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My photography workshops are designed to help you improve your photography. I want to help you to start taking pictures that will give you a sense of pride and accomplishment; pictures that will "wow" your friends, and that you'd be happy to hang on your wall. Get in touch with your inner creativity in a fun and friendly workshop that fits into your busy schedule!
Workshops take place in and around Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Small class sizes ensure lots of individual attention and customised instruction, which means that you learn the specific skills that you need to take better pictures.
A hands-on approach means that you apply what you learn immediately. You can correct mistakes as they happen, and get feedback exactly when you need it most. That will speed up your learning process, and have you taking better pictures in no time.
Clear explanations of concepts accelerate your learning so your photography improves even faster.
I know that your coaching has been the best experience I have ever had especially since so much of what we went through sunk in and made absolute perfect sense. You are a wonderful teacher and photographer!
-- Edith K., Thornhill
Concerned that you're not creative enough? Don't worry! Everyone has creativity hidden within. Workshops include specific exercises designed to draw out yours. You will start to develop your own individual style, taking your photographs to the next level. Creativity is the key ingredient to making your pictures stand out.
...thanks for a very informative and fun course. It had excellent technical AND creative content. Looking forward to the next one.
-- Cheryl M., Toronto
After each workshop, you submit a few images to be critiqued by the instructor. All comments are constructive and helpful. You are also able to see and learn from the critiques on your fellow participants' images. Feedback that is specific to your images is the best possible way to improve your photography. You will learn new skills that you can apply next time you go out shooting.
Thanks so much for your critiques! I find your commentary very helpful – it's descriptive and detailed enough to point the way for improvement. Which is actually fantastic! Kudos to you! In my Betterphoto course critiques, they are often brief – just sufficient to say something did or didn't work without the description of how/why, and without sufficient guidance on what to do next time in the same sort of circumstances.
-- Marilyn C., Toronto
I offer patient and encouraging instruction in a friendly and supportive learning environment. There's no embarrassment in asking questions, and I will "meet you where you're at," no matter your skill level. You go home with all your questions answered so that you can start taking better pictures immediately.
In a group workshop environment, you get to meet other people who share your passion for photography. You might even make a friend along the way. And that makes leaning fun!
As a bonus, you can learn from a diverse group of participants, as well as the instructor. That means more learning for you. And more learning means better pictures!
With a history of happy customers, I'm confident that you'll enjoy your workshop experience, Nevertheless, my workshops come with a simple, risk-free, hassle-free guarantee. If you are dissatisfied for any reason, just ask, and I'll refund your money. Period. No questions asked.
The short time-commitment required for a single afternoon workshop makes it easy to fit into your schedule. It also gives you a digestible amount of information at one time so you don't feel overwhelmed. That makes learning easier.
Outdoor workshops take place in inspiring locations, usually close to Nature. Time spent in Nature is known to have therapeutic benefits. It also inspires your creativity, which gives your photographs the boost they need to get the "wows" you want.
Ready to improve your photography and reignite your creativity? Check the current schedule and sign up for a workshop now.
Date | Workshop (Click link to see full description) |
Buy Now |
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See rates in description |
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Night Photography Field Outing |
$130 + HST
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October 5, 2013 4:00pm - 7:30pm |
Fall Colours Field Outing | $75 + HST |
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A Full-Day Creativity Field Workshop Southwestern Ontario (Grimsby area?) (includes creativity video tutorial) |
$130 + HST |
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$95 + HST |
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Past Workshops 2013 | ||
Saturday, |
Hands-on Creative Close-up Photography | |
Saturday, |
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Saturday, March 9, 2013 1pm-4pm |
Improve Your Digital Photography (Classroom) |
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Saturday, |
Hands-on Creative Close-up Photography |
To buy more than one spot in a workshop for you and your friend(s), just add the workshop once, and change the "quantity" once you View Cart.
To buy multiple different workshops, just select each workshop and click "Add to Cart" then return to add another by clicking "Continue Shopping" from the cart.
