My business partner & workshop co-host Kim and I announced back a few months ago that we changed the name of our workshop from Create Better Images Photography Workshops to Refocused Photography Workshops. We think the name better illustrates what we do and teach overall. Below you can read more about these workshops, including how to register. But if you hurry over to our Facebook page and “like us” – you’ll find a special coupon code inside that will save you some booku-bucks off the registration cost.

1. The Beginner Workshop is 3-hour interactive, hands-on class where we teach new SLR camera owners how to get the most out of their camera. Over the years we have had so many requests from people who had just bought new cameras with interchangeable lenses how to actually use them, or get the most out of them. So in 2008, Kim and I decided to start a workshop to show people how to take those cameras off the automatic setting and shoot a little more creatively by teaching the fundamentals of photography. Once you understand how light, shutter speed and aperture interrelate, you can pick up any camera with any lens and effectively manipulate the light to capture a look that you may want.

It’s about more than just asking “What button do I put my camera on?” – its about understanding the very core of photography. Other areas we talk about it are what  lenses will produce what types of images (ie, if you want a lot of “background blur” so your subject really stands out and pops), how to find great light in and around your home, creative composition, how to turn off the automatic flash that always pops up if you want images that have more feeling and depth, how to adjust your settings to photograph in manual mode (and how to get to manual mode in the first place). Plus much more. Click here to get all the nitty gritty details and find out how to register!

2. The Intermediate/Advanced Workshop: Now aptly named the One Day Intensive, this workshop is a 9 hour very hands on and interactive learning experience. We have now taught over 100 photographers around the US, many of whom have gone on to become successful and busy photographers. Some had already started businesses and were stuck on certain concepts or styles of shooting, others were just branching out and wanted a roadmap on how to create the best images possible with the best gear possible.

• Several tips for lighting, creative composition, and posing
• How to work with subjects and clients before, during and after the shoot
• How to speed up your digital workflow and post-process more efficiently
• Recipes for successful portrait making
• (NEW) MARKETING (branding, networking, getting published, getting your name out there, setting yourself apart, social media, and more)
• (NEW) THE BUSINESS OF PHOTOGRAPHY (goal setting, effective workflow, post-processing, pricing your products and services for profit, paying taxes, setting up your company more)
• (NEW) ALBUM DESIGN (tips for fast and efficient album design, companies to use, and more)
• How to apply many of these concepts to a LIVE MODEL SHOOT!
• In addition, after the live model shoot, you will have the opportunity to process your images via Adobe Lightroom with Jennifer and Kim and then share them with the class.
• Both will offer hand-on guidance, and share useful tips for working with these programs.
• Lastly, we’ll have open Q&A time!

Click here to read more and register for this awesome workshop!

CASTING CALL!

For our live model shoot, we are looking for an engaged or married couple!

Are you a couple that recently got married but wish you had more fun/urban/trendy magazine style pictures of you? Or maybe you are just a super-cute engaged (or non-engaged) couple and want some new and fun images? Either way, this is your chance to get some free images by serving as models for a photography workshop!

Couples must submit a few low-res images of themselves (close up and full length if you have one – snapshots are fine) as well as the attire they plan to wear for the shoot. We need couples who are very comfortable in front of the camera and affectionate with one another.

The session will last approximately 45-60 minutes and be in Mesa on Saturday, Feb 18th in the late afternoon. We will provide more details on when, where and what to wear once you are confirmed as a model. You just need to be available on that date between the times of approx 4:00-6:15 PM.

To apply as a model, please email 2 low resolution images of you both together to info@refocusedworkshops.com

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Engaged Couple Model

Are you a couple that recently got married but wish you had more fun/urban/trendy magazine style pictures of you? Or maybe you are just a super-cute engaged (or non-engaged) couple and want some new and fun images? Either way, this is your chance to get some free images by serving as models for a photography workshop!

Couples must submit a few images of themselves (close up and full length if you have one – snapshots are fine) as well as the attire they plan to wear for the shoot. We very much need couples who are comfortable in front of the camera and affectionate with one another.

The session will last approximately 30-40 minutes and be in Mesa on the date above. We will provide more details on when, where and what to wear once you are confirmed as a model.

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Family with Children

Looking for some new family photos of you and/or your kids? Here is your chance, for free! Serve as a model family for our workshop receive free photos from all the workshop attendees, as well as Kim and Jennifer.

Please submit a few recent images of your family and let us know the ages of your children.

The session will last approximately 30-40 minutes and be in Mesa on the date above. We will provide more details on when, where and what to wear once you are confirmed as a model.

