Fun new project: Online photo class with Harry Nowell

The more I learn about photography, the more I realize how much more I have to learn. I like to take at least one or two workshops each year, sometimes to firm up skills where I have some comfort, and some to stretch me where I think I need extra work.

You might remember last summer I was talking about a photo workshop I attended about using off-camera flash for portrait photography. The instructor was Blair Gable and the workshop was held at Ottawa Studio Works, the studio of Ottawa photographer and instructor Harry Nowell. (Harry was also the mastermind behind the Why I love Ottawa/Gatineau photo contest.) It was one of the most useful and most interesting photo workshops I’ve yet attended. (And yet, I am still stubbornly resistant to using my flash — but that is another blog post entirely.)

Harry’s studio offers a lot of neat workshops aimed at a range of photography enthusiasts from the beginner through the pro, but one I’ve been eyeballing for a few months now is his online photo program. When Harry recently offered me a three-month complimentary pass to test-drive the program in exchange for sharing the information with all of you, I was happy to say yes.

There’s a couple of things I really like about the idea of an online photo workshop. The first is that it’s online — that means no scrambling (or just plain remembering) to attend a weekly classroom session. (This also means that anyone with an internet connection can sign up – you don’t have to be local to Ottawa.) The second thing I like is someone telling me what to shoot, both to alleviate some of my creative winter funk and to push my boundaries a bit. Third and perhaps most of all, what I’ve really been craving recently is feedback and constructive criticism, and Harry offers that on a monthly basis with each assignment.

Here are the program details from Harry’s site:

What’s the online program all about? Think of it as a new photo class every month with:
• a video lesson
• course notes
• weekly email check-in with tips, encouragement and news
• ongoing group support through a private Facebook group for Members only
• and a compreshensive video critique of member’s photos at the end of the month.

We focus on creating a fun and positive environment while encouraging you to step out of your creative comfort zone. You’ll get direct feedback from instructor, Harry Nowell, as well as have the opportunity to interact with other students in the program. All you need is access to a computer and a desire to learn.

What’s included:

Access to monthly video & lesson
Monthly challenge
Weekly Ideas and instruction
Downloadable notes
Ongoing tips and tales
Member interaction through a private Facebook group

Pretty neat, eh? Right now, Harry’s even got a deal going on where you can sign up for a six month membership for only $125 instead of the usual $180 – but the deal is only on until the end of March.

I’ve just been reviewing my first lesson, and the assignment is shooting a candid portrait — without looking through the viewfinder. Straight out of the gate and it’s something I’ve never done before. I think this is going to be a lot of fun! Stay tuned and I’ll show you what, erm, develops!

***photography puns FTW!!***

Author: DaniGirl

Canadian. storyteller, photographer, mom to 3. Professional dilettante.

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