You can pay securely online using Paypal. Even if you don't have a Paypal account, you can use your credit card through Paypal. Just choose your desired workshop, and click "Add to Cart." To view your cart, or to checkout, click "View Cart."
Alternatively, you can call Julie at 647-204-5854 to pay with Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
Save money!! If you pay for two or more workshops at a time, you receive a $10 discount on each workshop! So, have more fun and save by bringing a friend or partner! Or mix and match multiple workshops for yourself, and save while improving your photography!
Create photographs you can be proud of. Sign up now for an inspiring workshop that will draw out your hidden creativity and teach you to take fabulous photographs.
Hands-on Creative Close-up Photography
Discover the exciting world of close-up photography in this enjoyable, informative half-day workshop. We'll use fresh cut flowers as our props, but techniques will apply to any close-up subject. Lots of one-on-one instruction!
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The focus of this workshop is less about the gear (we’ll use whatever you have, but you do need some kind of lens or filter that allows close-focusing), and more about learning to “see,” and developing your own personal vision. You’ll discover how to convey emotion through your choice of subject, background, composition, lighting, and depth of field. We’ll also examine some of the challenges unique to close-up photography.
Julie’s passionate enthusiasm for close-up photography and personalised teaching style combine for a memorable experience.
This workshop is restricted to a maximum of 6 participants so that you can get individual attention and instruction. Sign up early to reserve your spot!
Where: The Emery Waiting Room, Markham Train Station, 214 Main Street, Markham
(on the West side of Main Street in the GO station building).
Join Julie at a beautiful venue with gorgeous natural light. The Emery Waiting Room at the Markham Train Station is maintained by the Markham Village Conservancy. With its original wood floors, wainscoting, tongue & groove ceiling, and plenty of window light, this room is a wonderful place in which to photograph. Ample free parking is available in the GO parking lot on weekends.
Tuition: $95 per person + HST
Save money!! If you pay for two or more workshops at a time, you receive a $10 discount on each workshop! So, have more fun and save by bringing a friend or partner! Or mix and match multiple workshops for yourself, and save while improving your photography!
When: Saturday, February 2nd, 2013
SOLD OUT
When: Saturday, April 27th, 2013
SOLD OUT
When: Saturday, November 9th, 2013
Contact Julie if you have any questions.
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Join Julie for a fun and educational excursion into the beautiful York Regional Forest - Eldred King Tract. The workshop will be timed to catch the warm, evening light. Photograph the forest and woodland paths. Cross your fingers for a fresh snowfall! Learn to see more creatively, while getting out and enjoying our beautiful, Canadian winter.
Space is limited to a maximum of six participants ensure the best experience for everyone, so register early!
Participants of all experience levels are welcome. Novices should have a basic understanding of exposure, and how to adjust their shutter speed and aperture before attending the workshop. In the field is not the best time to learn your camera settings! Visit Julie's photography tips website to prepare and learn more about exposure basics.
Where: York Regional Forest - Eldred King Tract.
(entrance off Hwy 48 near St. John's Sideroad; ample free parking)
Tuition: $75 per person + HST
Save money!! If you pay for two or more workshops at a time, you receive a $10 discount on each workshop! So, have more fun and save by bringing a friend or partner! Or mix and match multiple workshops for yourself, and save while improving your photography!
When: Saturday, February 23, 2013, 3pm-6:30pm (sunset at 6:00pm)
SOLD OUT
Contact Julie if you have any questions.
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Full-Day Creativity Field Workshop
Cobourg Location June 1:
Join Julie for a full day of creative photography. Venture an hour east of Toronto to the picturesque village of Cobourg, known as the "gem of Lake Ontario" for its prime location on the lakeshore between Toronto and Kingston, and a notable waterfront. You'll find a variety of subject matter to appeal to all tastes, including a beach, a marina, and an historic village.
Grimbsy Area Location October 19:
Join Julie for a full day of creative photography amidst the Fall colour. Hey - do you live in the area near Grimsby/St Catharines/Niagara? I'm looking for a good location for this workshop that has (ideally) some combination of Fall colour and/or waterfront and/or historic town setting. If you have a suggestion for a location, please email me!