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The exact time(s) will be confirmed once we select our models, but will likely fall between approximately 3:30-6:00 PM. ALL MODELS MUST SIGN A MODEL RELEASE AND BE AWARE THAT SOME IMAGES WILL APPEAR ON SEVERAL PHOTOGRAPHY BLOGS ON THE INTERNET. Of course, the poses/styling and resulting images will be appropriate and in good taste at all times.

If you are interested, please email us here.

Well good news, we still have a few seats left for the beginner and intermediate photography workshops coming up in 2 weeks! Come learn how to use those fancy new cameras or lenses you may have bought or received over the holidays. Workshops are hosted by Kimberly Jarman and Jennifer Bowen, co-owners of Create Better Images® Photography Workshops

BEGINNER PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

What you will learn:
The fundamentals of photography including ISO, aperture and shutter speed
How to apply these fundamentals to the process of shooting your camera manually
Equipment & lens tips: which lenses give you the most bang for your buck
How to turn off your flash and get better results
How to work with natural light for better photos, and where to find it.
How to take more creative photos
Post-processing ideas to make your images really pop
Time for hands-on practice and Q&A

When:
Thursday, January 20, 2011
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Registration begins at 5:30 PM

Where:
Create Better Images Headquarters
hosted in the Kimberly Jarman Photography Studio
126 W. Main St. Mesa, AZ 85201

Cost:
$189

How to Register:
Click this link to sign up!

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INTERMEDIATE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

What you will learn:
How to shoot manually and nail your exposure
Several tips for lighting, creative composition, and posing
How to work with subjects (clients!) before, during and after the shoot
How to speed up your digital workflow and post-process more efficiently
Tips to make your images really pop
How to work with off camera flash
And much more!

Plus we will put all of this know-how to work with a 2 hour LIVE MODEL SHOOT!
After the live model shoot, you will have the opportunity to process your images via Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop with Jennifer and Kim and then share them with the class. Both will offer hand-on guidance, and share useful tips for working with these programs. Lastly, we’ll have open Q&A time!

When:
Saturday, January 22, 2011
1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Registration begins at 12:30 PM

Where:
Create Better Images Headquarters
hosted in the Kimberly Jarman Photography Studio
126 W. Main St. Mesa, AZ 85201

Cost:
$379

How to Register:
Click this link to sign up!

Wanna see Kim and Jennifer in action and hear more from attendees? Watch this fun video put together by Serendipty Videography.

To read more about our photography workshops and all that you will learn, as well as to register for the one that best suits your needs, click here to visit the Create Better Images website.

BEGINNERS  WORKSHOP

WHEN:  Wednesday, August 4,  2010
Thursday, January  20, 2011
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM {Registration opens at 5:30 PM}

WHERE: 126 W. Main St.  Mesa, AZ 85201

COST:     $189 for the workshop ($159 early bird  before July 09, 2010 for the August workshop and early bird deadline of August 4, 2010 for the  January workshop.)

DETAILS: Click here to read the workshop overview. Credit cards accepted. Only 25 seats available.

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INTERMEDIATE  WORKSHOP

WHEN:   Saturday, January 22, 2011
1:00 pm – 8:00 pm {Registration begins at 12:30 pm.}

WHERE: 126 W. Main St.  Mesa, AZ 85201

COST:     $379 for the workshop ($349 early bird  before August 4, 2010)

DETAILS: Click here to read about the intermediate workshop and to register. Credit cards accepted. Only 20 seats available.

Intern will provide assistance at portrait shoots and weddings with bags, lighting, holding gear and more. Occasional second-shooting opportunities may be possible eventually. Some knowledge of photography is necessary, however I will train you over time on shooting manually, using correct settings for the light, setting up off-camera flash, etc.

If you have any video editing software experience, that is a BIG plus.

Must Haves:

• Responsible, dependable and reliable (you show up when you say you will and on time)
• Motivated to learn and grow skills as a photographer
• General knowledge of fundamentals of photography
• Willing to work hard and do what is needed at weddings and shoots
• Schedule that allow you to work evenings and weekends
• Reliable transportation
• Computer skills (you know how to navigate computer files systems, use general software
• Sense of humor and positive disposition :-)

Skills or Experience that are a big plus:

• Knowledge of Lightroom and/or Photoshop
• Video editing software knowledge (can be as basic as a program such as iMovie on Mac)
• Experience with 5D Mark II video capabilities of similar HD camera

This intern position is initially not paid, however it could grow into a paid position within 6 months depending on performance. However, you will gain knowledge and experience about working at weddings and on photo shoots, working with clients, shooting manually and much more.

Interested applicants can email me here. Please include your skills level of the above and any other information you think would be relevant. I may not be able to respond right away to everyone, but I will get back with qualified individuals to set up a time to meet. Thank you!

