Hands-On Photography Class In Dayton, Ohio. Stop struggling with online tutorials. Start creating photos you'll love with personalized instruction from master photographer Dan Cleary
Sign up for the next photography class on Sunday, April 6th, 2025. Class starts at $89 per person.
Understanding Your Digital Camera: Seven Steps To Better Photography
Master Your Camera, Master The Light
Every photographer’s journey begins with a moment of uncertainty. You’ve been there—holding your new digital camera, faced with a sea of buttons and settings, wondering if you’ll ever truly master it.
The True Art Of Photography
Through decades as a professional photographer and instructor, Dan has learned that mastering photography isn’t about memorizing technical details or knowing every camera function. At its core, photography is about the relationship between light and the photographer—our true medium.
A Different Approach To Learning
This workshop isn’t about overwhelming you with jargon or specs. Instead, it will focus on the foundational principles that have shaped great photography for centuries:
- The Behavior of Light – Understanding how light transforms an image.
- Composition & Storytelling – Using artistic principles to create compelling photographs.
- Harnessing Technology – Once the fundamentals are clear, we explore how to use modern digital cameras effectively.
Your Camera Is a Tool—Your Vision Is the Art
The principles remain the same whether you shoot with a professional DSLR or a beginner-friendly mirrorless camera. Photography is about capturing light, telling stories, and sharing unique perspectives. The technical aspects—aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance—are tools to bring your vision to life.
Unlock Your Creative Potential
This workshop will demystify photography, build confidence, and expand your artistic capabilities. Your camera isn’t just a device—it’s a gateway to creative expression.
Let's embark on this journey together—one exposure at a time.
Class is $89 per person, bring a friend for $169 for both.
Hands-On Learning And Practical Techniques To Help You Create Stunning Photographs
Regardless of your skill level or camera type, Dan Cleary offers invaluable insights and techniques to elevate your photography journey. Walk away from this crash course equipped with the knowledge to operate your camera confidently and the inspiration to apply newfound skills in practice. Take your chance to embark on the 7 Steps to Better Photography journey with Dan Cleary!
Frequently Asked Questions:
-Will we go over everything on my camera? Everyone attending the class should bring all their camera equipment so Dan can explain all the settings.
-Do I need a brand new camera? No, many people have older or used digital cameras because they are just starting. There is nothing wrong with buying a manufacturer refurbished camera today. All the information you’ll learn will apply.
-I want to take better photos of my kids’ sports. During the class, Dan will explain the best shutter speeds and apertures for sports photography.
-I want to know more about landscape photography. Dan will answer everyone’s specific questions. He will go over the settings for all aspects of landscape photography.
Kind Words From Clients:
“Dan’s work and professionalism are second to none! I would highly recommend him for any of your photography needs!” Becky Edgren
“Dan is one of the most knowledgeable photographers I’ve ever met and does and outstanding job- I wouldn’t recommend anyone else!” Andrew Banks
“Dan is nationally known for his creative photography.” Robert Kirchner
What Dan Will Cover In The Class:
This class is designed for photography beginners and enthusiasts looking to learn the basics of digital photography—both the art and the science of it. Dan Cleary will share a comprehensive overview of their seven-step method for creating unique images during this fast-paced four-hour workshop.
Step One: The Basic Function of Today’s Modern Digital Camera! You’ll learn and finally understand your camera! Whether you have a point-and-shoot, consumer model, or top-of-the-line professional DSLR, Dan and Maria will make sure you get the most out of your camera!
Step Two: The Technical Stuff! You’ll learn and understand what all those buttons and settings do! But more importantly, you’ll learn how to use them best! We will be covering:
- What Are F Stops?
- Shutter Speed?
- White Balance?
- ISO (What do we use to call film speed)?
- What Is A Proper Exposure?
Step Three: Image Composition! Here’s where you will learn about the “artsy” stuff and how to give your images more impact:
- Leading Lines
- Converging Lines
- The Rule of 3rds
- Symmetrical and “A” Symmetrical Images
- Creating A Center Of Attention
Step Four: Lighting Techniques! Learn how to light like a pro with:
- Finding The Direction Of Light
- Sun vs Shade
- Indoors vs Outdoors
- Natural Light vs Flash
- What Is A Reflector?
Step Five: Making Your Subjects Look Their Best! Dan will share many of these secrets to make his subjects look their best! He’ll cover:
- Using The Proper Lens
- Camera Angle
- Posing
- Expression
- Spontaneity
- Tips For Photographing Kids
- Use Of Props
Step Six: It’s the Little Things! To improve your photography, it’s all about refining the little things and looking for details. Dan will show you how to turn what would typically be a snapshot into a work of art!
Step Seven: Enjoying Your Photographs After You’ve Created Them! You’ve created them…now what do you do with them??? Dan and Maria will demonstrate the latest ways to enjoy your images, such as fine art prints, albums, slideshows, and more!
The bottom line is that no matter your skill level or the type of camera you own, Dan Cleary will give you some of the best information regarding photography you will ever receive. You’ll leave the classroom knowing how to operate your camera and be inspired to put that knowledge into practice! Join Dan for his 7 Steps to Better Photography Crash Course!
Dan Cleary is a certified professional photographer, artist, author, teacher, lecturer, and historian living in Dayton. Dayton Magazine readers voted Dan the best photographer in the region for 2024. The Dayton City Commission and Mayor named him a Proud Dayton Original. He has run Cleary Creative Photography for the past 35 years, bringing creativity and professionalism to every client. He has published a book from the Wright Brothers: Then and Now series. It is available at many museum stores around the country, including the National Museum of the USAF in Dayton and the Wright Brothers Memorial in North Carolina, which is part of the National Park Service.