Photography Classes
Falmouth, Cape Cod
Dorene Sykes, professional portrait and fine art photographer, teaches photography classes in greater Falmouth, Cape Cod. Most classes are offered in partnership with the Cape Cod Conservatory of Music and Art at the Falmouth Campus. The current class schedule and course descriptions are below. See the instructor's bio and find out what Dorene's students are saying about her classes.
Classes can be hosted on-site by local businesses for the convenience of their employees. Training and consultation for individuals and small groups is also available to help those with specific needs, and those wishing to progress at their own speed. Contact Dorene for information.
Class Schedule Winter/Spring 2012
Basic Photography
Next class: Saturdays, February 4 to March 17 (no class Feb. 25)
9:00 - 11:30 AM
Cape Cod Conservatory of Music and Art, Falmouth Campus
$125.00 / 6 weeks / 2.5 hour classes
Next class: Saturdays, April 28 to June 9 (no class May 26)
9:00 - 11:30 AM
Cape Cod Conservatory of Music and Art, Falmouth Campus
$125.00 / 6 weeks / 2.5 hour classes
Register through the Conservatory at 508-540-0611
Do you have an advanced digital camera that you can use on automatic mode only? Would you like to increase the number of "keepers" by taking control of your camera?
The focus of this six-week class will be on understanding essential digital camera functions. Students will learn how aperture, shutter, and ISO work together to achieve proper exposure and desired artistic results. Topics include lighting, depth of field, motion, perspective, and composition. During the final class, students will mat their favorite photograph, a skill use for gifts, entering camera club competitions, and exhibiting photographs. Through fun and informative lectures, demonstrations, handouts, assignments, and supportive photo critiques, students will gain confidence to move beyond automatic mode and take control of trickier situations.
Prerequisite: This class is for individuals with minimal to no photography experience. A digital camera with full manual control is required. A digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera will help students get the most from this class. Students should bring their camera, manual, and 4-5 photos to the first class. The class is limited to 12 students.
Intermediate Photography class
So you have enough knowledge to take your camera off "automatic" mode. And you're composing and shooting better pictures. But now you'd like to get to the next level.
This six-week course will help you strengthen your creative and technical skills across a variety of genres. Seeing creatively, composing artistically, and taking control of light - the paintbrush of photography - will be the core focus.
Interactive lecture format classes will focus on the art of seeing, visual design, black & white photography, portraiture, and scenic photography. Two classes will be actual photo shoots. The first shoot will take place at a waterside location in Falmouth. The second photo shoot will be held in the classroom where students will learn how to pose, light, and shoot flattering portraits. Classes include photo critiques, handouts and weekly assignments.
We'll also delve into technical nuts and bolts: advanced camera features, using flash more effectively, and tips on working with digital files and printing. After six weeks, you will be taking WOW photographs more often.
Prerequisite: A digital SLR camera. Completion of the instructor's Basic Photography class, or a basic knowledge of how to control exposure, depth of field, and motion using aperture and shutter priority modes. While not required, an external swivel-head flash will help students get the most from this class. Students should bring their camera, manual, and 4-5 photos to the first class.
The class is limited to 12 students.
What Dorene's students are saying...
I'm glad I decided to sign up for your class. The last three classes combined gave me the "ah-HA!" moment
I have been looking for for years. - Barry G., Hatchville
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Thank-you for such an outstanding class. As a newbie to the world of D-SLR cameras, taking your class was the best thing I could have done. I knew a little about shutter speed and aperture prior to class, but I truly feel like I’m armed with some great core info that will prove invaluable! Trying to learn all this on my own, would have taken many months. Your passion for photography is contagious and
I hope to take a class with you again in the not too distant future. - Jim F., Plymouth
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I think you are doing a wonderful job! I have taken two other introductory courses, neither of which provided the practical, technical information which is so important, nor in such a helpful way as you do. - Kathy R., West Falmouth
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I went into this class feeling I knew how to take photos. Was I surprised to learn what my mistakes were. I recommend this to anyone new to photography, or even as a refresher. And lots of fun, too! - Joe C., Marstons Mills
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I learned more about photography in Dorene Sykes' six week class than I thought possible. The professional presentation of the materials coupled with the attitude and humor Dorene brought to her class melted away years of anxiety that I had about starting a career in photography. I feel energized, enthused and empowered. And I can state honestly and without hesitation that
I cannot wait for the next class to begin!" Julie F., Harwich
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Before your class I tried to learn about photography. I took a deep breath and thought I was going to be over my head. Right from the beginning of your class everything started to make sense. I've learned much more than I could have ever imagined. You helped me improve my skills dramatically and made me think about capturing images in such a different way. You answered all questions, and all photo critiques were positive, professional and helpful. I would enroll in classes instructed by you without hesitation.
Thank you for the outstanding class and help! - Marcelo M., Falmouth, MA
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Thank you Dorene for a wonderful 6 weeks! Your simple approach to complex terms and processes really helped me to "pull it all together!" I am so excited to practice what I learned and to take your intermediate class to continue on my path. The matted photo at the end of class was a great way to build our confidence and "show off" what we learned! - Lisa B., Sandwich
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