If you are new to the blog, Kim and I co-host photography workshops designed for both novice photographers (or parents who simply want to take better pictures of their kids), as well as a more intermediate-advanced workshop designed for photographers of all levels: those who are pretty new to the game, those who have been photographing awhile but might need a different perspective, or advanced hobbyists who want to take their skills to the next level.

Our Create Better Images Beginner class teaches the basic fundamentals of photography: how to take your digital SLR camera off the automatic setting and apply the basics of aperture, shutter speed and ISO to your picture taking to create better or more creative images.We also explain what makes a great portrait, where to find flattering light & how to use it more effectively, how to turn off the little pop-up flash, what lenses you can purchase today to immediately make a difference in your photography, how to adjust your manual settings on your camera as well as share some secrets to making your images pop more. The 3-hour class covers a lot of info, so we know it can be a little overwhelming at first, but most attendees email us after to say they learned SO much and have already begun producing better images.

Here are a couple images from our beginner class two weeks ago:

Our Create Better Images Intermediate class takes the lessons to the next level, and incorporates a live model shoot as part of the learning experience. We go more in-depth with the camera’s manual settings, manipulating the light, posing suggestions and working with clients, using off-camera flash, and working with post processing software in an efficient manner to produce quick and stunning results to add the final touch to your images. The live shoot provides the hands-on learning experience where we walk around to find the light and photograph the models. This is where the attendees have the opportunity to apply the class lessons to the actions of working with light and people with hands-on guidance.

We had two models (well, technically 3 models) for this live shoot. Our first was Cheyenne, an actual high-school senior (I wish I looked like this in high school!):

We also had a couple that modeled as a bride and groom for us. They were married 6 years ago here in Arizona, hired a photographer for their wedding, viewed the images online only to find out a few weeks later he filed bankruptcy and shut his studio down. Sadly, he never delivered any final prints or provided any option for them to buy an album, prints or the images on disc. It baffles me how a person or any business could do that and not follow through on their end.  As you can imagine, they were pretty devastated that they never received any images from their wedding day. So when Tirsa emailed to express interest in serving as models, we didnt even have to blink. While its not their wedding day, she did wear the same dress, albiet slightly altered with the blush pink train she MADE and attached. Between 22 photographers, we knew we could give them some great images of them together. Here are some of my favs from those I captured that day:

Lastly, here is a group photo of our intermediate class. We meant to get one of the beginner class, but we got out a tad late and just didnt manage to get one with everyone. :-(

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If you are interested in attending our next round of Beginner or Intermediate Workshops, here is the general information:

WHAT: Beginner Photography Workshop / 25 seats total

WHEN: Thursday, May 13, 2010 / 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

WHERE: 126 W. Main Street, Mesa Arizona

COST: $189 for the workshop ($159 early bird before February 9, 2010)
$89 non-refundable retainer holds your space; $100 balance due at the door.

HOW TO REGISTER: Click this link to register and to view all the class details

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WHAT: Intermediate Photography Workshop / 20 seats total

WHEN: Saturday, May 15, 2010 / 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM

WHERE: 126 W. Main Street, Mesa Arizona

COST: $379 for the workshop ($349 early bird before February 9th, 2010)
$179 non-refundable deposit holds your space; $200 balance due at the door.

HOW TO REGISTER: Click this link to register and to view all the class details

Registration for both workshops will begin on Monday, August 10th. We have 20 seats available and they are booked on a first come, first serve basis. The last round of workshops sold out within a week, so we recommend booking soon to reserve your seat!

BEGINNERS WORKSHOP

Wednesday, January 13, 2010
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Mesa, Arizona

$179 for the workshop ($149 early bird before October 15, 2009)
$49/$79 non-refundable deposit holds your space; $100 balance due at the door.

*Credit cards accepted. Only 20 seats available.

To Register for the Beginner Photography Workshop please click here. Registration will begin Monday, August 10, 2009.

INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOP

Saturday, January 16, 2010
1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Mesa, Arizona

Registration begins at 12:30 pm.

$359 for the workshop ($329 early bird before October 15th, 2009)
$129/$159 non-refundable deposit holds your space; $200 balance due at the door.

*Credit cards accepted. Only 20 seats available.

To Register for the Intermediate Photography Workshop please click here. Registration will begin Monday, August 10, 2009.

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We are so excited to have you join us for these workshops. If you have questions please visit our workshop website at www.createbetterimages.com and use the contact section to email us.

Create Better Images from Serendipity Videography on Vimeo.

If you need a videographer for your wedding, event or for a promo video, I highly recommend them!

Before I start recapping, I want to thank our sponsors for this workshop:

Gina, owner of Fiori Floral provided the beautiful boquet for our Bride and Groom shoot as seen down below in this post and ZuZu’s Petals in Downtown Mesa for the beautiful centerpieces for our food table.

