Photography Classes

My classes may be challenging, but they're never boring. I have both a fine arts and an engineering degree, plus 13 years of experience with digital imaging and Photoshop. Contact me about any of the following classes, or inquire about specific types of training for your club or group. kirk@kirkcarter.com

"Kirk gave an excellent presentation on a tricky subject. He gave just enough detail and pointed to other resources for those who want to learn more."
-- Nancy Brauer

"Kirk is a great teacher. He certainly has all his ducks in a row. His presentation was clear and to the point. Great job!"
-- Jean Poff Galloway

"Kirk, a fine job as usual. You tied the whole subject of Color Management together so it made sense."
-- Tom Cerul

:: Color Management Made Easy

Capture, process and print with reliable, accurate color.

How to calibrate your camera, monitor and printer for accurate color every time. How to get prints that match what you see on your monitor. How to get much better color without buying a new camera or printer. I begin with simple ideas and show how they lead to logical choices for managing color.

The presentation lasts about 75 minutes, including time to answer audience questions. Aspiring photographers with knowledge of how to set their camera's white balance and capture in a RAW format will benefit the most.

Detailed knowledge of LightRoom or Photoshop is not required, but you'll need access to Photoshop CS3 or Lightroom 4 and up to take advantage of all the information. A link to a PDF of the slides is made available at the end.

:: How to Shoot RAW & Improve Your Photography

"Very good event. Kirk did a great job and I look forward to more of his classes."
-- Jake Aaron

"Kirk presented an awesome program. Very informative and well done!"
-- Jon Wilson

"Kirk Carter is a great speaker! He is so great that he can make a complicated subject seem simple and easy to understand."
-- Art Sellers

Maximize the potential of every image.

This class covers the basics of the RAW file plus the pros and cons of shooting RAW, so you can decide for yourself. How to handle exposure, white balance, noise and lens problems with RAW files. How to read a histogram. The limitations of the camera's monitor display. How to import, process and store your digital photographs while preserving all the original image data.

The presentation and demonstrations last about 60 minutes, including time to answer audience questions.

A RAW-capable camera and access to RAW file converter software will allow participants to benefit from all the information. A link to a PDF of the slides is made available at the end.

Spring 2012 at the Charlottesville Photography Initiative

March 17 in Charlottesville, Virginia

Details at CPhotoI.org

:: Learn to Photograph Intuitively

Training your intuitive mind with helpful metaphors.

This is a new workshop in visual craftsmanship, covering the many aspects of composition, how to see photographic possibilities, and the essential tools for expressing your personal photographic vision.

We'll examine each of the formal tools of photography (and other helpful metaphors) in detail. In weekly assignments, you'll learn precisely how each formal tool can help you express your photographic intent.

By consciously practicing with the formal tools, you train your photographic intuition, which in turn makes seeing and taking photographs easier, and improves the quality of your work.

Students will need a camera with wide-angle and telephoto options, basic processing software and a USB drive for bringing photographs to class. Technical ability with the camera is a prerequisite.

The course is structured for 6 1-hour sessions. Feel free to inquire about a shorter overview version.