Workshop Description:
This workshop will provide an intensive learning experience. It will emphasize creative seeing and experimentation.In-the-field mentoring will immerse participants in a positive and supportive environment in which experimentation is actively encouraged.
This workshop includes a video tutorial on creative photography, with ideas and inspiration, and information about the creative process to inspire you for the day!
Learning objectives include, but are not limited to:
Objectives will be achieved through one-on-one coaching, impromptu group discussions, and a variety of in-the-field exercises designed to encourage experimentation and creative vision, and nudge you out of your comfort zone.
Since each participant will be at a different skill level, just-in-time training in the field is ideal. Most significantly, Julie can provide customised training that tailors the field experience to meet individual learning needs. In addition, a hands-on approach means that participants will be learning as they are doing. Education is delivered in exactly the moment it is needed, which maximises learning and retention.
Space is limited to a maximum of six participants to ensure the best experience for everyone, so register early!
Note 1a (Cobourg): We will break for dinner (not included in the fee) in Cobourg.
Note 1b (Grimsby): We will break for lunch (not included in the fee) in Grimsby area.
Note 2: Carpooling can be arranged for those who are interested.
Prerequisites:
Participants of all experience levels are welcome. Novices should have a basic understanding of exposure, and how to adjust their shutter speed and aperture before attending the workshop. In the field is not the best time to learn your camera settings! Visit Julie's photography tips website to prepare and learn more about exposure basics.
Tuition: $130 per person + HST (includes creativity video tutorial)
Save money!! If you pay for two or more workshops at a time, you receive a $10 discount on each workshop! So, have more fun and save by bringing a friend or partner! Or mix and match multiple workshops for yourself, and save while improving your photography!
Where: Cobourg, Ontario
(directions to be provided to workshop participants)
When: Saturday, June 1, 2013, 2:00pm-9:30pm (sunset at 8:52pm)
(includes creativity video tutorial)
Where: Grimsby area, Ontario
(directions to be provided to workshop participants)
When: Saturday, November 9, 2013, 11:30am-7:00pm (sunset at 6:27pm)
(includes creativity video tutorial)
Contact Julie if you have any questions.
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Fall Colour in York Regional Forest
Learn to see creatively while enjoying the magnificent Fall colours in this oasis of nature just north of the city. The tall and majestic trees in York Regional Forest create a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere for photography.
Space is limited to a maximum of six participants ensure the best experience for everyone, so register early!
Participants of all experience levels are welcome. Novices should have a basic understanding of exposure, and how to adjust their shutter speed and aperture before attending the workshop. In the field is not the best time to learn your camera settings! Visit Julie's photography tips website to prepare and learn more about exposure basics.
Where: One of the northern tracts of the York Regional Forest, just north of the city off Highway 48. Exact location provided to workshop registrants. (Ample free parking available)
Tuition: $75 per person + HST
Save money!! If you pay for two or more workshops at a time, you receive a $10 discount on each workshop! So, have more fun and save by bringing a friend or partner! Or mix and match multiple workshops for yourself, and save while improving your photography!
When: Saturday, October 5, 2013, 4:00pm - 7:30pm (sunset at 6:51pm)
Contact Julie if you have any questions.
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Improve Your Digital Photography (Classroom)
You've bought a fancy DSLR camera, with lots of Megapixels, but do you really know how to make the most of it?! Kick your photographs up a notch, from "snapshots" to images you'll be proud of! We will discuss both the technical and the creative aspects of photography. If you're interested in getting more out of your camera, and more out of your images, this is the workshop for you!
It's not about going through every button and dial on your camera, or about memorising a set of rules about composition and exposure. Instead, it's about learning why you'd want to make certain choices about shutter speed and aperture, so you'll know what to do in any situation.
