Digital Camera & Photography Classes

Do you live in the Edmonton, Alberta area?

Do you have limited knowledge about your digital camera?
Are you ready to explore your digital camera further?

"Thank you so much for a wonderful course. I enjoy your way of teaching.
It wouldn’t hurt for me to take your entire course again next year; you’re the best in your field.
I have taken many courses; they never seem capture the class like you are able too."
Thanks, Cheryl

Would you like to know how to take better photographs with your digital camera?

Did you know the City Arts Centre offers digital camera and photography courses?

Read on...

Some photographs, like campfires and fireworks, are hard to take especially if you don't understand your camera's controls. Or the logic behind how your camera works.

A public course at the Edmonton City Arts Centre might be just the thing.

Or would you prefer private lessons?

Private Lessons
Digital Camera and Photography Classes

Read Sheree's Blogs:

Travel Advice
Digital Camera Advice
Baby Boomer Advice

Learn how to use your digital camera in a fun way.

(This is Chris, one of Sheree's recent digital camera students. He kindly consented to be present on this page.
Chris is younger than the average student, but all ages from teens to seniors have attended Sheree's classes.)

Visit Sheree's Photo Display
on the Flickr site.

Private Lessons

Is your digital camera giving you a headache? Its many terms are unfamiliar, its menu is hard to navigate, or your photos are not turning out well? And you don't know how to fix the problem?

Perhaps it's time for a one-on-one digital camera or photography lesson -- from a friendly, knowledgeable instructor? Perhaps both you and your spouse want a joint one-on-one lesson? Or you'd like to give a digital camera tutorial as a gift?

If so, click HERE for details.

Nova Scotia Wild Rose by Sheree Zielke

Need something for your corporation, seniors group, church or social group?
How about a digital camera course?
Click HERE

If you have 3-4 hours to spare, then join digital camera and photography instructor, Sheree Zielke, at the Edmonton City Arts Centre, for a stress-free class designed to help you understand your digital camera, and/or improve your photography skills. Choose from the learning levels (shown below), dates and times. Click Edmonton City Arts Centre for online registration. Check for class updates and spot availability. Then use the Centre's "online" tools and "eReg" to register. Be sure to select "Arts, Crafts & Cooking" under "Courses and Activities" on the Centre's site to see the camera courses. Book early as class size is very limited. (Please note: Class size is limited to ensure student/teacher interaction.)
Digital Camera Basics Level 1	Are you a technophobe? Are you worried the class will be over your head? No need to worry. Here are some student comments: "Sheree is very knowledgeable." "She is a great teacher." "...can teach all ages at once." "...explains things so that we can understand."	Digital Camera Basics Level 2
Digital SLR Camera Basics Level 1	Students must attend ALL courses with the following: Digital camera, camera manual, extra batteries, samples of photos (if available).	Digital SLR Camera Basics Level 2
Photography Basics Level 1	Click on any of the classes listed for dates & details on course content.	Photography Basics Level 2
Travel Photography Level 1 - Tips & Etiquette	Please note: These classes are designed to give a general overview. They are only 3 hours in length but will give students a good starting point for delving further into their digital camera.	Travel Photography Level 2 - Shooting to impress
Photo Safari (New) Summer ONLY!	This is an opportunity to take your camera into the field, into real life situations. Guide, Sheree Zielke, will challenge you and assist you where needed in getting those difficult shots. So, give your manual a read. NOTE: This is NOT a course for those who have a brand new camera or a camera they have never or have barely ever used. Come prepared for the weather. We go outside, rain or shine. If you are seeking PRIVATE lessons instead, click HERE.	Level 1 - Beginner (scared to use any of your camera's features - point and shoot only) Date: July 9, 2008 Level II - Intermediate (you are comfortable using your camera but you need encouragement to use advanced features - point and shoot only) Date: July 16, 2008 Intermediate DSLR (for digital single lens reflex camera users only - no point and shoot on this adventure) Date: July 23, 2008
City Arts Centre is located at 10943-84 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta. Phone: (780) 496-6955. Or register online at Edmonton City Arts Centre.

