on my head and ask the group to take photos .
So then the next slide is displayed, and with an explanation from Jonathan it starts to make sense. No really it did! I am not saying I totally got it, but it did make sense. Lesson 1 of the day!
We spent some time going over the Lencarta kit generally, a few questions and answers. Jonathan asks me to fit a softbox to a head which I am comfortable enough doing, its not hard (or is it). While I am in the middle of this I mentioned that I always worry about taking off the softbox - I worry with the weight I am going to smash the lamp as I lift it off. Here comes lesson 2 of the day Jonathan explains (and shows) that you should always attach the head to the softbox (on the floor) rather than the softbox to the head. This way it wont get broken and is far easier.
In walks Amy and then bang we were into the practical. There was no time wasted, we were setting up a single light shot (as Jonathan explained if you dont know what one light does how can you possibly understand what 2 or 3 do?).
Taking pictures of Amy was really hard for me, instructing a total stranger whilst worrying that I looked like a total idiot in front of 7 other photographers was a real mission. I was not thinking about my photos - all I wanted to do was press the trigger, pass the hot shoe trigger to someone else and sit down. This funnily enough is exactly what I did! 10 minutes later I realised that my pictures were seriously over exposed. I looked around and everyone else had nice shots with a grey/black background. So sheepishly I mention that my pictures are over exposed, Jonathan grabs the camera and takes a look.
Now I know for a fact that I setup my camera correctly, however at this point Jonathan is insistent that I did not listen and had set the camera wrongly.
Im looking at the menu showing the current settings:
- Manual mode - check
- F8 check
- ISO 200 check
- 1/125 check
Jonathan is looking at the pictures and the exif data. At this point I am thinking crap, my camera is broken. It is set to one thing and clearly doing another. Then he pipes up you dont have auto ISO on do you? Auto what?? I didnt even know I had an auto ISO. Even though it was in manual mode the camera had turned on auto ISO. For the last 2/3 weeks I had noticed that the ISO setting wasnt working correctly but didnt look into it too much as I had been busy and only taken a handful of pictures. Lesson 3 of the day!
The rest of the day was taken up with nothing but practical. Amy didnt make anyone feel awkward (although I think we all struggled with the concept of a model in front of us). We covered high key, low key, general lighting and the various light modifiers. It wasnt structured in a way that we covered each light modifier separately; it was more of a pick one and lets see what it does and it really felt like it worked.
Now I know to some this will sound stupid, but I kept seeing Jonathan and a few of the others with blinkys enabled (the camera flashes over exposed areas of the picture) which was perfect for the high key lighting. I kept seeing this thinking cool, wish my camera did that Lesson 4 of the day it does!
The other interesting feature was seeing Lightroom in action. I have seen various youtube videos where the camera is tethered to the laptop and the pictures appear instantly on the screen. I have always wondered about this and thought it was really cool. Again wishing I could do this Lesson 5 of the day I can (now I have got a copy of Lightroom 3)
Conclusion
It was clear that each course is tailored to match the people attending (or at least if that wasnt the plan thats how it panned out). So dont be put off if like me you are at the early stages, I am glad I went and would go again on the same course.
Jonathan was brilliant, quirky, fun, lively, seriously switched on and full of useful advice without being judgemental or patronising. Everyone was accepted, no one was made to feel stupid and midway Jonathan asked how we felt it was going and if he was moving too fast.
Amy (our model) was great; she put up with us and did a fantastic job of looking great, despite being a last minute replacement (due to the booked model breaking her leg the day before!).
The other guys on the course were all equally great - everyone had advice, wanted to learn (and help).
Finally the equipment was spot on. It did what it said on the tin. Worked without fail and just made me want to buy more
.At the end of the day I had enjoyed myself, but was questioning if the course was really for me. After the hours drive home and chatting the next day with various people I realised I had learnt a lot more than I realised. Various things about the day came back to me, simple comments, practical things and generally understandings.
I picked up far more than I expected if not everything I expected. In truth I am not sure what I expected to come away with but overall I got a lot out of the day.
Taking all that into account I would certainly do another of Jonathans courses, and I am also really keen to attend one of Garys courses at some point. I was probably 6 months too early in my experience level but I understood enough to get a lot out of this course. I would be happy to do the same course again in addition to any others.
It has made my mind up about going on the Level 2 C&G and at some point I will expand my lights with more Lencarta kit.
The final lesson of the day became apparent know your camera, which I clearly didnt
.On reflection I think that as a 2 day course it would be fantastic, if it was in a studio that would be even more amazing. One day was great, 2 I think would allow everyone to come away with so much more. Working in the hotel had restrictions, space, height etc.. which I felt was a good thing in that it was more real world for a lot of people. These are the restrictions that people have when working in living rooms etc so it has its place, but maybe a follow on course in the studio would work along side (obviously the cost would be more).
For the current price of £60 this was a fantastic day, with a wealth of knowledge from Jonathan.
