Winner of a Little Giveaway

Mike and I at the Cardinals game
this past weekend.

Just a quick note to announce the winner of a little giveaway I had last week. The winner selected by random.org is Suzanne Bigham Bundy. Congrats!

Suzanne, please claim your prize before 12 noon on Wednesday, September 11, 2013. To claim, just email me your address so I can mail you your prize package of goodies from me.

Thank you to everyone for playing and checking out my A to Z Workshop that is next weekend. I do have a couple spots still open, so it's not too late to sign up here!

Tyann Marcink
documenting life
tyann@marcinkdesigns.com

A to Z Beginner's Photography Workshop

overview

Hands on class that will begin with A, teaching all the basics of photography and post processing, all the way through to Z, saving and sharing your work.

"I knew enough to just get by, but now it was like opening a whole new world.

I think a lot of people who know very little about photography are hesitant to take a class in fear of being intimidated or not basic enough. However, I loved the approach you took. 

You presented complicated topics in a simple and easy to understand format, which accomplished two things at the same time: Built onto the knowledge some may have already had but at the same time educated others who are just learning."

- Kyle Quick, New Haven (Quick News Now)

Highlights of the class:

• aperture, shutter speeds, and ISO
• depth-of-field
• composition (i.e. family snapshots, kids sports, landscapes)
• camera settings
• post processing
• saving, storing, and sharing
• 2 photowalks
• constructive critiques
• lunch
• ONLY 12 SEATS AVAILABLE
• BONUS - Light and the Night {workshop}

PRIZES to be drawn just for my students!

• one copy of Photoshop Elements
• swag bags of lovely loot (details will be announced closer to the date, but I promise it will be good!)

"You are extremely knowledgeable, helpful, patient, and so easy to follow. You shared so many important tips/techniques that I hope I can remember all of them!!

You made all of us feel as if the photos we created were the absolute best you had ever seen. You gave us positive feedback as well as things to look for and try to do differently the next time - the best type of constructive criticism."

- Rekke Berges, Washington

What to bring:

• camera
• manual 
• notebook
• pen

Note: Don't forget to fully charge your battery and empty your memory card.

"If you want to learn about the basics of photography, it's a great class to take and well worth the time!"

- Susan Wilson, Washington

NEXT CLASS:

Saturday, September 21, 2013

9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Downtown Washington Post Office

Washington, Missouri

Complete 8 hour class + BONUS Light and the Night {workshop}

$129 Early registration

$179 after September 6, 2013

Sweet Shot Tuesday - St. Louis Skyline at Sunset

"St. Louis Skyline at Sunset"

The story behind the shot:

On Sunday my husband Mike and I had a day without the boys. The plan was to go school clothes shopping and just spend some time together. There were no particular plans for "spend some time together," so I made sure to grab my camera and tripod on our way out the door.

The setting sun made for great shadows. 

By mid afternoon, our shopping was finished, and we were checking movie times for the mall cinema. We just missed a movie by 10 minutes, so we scratched that idea. In the car, I googled "things to do in St. Louis" - here we had 7 hours to do something before we had to be home, and neither of us knew what to do.

Most things that came to mind either cost more money than we wanted to spend or were evening activities that wouldn't be finished until late.

So, I talked Mike into just letting me take photos. Photography isn't his "thing," but he knows it is mine and agreed to drive me wherever I chose to go.

My first stop was the Laumeier Sculpture Park. There, we walked around the different sculptures, and I got some new photo letter shots. There were a few new sculptures in the park since we had last been there (about 9 years ago), the most interesting one to me being the large eyeball. But being the middle of the afternoon on a bright, sunshiney day, the harsh light just wasn't the best for great photos of the sculptures.

After the park, we had a nice dinner, waiting for the light.

It's all about the light...

The difference between a great photo and an amazing photo is the light. You can have an extraordinary composition, but if the light isn't right, the photo is a dud.

So we waited...

It was a beautiful evening for fishing on the Missouri River.

...and waited...until the sun set, the sky turned blue, and the lights of the city came on.

The weather was pleasant, and no one bothered us. Being a Sunday evening, the Eads Bridge had low traffic, so shaking was minimal, except for every 10 minutes when the MetroLink rumbled through underneath us (at which times Mike would quickly step as far from the edge of the bridge as possible...just in case).

We observed the riverboat and helicopter tours along the river, the massive barges pushing their loads, and a few St. Louisans stroll past us and over the Mississippi River.

It was a fairly sweet evening.

"Peeking Through" - I thought this one called for a vintage look.

Are you interested in a fine art print? Please contact me today - photographic fine art prints are available as photographs, canvas art, cards, bookmarks, and more.

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How it Went: {Workshop} Simple and Sweet Photography Basics

Before our photowalk.

 <---There is my first workshop class! I was thrilled that 20 photographers packed the presentation room at St. Peter's UCC last Thursday!

The skill range was from beginners up to serious amateurs, so I was a little nervous, hoping that I would be able to share at least one new thing for each person.

After my presentation, I answered a few questions, and then we headed outside. The sun was beginning its descent and was lighting up the clouds just beautifully. Our route took us to downtown Washington, pausing to snap photos of gardens and historic brick buildings. The sky was a gorgeous and dramatic background, making it easy for my class to find beautiful compositions.

Dramatic clouds to the east during the sunset.

The sunset was stunning as it lit the sky on fire.

I really enjoyed walking with the class, stopping every little bit to help them find the compositions and settings they had in mind. My favorite was watching as they put to use the knowledge I had just shown them in class.

Understanding and comprehending the relation between aperture and depth of field, as well as how the exposure triangle works, can be intimidating. But I think it "clicked" with some of the attendees.

With the overwhelming response immediately after the workshop from people who had not been able to attend, I am looking at holding the photography basics workshop again. And, I hope to develop a series of workshops that focus on specific subjects, like the moon, fireworks, bokeh, aperture and depth of field, composition, and post processing.

Are you interested in attending a workshop? Please join my mailing list! There is a link to the right ---> at the top of the blog to enter your email address.

Would you like to have one of my fine art prints for yourself? Visit my website www.marcinkdesigns.com to purchase one. Note that even if you don't see it on my website, you can still purchase it - just send me a message at tyann@marcinkdesigns.com. And don't forget to follow me on Facebook!

Self portrait after the workshop. :)

{Workshop} Simple and Sweet Photography Basics

A little {FREE} workshop covering the basics of photography, presented by me! Focusing on composition and the importance of light, with a little bit on aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

Excellent opportunity for all ages of people who are interested in taking better photographs. Whether your favorite subjects are your family, vacation vistas, or the bears at the zoo, you will walk away with knowledge to improve your snapshots.

Bring your camera to play with during the workshop. Also a good idea to read your manual before and then bring it with you (I know, pretty dry reading, but totally worth it).

After the workshop, we will head out for a sunset photowalk so you can put your new knowledge to use.

Thursday, July 19th
7:00pm - 8:45pm

Tentative schedule:
7:00pm - 7:45pm {presentation with Q&A}
7:45pm - 8:45pm {sunset photowalk}

Location:
St. Peter's UCC of Washington
20 East Fifth St.
Washington, Missouri

If you would like to RSVP, see the Facebook event.