We'll delve into the principles behind exposure, so you understand how and when and why to shoot in aperture mode, shutter priority mode or manual mode. You should come away with a solid understanding of how depth of field, shutter speed, ISO, and the available light combine to create your exposure. You will also gain a thorough understanding of the histogram, and how to use it. We will also look at the principles of visual design (line, shape, texture, colour) so that you understand how to create great compositions that work. We will relate the above concepts to landscape, motion, still life, portrait and macro photography.
It won't be dry, I promise! We'll also talk about creativity, and putting emotion into your pictures.
A unique and valuable aspect to this workshop is a group evaluation session. You will send three images to the instructor ahead of the workshop. They will be critiqued during the workshop (you may remain anonymous if you choose!). You will learn not only from the feedback on your own images, but also by hearing critique of others' images.
Julie’s passionate enthusiasm for photography and personalised teaching style combine for a memorable experience. This workshop is restricted to a maximum of 10 participants. Sign up early to reserve your spot!
Tuition: $60 per person + HST
Save money!! If you pay for two or more workshops at a time, you receive a $10 discount on each workshop! So, have more fun and save by bringing a friend or partner! Or mix and match multiple workshops for yourself, and save while improving your photography!
When: Saturday, March 9, 2013, 1pm - 4pm
Where: Richmond Hill location near Hwy 7 and Leslie Ave.
(Exact location will be provided to participants.)
Contact Julie if you have any questions.
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Join Julie for some night photography at a very special Dark Sky Preserve in the Muskokas, with little or no light pollution. The area offers a natural setting of peaceful wilderness, with trees, rocky out-croppings and a river. At night, enjoy a spectacular panorama of the Milky Way. On September 7th, the sun will set at 7:40pm, allowing us to capture great shots from evening into darkness. The moon will be nearly new, and will set at 8:30pm, giving us great visibility of the stars. The emphasis will be on captuaring both star point and star trail shots. We can also try some light painting.
This workshop include a detailed video tutorial to prepare you with instructions ahead of time.
Space is limited to a maximum of six participants on each night to ensure the best experience for everyone, so register early!
When & Where:
Saturday, September 7th, 2013, 6:30pm until you flake out!
(sunset at 7:40pm, moonset at 8:30pm)
at a Dark Sky Preserve in the Muskokas (about 3 hours north of Toronto)
Included:
Prerequisites:
Participants of all experience levels are welcome. Novices should have a basic understanding of exposure, and how to adjust their shutter speed and aperture before attending the workshop. In the field (and especially in the dark!) is not the best time to learn how to operate your camera. Visit Julie's photography tips website to prepare and learn more about exposure basics.
Please check the "What to bring to the workshop" list for the required equipment; a DSLR camera and tripod are necessary for this workshop.
Before the workshop, you will be provided with an instructional video on night photography. It is very important that you review this before the workshop, as it will teach you all the theory you need to know for night photography. The field workshop will be an opportunity to put the information in the video into practice.
Where: A special "Dark Sky" Preserve in the Muskokas
(Exact location will be provided to participants.)
Note: I will try to coordinate optional carpooling from the carpool lot at Highway 400 and Highway 9 (aka Davis Dr) for those who are interested.
Tuition: $130 +HST per person for one workshop (includes video tutorial)
When: September 7th, 2013, 6:30pm until you flake out!
Contact Julie if you have any questions.
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One-On-One Coaching
Receive one-on-one coaching, customised to your needs. Topics may include Photoshop, Lightroom, printing, workflow, exposure or composition basics, photography technique, close-up photography, or image critique. Image critique may be done by e-mail if you prefer. Contact Julie to schedule a time.
Buy in one (1) hour blocks for $55/hour + HST. Edit the quantity in the shopping cart to choose how many hours.
Save money!! If you book 3 hours or more at a time, the rate drops to $50/hour. That's $150 +HST for three (3) hours.
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I just wanted to thank you again for a great workshop on Friday. I learned so much and can't wait to start practicing! You are an excellent teacher.
-– Lesley R., Richmond Hill
Find out what more of my clients are saying about me.