Our goal for the beginner workshop is to teach those just starting out to understand the fundamentals of photography, understand the basics of their cameras by turning them off the automatic setting to shoot manually, and thus more creatively.

Among several other things, we also teach attendees which lenses will deliver better quality images and the different effects you can get by adjusting your cameras manually.

Everyone was practicing adjusting their settings to compensate for me being back light by the window and I couldn’t resist getting a shot of them!

Three of my former brides attended our Beginner Workshop, so I had to get a picture with them! L to R: Janna (2006), Shelley (2006), me, Christy (2008). Janna also stayed on for the Intermediate Workshop in the afternoon.

Here is our entire Beginner group:

For the intermediate class, we dive deeper into several areas, including lighting, communication, creative shooting and much more. For a full explanation of what we cover, you can visit our dedicated Blogsite: CreateBetterImages.com

But most importantly, we go outside to work with live models in two separate shoots and give the attendees lots of hands on practice!

This time we had a family with young children (since this is a group with which most budding photographers will find themselves working) as well as a “bride and groom” model. (Funny story there… read below.) It’s great to be able to apply the lessons from the class into a live shooting scenario and explain with hands on experience how we find good light and work with existing light, pose our subjects, adjust our settings and more.

A couple shots of our adorable family that modeled for us. As you can imagine, the kids were a little nervous with 20+ photographers taking picture of them!

But we applied my favorite — the tickle-approach — and it worked like a charm!

After our family shoot, we spent another 45 minute or so working with our bride and groom models. Here are a few shots of Cristi, our “bride” (and I might add THE most photographed fellow photographer in the Phoenix area – but its easy to see why — she rocks the camera!)

So funny story, Cristi’s husband Curt was out of town for our shoot, so she brought his cousin Kevin along, which provided some good comic relief at moments when the posing got a little too “intimate.” Of course there was NO KISSING or anything remotely similar :) At least we all laughed quite a bit and they were such troopers.

A few more shots of the attendees in action – Kim took these next three shots:

Here is most of our intermediate group. Cristi took this shot while some of us were still making our way downstairs for the live shoot.

Again, a big thank you to Gina, owner of Fiori Floral for donating this gorgeous bouquet! I absolutely love it and wish I had done something similar for my wedding several years ago.

To read some blog reviews by those in attendance, click here, here and here. Oh yeah, and here and here!
(Am I missing anyone? Please leave a comment with your blog link if so.)

To learn more about our workshops in general and find out details on the next one, click here.

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Bride & Groom Models

Are you a couple that recently got married but wish you had more fun/urban/trendy magazine style pictures in your gown and suit (or tux)? Or maybe you are just a super-cute young couple and want to get all dressed up in a gown (that you own, can buy on Craigs List/Ebay or borrow) and suit for some super fun images? Either way, this is your chance to get some free images by serving as models for a photography workshop! 

Couples MUST supply their own attire for this shoot and “brides” please note your gown WILL GET DIRTY. You can bring the dress you got married in and still have hanging in your closet, or you can buy a super-affordable white dress/gown from Craigs List, Ebay, a consignment store or even the David’s Bridal $99 dress sale. 

Couples MUST submit a few images of themselves (close up and full length if you have one – snapshots are fine) as well as the attire they plan to wear for the shoot. We very much need couples who are comfortable in front of the camera and affectionate with one another.

The session will last approximately 20-30 minutes and be in Mesa on the date above.

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High School Senior Model
Girls and guys – here is a chance for some free senior pictures (or modeling) a little ahead of schedule! Please include a couple pictures of yourself (close up and full length – snapshots are fine), and verify that you have your parents permission for this shoot. For all minors, a parent will need to be present for the photo shoot and we will have a Minor Model Release for them to sign.

The session will last approximately 15-20 minutes and be in Mesa on the date above.

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Family with young children
Families who need some updated photographs, here is your chance! We are looking for a family of 3-5 people with children, ideally in the toddler to pre-teen range, but we will consider others as well. Please include a recent family picture (snapshot is fine) and indiciate that you are okay with us taking a few images of your children individually as well. The session will last approximately 15-20 minutes in the late afternoon/early evening on the date listed above. The session will take place in Mesa.

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The exact time(s) will be confirmed once we select our models, but will likely fall between approximately 4:30-6:30 PM. Please note you may need to adjust nap schedules for any babies/toddlers/young children on this date if you are interested in this opportunity.

ALL MODELS MUST SIGN A MODEL RELEASE AND BE AWARE THAT SOME IMAGES WILL APPEAR ON SEVERAL PHOTOGRAPHY BLOGS ON THE INTERNET. Of course, the poses/styling and resulting images will be age appropriate and in good taste at all times.

If you are interested, please email us here. Be sure to include a photo or two as indicated above.