Learn to Take Better Photos at Art's
Every photographer’s goal is to shoot better images. At Art’s, you will become more knowledgeable about your equipment and also be guided to photographic techniques that will help you accomplish this mission. Our education division, Art’s Photo Academy, offers a variety of classes taught by our experienced instructors to help photographers of all levels improve their shots. Experience a class on a spectrum of subjects!
Classes are held at both the Greenfield (414-727-0234) and Waukesha (262-542-6222) locations. Contact each store directly to reserve your space. You’ll be on your way to a more gratifying picture taking experience!
Special Manufacturer Classes and Workshops
Art’s also proudly partners with top camera and lens manufacturers to offer classes and workshops with information specific to their brands. Art’s is chosen to host these outstanding events, taught by company experts, as they periodically become available throughout the year. Join our email list from our home page so you don’t miss taking part in these special offerings.
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Digital Quickstart
This class is designed to be a quick and easy way to get great photos with your digital camera. We will cover the basic operation of your camera, scene modes, taking and deleting pictures, and many other options your camera has available. $10 per person.
Basic Digital Compact Camera Photography
This class emphasizes digital basics and how to achieve good quality images and prints. Learn what your camera does automatically, what you can change manually, how to increase your camera’s speed, how many pixels you need, and how to get the photos into your computer. Three printing methods are covered: inkjet (home), “kiosks”, and ordering online. Plenty of time provided for individual attention and questions. $30 per person.
Basic Digital SLR Photography
This class has been restructured to better serve the more advanced questions of our digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras users. Learn the differences between your 35mm SLR and your new Digital SLR. Learn to use auto-focus, better control exposures, and use white balance settings. Please take time to explore your camera’s menu options before attending this class. $30 per person.
DSLR Intermediate - for Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax & Sony
Students should have attended Digital 201 DSLR course or have equivalent experience/knowledge.
Moving beyond the basics, this course is for DSLR owners looking to fully learn and appreciate their camera. Topics include: getting the most out of the camera’s metering and exposure functions, understanding histograms and custom white balance, proper lens choice, maximizing quality with RAW files, converting RAW files in the computer, and more! Students should have attended Basic Digital SLR Photography course or have equivalent knowledge. $30 per person.
Photographic Composition (any camera)
The secret to an award winning photo is great composition. Learn to visualize and create great photos using all of the key elements of composition. Topics include lenses, isolating details, leading lines, patterns, shapes, and much more! $30 per person.
Lenses and Viewpoint
Lens focal-lengths and viewpoints, speed of lenses, perspective and distortion of lenses, depth of field and much more will be covered to give you confidence in the lens selection for your photo sessions. $30 per person.
External Flash for Digital SLRs
Learning and understanding flash photography has challenged photographers for years. Let Art’s teach you: how flash/light works, TTL and manual exposure for flash, guide number/power settings, and flash metering techniques. Bring your camera, meter (if any), and external flash with fresh/charged batteries. $30 per person.
Learning How to Organize, Edit, Share, and Create with Your Digital Pictures
How do you fully enjoy ALL those digital photos? Learn how to: easily bring photos into your computer to organize, categorize, and share them; quickly e-mail photos; add text; perform basic enhancements such as cropping, converting to black & white, and red eye removal. See how easy printing, storing photos on CD, and creating collages, cards, and gifts can be. Learn to share digital photo albums with family and friends. $30 per person.
Nature & Wildlife Photography
In-depth lens techniques, exposure techniques including depth of field, close up/macro techniques and much more will be covered. This class will focus on nature and wildlife photos, but these techniques can be applied to all photography. $30 per person.
All About the Exposure
Wondering what those so called f-stops and shutters are really doing? This class will take you in depth into the many aspects of exposure. Learn light metering skills, f/stop controls, shutter controls, ISO controls, and especially the balancing act between them all! $30 per person.
Flower & Garden Photography Workshop -
Any camera, SLR or Compact!
Can’t wait to get stunning photos of all those beautiful plants? Our 3-day workshop will help get you on your way. The first session is in the classroom covering the basic tools and techniques used to get great close up shots. The second day is an on-location botanical garden photo shoot (admission to the garden included). The third day is back in the classroom with an interactive and inspiring critique session on the photos taken. $130 per person.
Wedding Photography Workshop
Whether you are a seasoned wedding photographer or just starting out, this 3-session class has something for everyone. Learn the strategies that turn a wedding photo into a piece of art that will be cherished for years and keep your phone ringing with referrals. We will teach you posing tips; how to turn candid moments into the bride and groom’s favorite photos; the ever important “shot list” – what to include and how to be sure it is not forgotten; and albums - what to offer and how to sell them. Our business basics will provide the information you need to get organized, including: pricing, packages, brochure design, contracts, business plans, and workflow management. This course will teach you how to set yourself apart from the rest. $130 per person.
NEW CLASS Fireworks Workshop
OOH! AHH! Want to get great shots of those spectacular fireworks shows? Fireworks are one of the most challenging, yet one of the most enjoyable subjects to shoot. This 2-day workshop begins in the classroom, covering the techniques, camera settings, and equipment needed to get great fireworks shots. Then on the next night, we will be meeting at the Lakefront to get some just-in-time practice shooting at the Summerfest Big Bang fireworks show. $60 per person.
NEW CLASS Photoshop Elements 8 Series -
Editing & Creating
This class will begin by entering the full Photoshop Elements Editor. We will cover all the tools and uses including: fixing red eyes, color corrections, brightness/density adjustments, skin tone correction, retouching, panoramic stitching, group merging, and much more. Once we have our images ready, we will create custom slideshows, prints, and photo gifts. There will be a 1 hour lunch break from 12-1. Lunch is on your own. $130 per person.
Location of this class will be UW Waukesha, Room N-66 (Computer Lab). 1500 N. University Dr. Waukesha, WI 53188 Map to UW Waukesha
NEW CLASS Photoshop Elements 8 Series -
Downloading & Editing
This class will teach you how to download, backup (to CD, DVD, & Hard Drive), organize, album, tag, caption, and set up face detection on your photos with Adobe’s Photoshop Elements 8. We will also go through all the basics functions and layout of the PS Elements 8 Organizer. Basic editing in the quick edit menus will also be covered. There will be a 1 hour lunch break from 12-1. Lunch is on your own. $130 per person.
Location of this class will be UW Waukesha, Room N-66 (Computer Lab). 1500 N. University Dr. Waukesha, WI 53188 Map to UW Waukesha
NEW CLASS Portrait Photography
Learn what it takes to get those great candids or formal portraits. Or maybe you’re looking to shoot your own family portraits or senior photos. In this class, you will learn exposure & flash/reflector techniques, posing tricks, and what equipment is needed to shoot portraits like a pro! $30 per person.
