Learn how to take photos you will actually want to see again. Whether you are taking photos of your kid in your backyard or of Massai tribesman half way around the world, there are some really simple ways to get great results. You will learn not only how to shoot better, you will also learn how to carry your gear so it is handy and useful, how to keep it safe and even other things to consider packing for best results. Whether you are using a pokey little camera or something high end, this should help you immeasurably. William has been requested to do this for over 7 years, and here it is! Hope to see you there.
William hosted an interactive workshop on Sunday June 10 at the Cambrian Hall at Main and 17th in Vancouver’s lovely east side. This came just after a 6 show run and was very well attended with 27 eager and excited students from 15 to 60? Please email William if you might like to be involved when the next one comes up.
PHOTOS OF THE SEMINAR ITSELF:
What a great time. It was fun and I could not have been more thrilled with everyone’s interest, interaction and participation! Thanks so much!
THE PHOTOS YOU ALL TOOK (PART 1):
I added some comments on some select images, but not all of them. That does not mean that others are not noteworthy however. These are all great examples of what we learned or talked about. I encourage you to peruse them and check out the notes too since it will amplify some of what we spoke of. BIG points I can reclarify are “GET CLOSER” and “CROP OF MORE EXTRANEOUS TOPS OF IMAGES” (cut out excess ceilings). Hope you like your pics…
THE PHOTOS YOU ALL TOOK (PART 2):
Worth saying again… 
“GET CLOSER” and “CUT OUT EXCESS TOPS OF IMAGES.”
“Really enjoyed your workshop. I’ve always admired your photos and your course gave us an inkling of how you achieve them. I liked how it was so focused on the creative side of picture taking but also with such a strong technical back-up to really get control of what the camera is doing.” (Jan De Groot, Vancouver)
“Awesome workshop! I learned more in 1 day than I did in an entire digital photography course I took a few years back!” (Mark Fromson, North Vancouver)
“Emily and I had a fabulous time and learned a lot in your photo workshop. We want to come again. The next workshop we want to take from you is “how to make a fake book that hides your computer.” (Jessica Moon, North Vancouver)
“I just FINALLY got a chance to open your e-mail with the photos from the workshop. Such a great day! I had an awesome time, even during the part where I had to interact with strangers (it felt great to conquer the challenge), and despite my exceedingly low tech camera (which seems to have been dropped by my two year old one too many times)! I’m definitely inspired to get a better camera now!!! Thanks so much ~ that day was one of the best birthday presents I have ever received. I’m looking forward to your next show and tales of adventures in far flung locales!” (Tanya Hansen, Vancouver)
“Really enjoyed your workshop – lots of practical tips. I liked the focus on interacting with people, as that is something that I have been struggling with. Will try to keep it up and practise a bit more before I go on my next trip.” (Harald Riffel, Vancouver)
“Thanks again for an awesome workshop! It was really great to meet you and you are definitely much more animated and vibrant in person than you are during your shows… if that’s even possible 
. I had an awesome time and really learned a lot from the workshop. Like you said, some of those tips are like “duh, I know that” but I’d never really thought about it that way and am really looking forward to my next int’l trip to test out some tips. I’ll also be forcing myself to get more active and ask people about taking their photos here in North America and not be put off by “no” answers.” (Berge Simonian, New Westminster)
. I had an awesome time and really learned a lot from the workshop. Like you said, some of those tips are like “duh, I know that” but I’d never really thought about it that way and am really looking forward to my next int’l trip to test out some tips. I’ll also be forcing myself to get more active and ask people about taking their photos here in North America and not be put off by “no” answers.” (Berge Simonian, New Westminster)“A big thank you for today. I’m glad I got the opportunity to go in Fran’s place and will certainly be following up with her about it all. The go out and talk to people exercise, although challenging for a quiet guy like me, was actually very helpful. I feel like I have a huge amount to learn but definitely got some good things to take away from the day today, so thank you again. Many thanks again, William. I’m sure you are now looking forward to a much deserved break!’ I’m definitely going to get a wide angle lens when I can afford it and once i have got a firmer grip of all my camera settings; you really demonstrated the advantages and flexibility such a lens can give you.” (Neil Davies, Maple Ridge)
“Thank you for taking the time to put on the workshop!! It was very informative and helpful. I’m looking forward to practicing all that was learned! My nephew Josh enjoyed it too but now he wants a new camera!!” (Candace Hilstad, Surrey, BC)
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Here are a few details, and I added your notes since I think it will be helpful for those interested to see our levels and needs. One very good thing is that some of the tips I can share will seem incredibly simple so no matter skill level they will be useful. More complicated things can be explained so all benefit. I hope to cover things that can help whether you have high end gear or simpler gear.
