Frequently asked questions:
Q: How much does your course cost?
A: The cost of our course, at $325, is comparable with other similar commercially run courses. With ours, all staff are passionate volunteers, and all profits go to Rotary Community Service Projects. We have been running these courses for 10 years plus. Our outcomes, in terms of Customer Satisfaction, and Visual Results speak for themselves. CLICK HERE to download registration form.
Q: What do we get for our money?
A: Apart from the knowledge that your money will be donated to worth while causes, you will have a most enjoyable time, build your confidence and skills. The Registration fee includes a full set of notes, 10 x 1 hour information sessions, home assignments to build and consolidate your knowledge, luxury coach tour to outside shoot, and light refreshments on each night. A light meal will also be provided free of charge on the night of the photo tour. On completion of the course, all students receive a mounted print of one of their images. CLICK HERE to download Registration Form.
Q: I am just a beginner, having recently bought a new digital camera. Is this the course for me?
A: The course is based on the premise of no prior photographic knowledge, and is presented in a highly practical and interesting way. Our syndicate system with Team Leaders and Mentors ensure that no-one is left behind, and all students end up with a good solid knowledge of photographic principles and an ability to consistently and repeatedly generate high quality images. Refer to our Student testimonials, and Student Samples. You, too WILL GENERATE images as attractive as these!
Q:I have a “point-and press” camera. Will this course help me?
A: You will learn a great deal of photographic principles, but will not be able to apply those principles, given the limitation of your equipment. We suggest you wait until you have a settable camera (one on which you can access the aperture and shutter speed settings, and adjust them manually), and then apply to join one of our courses.
Q: I do not have a computer, or Email. Can I still complete the course?
A: No. Without a computer, you have no means of storing your images, and we have no means of transmitting the home assignments to you.
Q: I am only 15 years old. Is this course too advanced (adult) for me?
A: No. Some of our greatest successes have come from younger students who have a great willingness to learn. You will need transport to and from the lectures.
Q: I am 70 years old, mobile, and passionate about photography. Will I be able to keep up?
A: Yes. We have many Seniors who have been delighted with our course. The night shoot involves walking short distances, but you will be able to stay close to the coach and relax in air conditioned comfort when you want. Just inform your Mentor, and he will make the necessary arrangements.
Q: I am about to purchase a digital camera. What do you recommend?
A: We are in the business of imparting knowledge, not selling equipment. All of the brand names present great products, but I suggest that you might like to postpone your decision until after the first night of the course, and discuss your requirements with your Team Leader and Mentor, who will be happy to advise in a completely unbiased way.
Q: What equipment will I need to complete the course?
A: You will need to have a “settable” camera, i.e. one on which you have access to settings or menus with which you will set Apertures, Shutter Speeds, etc. We will teach you how to do so. You will need to have access to the internet, with a (home) Email address (Work addresses are generally not satisfactory) to send and receive home assignments. Access to a sturdy tripod will certainly help, but we have some loan tripods that we will make available to assist.
Q: I am an advanced photographer. Will this course help me to expand my skills?
A: So long as you have a passion for photography, a desire to learn, an ability to listen, and the time to complete your home assignments, you WILL gain a great deal from this course. Refer to our Student Testimonials. Virtually all of our former students end up exhibiting their work, many consistently win competitions. Many of them earn enough money from photography part time to keep purchasing new and better equipment. Several have gone on to full time photographic jobs.
Q: What do I need to bring to the lectures?
A: You will need to bring a passion for photography, a desire to learn, an ability to listen, and a pencil on the first night. You will be advised what to bring on subsequent nights.
Q: Does this course apply to any camera?
A: We teach the principles of photography and those principles apply to ALL CAMERAS. Our home assignments are designed to ensure that the information imparted in the lectures is consolidated and to ensure that you apply those principles using your own camera. Our system of Syndicates, Team Leaders and Mentors guarantees that you will be able to do so.
Q: Will all of my camera’s features be covered?
A: No. The rapid advances in technology and the incredible variety of menus and settings available are astounding. You will however, gain an understanding of how to access those menus and settings, and how they apply to the photographic principles we teach. Over a period of time, you will get to know your equipment more intimately, and the knowledge you gain during this short course will set you on the right path.
Q: How much time will I need to dedicate, to successfully complete the course?
A: The lectures total 10 hours, the outside photo-shoot is about 6 hours, and the home assignments vary from person to person. They can be completed in as little as 2 hours per week, but the more time you spend on those assignments the more satisfaction you will gain and the greater your levels of understanding and success. Like everything else, the more you put in the more you will gain.
Q: Do we have to complete the home assignments?
A: This is adult education, and you will make your own decisions. The assignments are designed with several purposes in mind:
To consolidate the information imparted in the lectures.
To apply the principles taught, using your own equipment.
To increase your confidence, and familiarize yourself with your equipment.
Having invested a fair amount of money (all of which goes to Rotary Community Service Projects) and time, you will no doubt want to get the most out of this course. Completing the home assignments will ensure you do so.
Q: I am unable to attend the first session. Can I come to subsequent classes?
A: No. The learning and home assignments are sequential, and allowing you to do so would disadvantage other students. Join a later course.
Q: Should I read my camera’s manual before starting the course?
A: Not really. Most manuals are really reference guides, and best used to look up specific subjects as the need arises. Having worked as a Commercial Photographer for 40 years, and used hundreds of different cameras, I can honestly say that I have never read a manual. That being said, you will need to refer to your manual throughout the course, (and your photographic career) to access various menus.
Q: Will the technical detail go over my head?
A: Definitely not. Whilst the first two nights are incredibly intensive and demanding (a real roller-coaster-ride) our Syndicate System guarantees that no-one is ever left in doubt. We will cover and re-cover all principles until everyone in the class has a complete and thorough understanding.
Q: Does your course teach “creativity”?
A: No. We believe that creativity grows and is not taught. We will however give you a good solid understanding of the technical principles, so that with confidence, your creative juices will flow. I liken the analogy of a driver who concentrates on his gears, clutch, steering and brakes, and cannot see the child on the side of the road. As distinct from the driver who handles those technical matters without even thinking, and sees the child.
Q: Can my friend join FORCC (Friends of Rotary Camera Club, Inc) without first completing the Digital Camera Course? I attended your course several years ago, and my friend would like to join FORCC.
A: No. FORCC was formed by former students, for former students, and has enjoyed tremendous success based on that genesis. Your friend will gain most by completing the course and then joining FORCC.
Q: Can I attend the Photoshop Digital Retouching Course without first completing the Digital Camera Course?
A: No. The other students on the DRC would be disadvantaged, because the DRC assumes prior knowledge of the photographic principles we teach. All students start on an even foot.
The image below was created by David Jamie who was given his first digital camera prior to attending DCC 45. CLICK HERE to view more of David's images.
