DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> HELP! - Giving a 10 min intro course to co-workers
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 10 of 10, (reverse)
AuthorThread
02/10/2007 04:05:30 PM · #1
I need some suggestions from you guys.

I am taking a "Train the Trainer" course next week on how to better give training sessions to staff.

During the week, we will be asked to conduct a 10 minute trainig session on the subject of our choice. I have chosen to give a presentation on photography basics, or something along the lines of "Be a Better Photographer".

I need suggestions from you guys concerning subjects that should be covered. Remember, most of these folks will have very little experience apart from taking snappies of friends and family.

Presentation will mostly be PowerPoint based using photos, diagrams and text.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
02/10/2007 04:09:33 PM · #2
Be a better photographer:

Point 1: Make sure you have a camera.
Point 2: Remove the lens cap! Unless for a challenge!
Point 3: point the big bit forward, the little bit at the top, look thru it.
Point 4: Make sure you have a memory card in camera.
Point 5: Is there any point going further, it has taken 10 minutes to explain all this to them all.
02/10/2007 04:28:52 PM · #3
First off show them the many types of cameras there are. Give example of point and shoot (show many types of common ones) versus SLR. Most common they will have is point and shoot.

Tell them that they should get familiar with their camera by reading the manual a few times. They need to understand how it works.

Explain how most common mistakes are made. IE..Always having the subject in the center of the picture.

Then tell them about ways to improve. IE... Rules of third. Show examples and tell them to look at ads and other stuff and see how it is applied.

Then incourage them to go out and have fun.

Plus good luck.

Message edited by author 2007-02-10 16:29:39.
02/10/2007 04:30:45 PM · #4
Watch for distracting backgrounds, as well as enhancing backgrounds.
-things growing out of heads or ears, lines crossing through heads.
-man wearing a pink tutu over their shoulder and whatnot.

Move to the shade for family/friend pics in midday.

Change your viewpoint, don't just shoot it from where you see it.

Basics on compositional principles: thirds, leading lines, negative space, color balance and the visual weight of objects, DOF, symmetry...
02/10/2007 04:33:12 PM · #5
not about the subjects, more about an intro:

tell them why photography is your passion. why you love it. make them feel what you feel. warm them up. that way they'll be paying attention, wanting to learn.

10 minutes? pff. that's so short!

good luck, hope we're gonna find out how it went :D
02/10/2007 04:47:28 PM · #6
Originally posted by biteme:

10 minutes? pff. that's so short!

Yeah, no kidding. I was hoping for at least 30 minutes,
02/10/2007 04:50:40 PM · #7
Visual aids are always important when training - bring your camera and show some pictures you have taken. Bring in a basic snapshot and one that is more artsy to demonstrate a comparison.

edit: sorry - i see you are using powerpoint... slow reader!

Message edited by author 2007-02-10 16:51:31.
02/10/2007 10:48:36 PM · #8
Remember to "involve" your audience. Why not ask them to point out the right things and wrong things about a picture, or what they like best, or least, etc. Everyone will have an opinion.
02/10/2007 11:50:47 PM · #9
I sometimes teach photography classes at local community centers.

Of all the things I cover, there are a few that always seem to amaze people when they see how much difference it makes to their photos:

1) shoot at eye-level, i.e. don't shoot down at dogs, babies etc.
2) be aware of backlighting - learn to think like a camera and make sure it isn't tricked by unwanted light coming in.
3) fill the frame with your subject
4) try compositions other than exactly in the center
5) be aware of your background, i.e. branches growing out of heads etc
02/11/2007 12:02:21 AM · #10
I like explaining the "science" of using a DSLR. People always get good reaction by explaining relationships between f-stops, shutter speed, ISO etc...
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 02:29:00 PM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 02:29:00 PM EDT.