THE PLAN (this will get updated ongoing too right up till workshop date)…
1) introductions and name tags
2) Info on what we will cover.
3) A slide presentation showing tips and samples that is comprehensive, but you should find helpful and informative on how to shoot things successfully, tips, tricks, rules to follow, rules to break.
4) will send you out on an assignment to get a few photos (grab yourself a quick lunch too unless you brought something to eat).
5) we look at our photos and see what we can learn. We can applaud ourselves for being amazing… or actually the more we “fail” at this the better since we can all learn from that and find out where we need to improve in this learning setting where you photos will not have cost you a $1600 investment in airfare to get them. It won’t matter here, so it is ok to get it wrong.
THINGS I HOPE TO COVER:
- what to bring on a trip
- how to keep it safe (not being a target for theft as mark says)
- travelling light
- getting great people photos!
- confidence to photograph people well.
- getting photos you will want to see again
- what to shoot and how to shoot it!
- working in foreign locations and get good results
- getting photos when no one else is allowed
- diplomacy and communications
- composition
- how to tips on certain scenarios
- creative tips
- how to work fast to get good images
- how to keep it easy so you don’t get tired of shooting
- Penny below mentioned about getting it off of auto with confidence. I might be able to also show you WHICH auto to leave it on to shoot with confidence, better results and freedom.
- working with the light conditions you have for best results
- As Mark noted I will talk about not using a tripod at all to get great results still.
- Sharon mentioned she does not have a good camera yet, that is fine since this might help show her more of what to buy.
THINGS I WILL NOT COVER:
- please note it is not practical to teach you how to use your particular brand of camera, since unless you all have the same model that will not be useful to others. Please go through the manual as I noted below. Can be done in one evening usually.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING:
- your gear (batteries charged etc.), your widest angle lens, camera case you travel with, flash if you use one, off camera flash cable if you use one. NEW INFO… I think ti might be wise to bring your computer and whatever method YOU use to get photos from your camera to your computer.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFOREHAND:
- KNOW YOUR CAMERA! Read the manual (best way I have found is to read the manual with camera in hand and try EVERYTHING as you go through it. Invaulable! Do all it lists step by step so you have done it once… even if you never plan to use that feature again, by having touched it once you might have a better chance of remembering if you have to “figure it out in the field”
LOCATION: Cambrian Hall. 215 East 17th at Main.
ABOUT YOU AND YOUR GEAR / EXPERIENCE / ASPIRATIONS:
(CONFIRMED AND PAID). Jan de Groot, Vancouver (March 13, 2012)
Hi William, Yes thanks, I got all the info and I signed up, just for me. I am reasonably confident with the technical side having shot film in a manual camera for many years, but it is always hit or miss getting pictures I like to look at. I look in the viewfinder and can’t decide if I like what I see. When I get home and see the pix on screen or a print, I can see instantly if I like the picture.I shoot mostly scenery both in the city and the country, and some people pix but those are almost all crap. Thanks. Jan
(CONFIRMED AND PAID) Molly Harding, (care of Daniel MacPherson), Sechelt BC (March 25, 2012)
Hey William, my parents (Dan and Isabel) booked your workshop for my birthday! My level of experience is more advanced than a beginner, but far from professional. Medium I guess. I have understanding of the basics photography, ISO/shutter speed/apeture, and then have the creative capability to make photos special. I feel like often the quality can be lacking (soft images or too much noise even at relatively low ISO), or I get annoyed by how long it takes to figure out what settings to use. Yes- I use a DSLR, a Nikon D5000.
I know my camera well, I’ve had it for about 2 years, though I’m sure there is more to learn about it!