The Basic or Beginner Digital Camera & Photography Courses

Digital Camera Basics Level 1	This class is for the absolute beginner, the person who has barely taken their camera out of the box. This is also the class for the person who has barely read the manual, or finds their manual too confusing to read, in depth. This is for the person who is afraid of technology, or who doesn't understand digital camera terminology. This is the perfect class for the senior who has just received a new digital camera to take on vacation. Prerequisites: Student must bring any style of digital camera complete with the camera's manual. Extra batteries, too. Preferably, the camera has been unpacked from its box, and the student has used it a few times. Dates (choose the course to match your camera): Point & Shoot Cameras: Oct. 6 & 8, 6:30-8:30 PM or Nov. 6, 1-4 PM Caution: These courses are very popular and sell out quickly. Don't delay. Register now at the City Arts Centre. Phone: (780) 496-6955.
Digital SLR Camera Basics Level 1	This class is for the owner of a new digital SLR, or for the person who has found their SLR camera to be just too much camera, with too many unfamiliar terms and features. This class will introduce students to the basic operations of a digital SLR camera. By the end of the class, you will have knowledge of, and be much more comfortable using, the basic features of your digital SLR camera. Prerequisites: Student must bring any style of digital SLR camera, and have the camera's manual. Preferably it has been unpacked from its box, and the student has used it a few times. (PS The picture above is NOT upside down; it's a gorgeous reflection taken in an Alaskan port during an overcast day.) Digital SLR (single lens reflex) Oct. 16, 1-4 PM or Nov. 17 & 19, 6:30-8:30 PM Caution: These courses are very popular and sell out quickly. Don't delay. Register now at the City Arts Centre. Phone: (780) 496-6955.
Photography Basics Level 1	Stop taking snapshots, and start taking photographs; this class will teach you the difference. Have you ever wondered why some photographer's images are so much better than your own? There are rules governing photography, universal rules that have been in existence for decades. Some of us have a natural ability to take a "good" picture, without knowing why. But most of us can't take a great photograph, unless we know the rules. This class will introduce you to compositional concepts enabling you to take better photographs. Learn about leading lines, straight horizons, rule of thirds, exposure compensation, silhouettes on purpose, and more. Prerequisites: Digital Camera Basics Level 1 OR Digital SLR Camera Basics Level 1 OR student feels confident with the basic features on his or her digital camera - students MUST feel comfortable with the basic operations of their camera to take this course. Dates: Point & Shoot or DSLR Cameras: Oct. 27 & 29, 6:30-8:30 PM or Nov. 20, 1-4 PM Caution: These courses are very popular and sell out quickly. Don't delay. Register now at the City Arts Centre. Phone: (780) 496-6955.
Travel Photography Level 1 - Tips & Etiquette	Today's world is now a very complex place. Gone are the days when the famous National Geographic "Afghan Girl" was shot. People pictures can be the most prized of your travel photographs, but who can you photograph? And how do you get them to pose for you? When is it okay to shoot people pictures and when would it be considered extremely rude, if not downright arrogant and ignorant? And what can you legally do with the people pictures you take? Learn the unwritten rules of people photography from avid traveler and people photographer, Sheree Zielke, who has successfully taken pictures of soldiers armed with machine guns, wharf rats (children posing for pictures at piers), celebrities like Kevin Bacon, everyday Joes, and more. Prerequisites: Digital Camera Basics Level 1 OR Digital SLR Camera Basics Level 1 OR student feels confident with the basic features on his or her digital camera, and can read and understand the camera's manual - this is a must! (No courses for Fall 2008. Check back for Spring 2009.)

