Photography Essentials: Mastering Your Camera, Flash and Composition

Steve Kozak
Course Number: 22
Level: Beginning to Intermediate

Join Steve Kozak for an immersive journey into the art and technique of photography, where you’ll learn essential skills to elevate your images.

This course is designed for photographers who want to take command of their camera functions and who are eager to explore the creative potential of flash photography.  This course covers essential aspects of photography, from camera controls, lenses and flash to creative composition techniques.

Course Outline:

  1. Understanding Your Camera:
  • Exploring camera settings and modes (manual, aperture priority, shutter priority)
  • Mastering exposure: ISO, aperture, and shutter speed relationships
  1. Exploring Lenses and Their Applications:
  • Types of lenses and their effects on perspective and depth of field
  • Choosing the right lens for various photography genres (portrait, landscape, macro)
  1. Working with Light:
  • Using natural light effectively
  • Explore various types of flashes, including on-camera and off-camera setups.
  • Learn techniques for balancing ambient light with flash to achieve natural-looking results.
  • Experiment with different modifiers and techniques for shaping light.
  1. Composition Techniques:
  • Rule of thirds and other compositional guidelines
  • Framing, perspective, and leading lines
  • Creating depth and visual interest in your photos
  1. Practical Sessions and Critiques:
  • Hands-on exercises to apply learned techniques in real-world scenarios
  • Review and critique sessions to analyze and improve your photography skills

Who Should Attend:

This course is ideal for photographers who want to gain a solid understanding of camera operation, explore the nuances of lenses, master the use of flash, and enhance their composition skills. Whether you’re an enthusiast or a working pro looking to refine your techniques, Steve will guide you through every step of the journey.

By the end of this course, you will have the confidence and skills to create compelling photographs, understand your camera and lenses thoroughly, utilize light effectively, and compose visually captivating images. Whether you aspire to pursue photography as a hobby or aim to take your skills to the next level, this course will equip you with the essential knowledge and techniques to succeed.

Why You Should Take This Class:

  • Learn the art of using natural light
  • Learn how to see and properly measure light
  • Master the fundamentals of flash photography
  • Studio lighting made simple
  • Master the basics of posing and composition

Meet the Instructor:

Steve Kozak, M.Photog.Cr.,CPP
Grand Prairie, TX
[email protected]

If you want to start a professional photography business, Steve Kozak has been teaching people how to become a professional photographer for over 25 years.

He is an active member of the Professional Photographers of America and the Texas Professional Photographers Association. Steve has earned the “Master of Photography” and the “Craftsman” degrees from PPA, and is PPA Certified. His work has also appeared in the prestigious “Loan Collection”. Professional recognition of his work includes the Masterpiece Award from Fuji Film USA.

Currently, Steve serves as the TPPA Executive Director. He is also a PPA qualified instructor for PPA Certification prep classes.  He recently served on the PPA Board of Directors.

Steve has recorded over a dozen videos for the PPA EDU program. These videos include classes on the fundamentals of photography, manual flash photography, exposure, opening a new studio as well as videos for CPP study preparation.

He has taught 25 years at the prestigious Texas School of Professional Photography and 25 years at Imaging USA. He has also taught at the Mid-America Institute of Professional Photography, the East Coast School and Image Explorations near Victoria, British Columbia.

Steve’s articles have been published in The Professional Photographer and Texas Professional Photographer magazines. His informative and inspiring programs make him a popular instructor on the speaking circuit.