I have a separate flash but don’t use it very often because I don’t understand it well. Also my body doesn’t have commander mode so I can’t use the flash off camera, which is annoying to me. (Pocket wizards are expensive). I’m interested in learning about lighting (natural & studio), correct exposures without too much fuss (my light meter seems to be way off), and creative tools and ideas to make photos stand out. I’m really looking forward to your workshop! Thanks, Molly Harding.
(CONFIRMED AND PAID) Mark Fromson, North Vancouver (March 12, 2012)
- I am an amateur travel photographer with a good eye and a basic technical knowledge.
- I use a Nikon D40X DSLR with a built in flash.
- I travel a fair bit and really thought it would be great to get your advice on a variety of levels, just to improve my spontaneous shots, especially in low light which I am terrible at (due to lack of tripod and low light lens no doubt). I would like to get a low light lens perhaps before I go.
- Also I’m going to South America for min 6 months in July and wanted to get your thoughts on how to make myself less of a target for theft while lugging around a DSLR and just general travel advice (I remember your scary Iquitos stories;)
**Low light lens is called a “faster lens” and goes up majorly in price. for China Trip I went the opposite way and got a better camera and a “slower” lens.. I sped up the ISO and newer cameras have less noise so i got vg results. WRJ
(CONFIRMED AND PAID) Fran Osen, Maple Ridge (APril 10, 2012)
(CONFIRMED AND PAID) Richard Hulbert, West Vancouver (May 25, 2012)
(CONFIRMED AND PAID) Deborah Huang, New West.
Hi William, I took photography in art school many years ago but have not practiced manually since and have been using automatic mode on point and shoot cameras just for convenience. However I would like to get out of that and refresh myself on using my new camera manually.
I recently purchased the Nikon J1 (wanted the D7000 but thought this was a better stepping stone). I will be be going through everything before your class. This camera has a built in flash. I have probably a medium level photographic knowledge. I would like to learn to shoot manually to take better pictures of subjects.
Looking forward to your workshop! Regards, Deborah
(CONFIRMED AND PAID) Daniel Askew, Louisville Colorado (March 21, 2012)
(CONFIRMED AND PAID) Mike Heller, East Van (May 22, 2012)
Level of experience?
I have been shooting as a hobby for about 5 years. I shoot often and have tried to learn both the creative and technical aspects of photography. I still have a lot to learn, hoping to pick up some tips at your workshop.
- Are you using DSLR? or Pocket camera kind of thing? DSLR, recently upgraded to the Nikon D800.
- are you shooting film or digital. I suspect most are digital. Digital.
- Is your camera new to you or do you know it well? I encourage you to know how yours works since it will not be practical to teach individual cameras.
The camera is very new to me, but I have shot Nikon from the beginning so it is not a huge departure. I think I have a firm grasp of the operations.
- Do you use a separate flash at all or built in one?
Both built in and an SB800 though I very rarely use flash. I almost always shoot with available light and try to pick the right lens for the job or use a tripod.
- Do you have basic photographic knowledge? Lo / Med / Hi?
I would say medium, certainly a lot to learn but not a beginner either.
- Are there certain things you would hope to have addressed?
Travelling with gear, recommended equipment, and how to photograph people.
Thanks! Mike
(CONFIRMED AND PAID) Holly (care of Rabbit River Farms), Richmond (March 17, 2012)
(CONFIRMED AND PAID) Jeff Edgar (from Julie Edgar) (March 14, 2012)
- are you using DSLR? or Pocket camera kind of thing? – Nikon D7000 DSLR
- are you shooting film or digital. I suspect most are digital. – digital
- Is your camera new to you or do you know it well? I encourage you to know how yours works since it will not be practical to teach individual cameras. – Jeff has had it for a year
- Do you use a separate flash at all or built in one? – has 2 separate flashes – SB 400, SB700
- Do you have basic photographic knowledge? Lo / Med / Hi? – Hi
- Are there certain things you would hope to have addressed? Looking for techniques to take better pictures especially of the kids and activities
(CONFIRMED AND PAID) Sherry Arnold, Vernon BC (April 28, 2012) Hi William, I registered for your photo tips workshop on Sunday June 10 2012. Since my payment went through, I assume that you were still accepting participants. Here’s some of my personal photography details – When it comes to basic photographic knowledge, I’m at the lower end of the scale. My digital camera is a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 with built-in flash. I’ve shot with it for 3 years and use an automatic setting most of the time when I travel. Your workshop sounds like a perfect time to increase my comfort zone, dive into the manual and experiment. I have no particular items that I’d like addressed during your workshop. Your “Things I’d Like to Cover” sound perfect for me. Look forward to meeting you June 10th
(CONFIRMED AND PAID) Berge Simonian, New West (April 2012)
- Name: Berge Simonian
- City: New Westminster, BC
- Web: http://about.me/bergesimonian
- Camera: I’m shooting with a Nikon D300
- Film/Digital: Digital
- Camera Competency: I purchased it used back in November 2011 and have taken a few thousands shots with it since to get comfortable with 95% of the features that I use on a regular basis.