There's more...
The Advanced Digital Camera & Photography Courses

Digital Camera Basics Level 2 or Intermediate	This course picks up where Level 1 leaves off. After a quick review, we delve deeper into your camera's functions. Take as much or as little as you like from this course, but, with practice, you should be able to control most of your camera's features, following this class. Or at least, you will be less afraid of traversing your camera's menu in search of its deeper features. Prerequisites: Digital Camera Basics Level 1 OR a very good understanding of the basic operation of your camera. And its manual. Dates (choose the course to match your camera): Point & Shoot Cameras: Oct. 20 & 22, 6:30-8:30 PM or Nov. 13, 1-4 PM Caution: These courses are very popular and sell out quickly. Don't delay. Register now at the City Arts Centre. Phone: (780) 496-6955.
Digital SLR Camera Basics Level 2 or Intermediate	This class is truly for those advanced digital camera users who are very familiar with their SLR camera, but would like to explore some of the more complex options, like AEL metering, AF frame selection, setting custom white balance, intro to Expo Disk, and more. Prerequisites: Digital SLR Camera Basics Level 1 (this is a must!) Digital SLR (single lens reflex) Oct. 30, 1-4 PM or Nov. 24 & 26, 6:30-8:30 PM Caution: These courses are very popular and sell out quickly. Don't delay. Register now at the City Arts Centre. Phone: (780) 496-6955.
Photography Basics Level 2 Problem Solver for DSLR camera users	You've been taking pictures and they are turning out fairly good, but you want to advance your picture-taking strategies. We'll review the Basics and then move on to good picture-taking techniques, both compositional and using your camera's settings. Prerequisites: Digital Camera Basics Level 1 OR Digital SLR Camera Basics Level 1 OR student feels confident with the basic features on his or her digital camera, and can read and understand the camera's manual - this is a must! Digital SLR (single lens reflex) Problem Solver Nov. 27, 6:30-9:30 PM Caution: These courses are very popular and sell out quickly. Don't delay. Register now at the City Arts Centre. Phone: (780) 496-6955.
Travel Photography Level 2 - Shoot to impress	Tips, tricks, and precautions for taking photographs while you travel. Get great information from a seasoned traveler and photographer. Course is loaded with great photos taken all over the world. Camera techniques, composition, and lighting advice will be covered. Emphasis on shooting great photographs instead of snapshots. Overview will include digital camera features necessary for great travel pictures. Prerequisites: Digital Camera Basics Level 1 OR Digital SLR Camera Basics Level 1 OR student feels confident with the basic features on his or her digital camera, and can read and understand the camera's manual - this is a must! (Check back for Spring 2009.)

Need a private one-on-one digital camera or photography class?

Call (780) 951-6362 to book your private engagement. Sheree teaches in public places only (coffee shop, church meeting room, library, community events room, apartment foyers, etc.)

Still finding your digital camera too difficult to understand?
Maybe you need one-on-one instruction.

Call Sheree
at 951-6362
or 481-5611
to book your private lesson.

Sometimes all it takes is a little extra tutoring to make you comfortable with your digital camera!

How to book your private lesson - Call Sheree at 951-6362 to book your lesson, by the HOUR! Most students don’t need more than one hour of tutoring. Those brand new to their DSLR camera should ask for 2 hours.

Sheree teaches in PUBLIC locations only. A coffee shop, a library, a church meeting room, a quiet reception area or foyer make perfect teaching locations. Please ask if you have a specific reason for needing to be taught in your home (females only).

Lessons are booked by the hour. Please come equipped with both your camera and your manual. You may book a single hour, and if time permits, you may add an additional hour during the same appointment.

Fees: $50/hour for the first 2 hours, $35/hour for each subsequent hour (within the same appointment). If, at some later date, a student should need an additional hour of tutoring, that hour will be charged at the highest fee, as shown above. Couples $75/hour, no reduced fee for additional hours.

Group lessons: $350/2 hours (1.5 hours instruction and .5 hours for questions.) Client must provide an adequate stage, and microphone with amplification as per the size of the group.

All fees are payable in advance. Cash only. No cheques! No GST.
Please ask for a receipt should you need one for income tax purposes.

Visit Sheree's Photo Display on the Flickr site.