- Flash: I have the built-in flash and also recently got myself a used SB-800
- Photographic knowledge: Intermediate
- Things I’m looking for from the workshop: Tips on how to get some of the great shots that you get, travel safely with my gear, and what sort of things to bring on a trip but more importantly what to leave at home so I can travel as light as possible! Also looking for some tips on how you approach people to ask if you can take your photos but also get them to act naturally rather than posed when you take the shot and how to get good images while working really fast (best settings to use; manual vs aperture priority vs shutter priority vs P-mode)
(NOT CONFIRMED) Penny Dew (march 12, 2012)
I use an SLR (Canon EOS). Not new, 3 yrs. old. I mostly for vacation photos – don’t know it well.
- I keep it on Automatic.
- Built in flash.
- Basic photographic knowledge – I understand shutter speed and aperture but have little skill at creating the results I want.
- Want addressed – not so much features of my camera as creating interesting photos.
- How can I get it off automatic with confidence that I’ll create an exciting image.
- Playing around with light etc.
- How to capture interesting pictures of people. I’m embarrassed to shoot people without asking – often pay for a photo in 3rd world countries – they aren’t spontaneous or interesting.
(NOT CONFIRMED) Don Weber. (March 12, 2012)
(NOT CONFIRMED) Rita and Rudy Bot, Abbotsford (March 12, 2012)
(NOT CONFIRMED) Harald Riffel (March 15, 2012)
equipment – Lumix G3 micro 4/3 format with 14-42lens.
- New to me now but will be pretty familiar by workshop date.
photo knowledge level – medium
software – Adobe Lightroom 3
(NOT CONFIRMED) Mandy Shintani (for husband), North Vancouver (March 15, 2012)
(NOT CONFIRMED) Sharon Davidson, Vancouver (March 16, 2012)
- I have a DSLR, but unfortunately it isn’t actually working, so I’m looking for a reasonable second-hand (Craigslist here I come).
- I’m very basic, flash built in, fairly low photographic knowledge etc.
- While hands-on opportunities to practice would be fabulous; for me right now, what I’d like to get out of the workshop are usable principles and practical information for better photography in general (after all – I’m not sure that I’ll have a workable camera on anything but my iPhone before I get to the workshop.
- My challenge is that I see so many beautiful and unusual things, but I’m incompetent when it comes to capturing that moment in photos.
Hope that helps. BTW – I live in Vancouver.
(NOT CONFIRMED) Shaunna (Mar 19, 2012)
- I shoot with a DSLR, Nikon D200. I’ve owned it for 5 years now
- I have a separate flash
- Basic photographic knowledge would be medium – always something new to learn
- I would to know more about shooting people. I feel weird asking people if it’s ok to take their picture or even taking pictures of people in the scene.
(NOT CONFIRMED) Ev Cousins (March 20, 2012)
- I have a Nikon D90 (being a Cannon user yourself that may not have much meaning) and am enrolled in the Langara College Continuing Studies Certificate Program in Photography.
- I still consider myself a beginner although I have had a little experience. I go to Tanzania every summer and would like to upgrade my skills before returning this year.
(NOT CONFIRMED) Edward Lai, Vancouver (March 20, 2012)
E-mail William Jans
Thanks to all those pre registering… I am in the building stages and trying to gauge where people are at (experience wise, etc) – to build what will be best for everyones needs…
Can you tell me what is your level of experience? (others interested can let me know too please)
- Are you using DSLR? or Pocket camera kind of thing?
- are you shooting film or digital. I suspect most are digital.
- Is your camera new to you or do you know it well? I encourage you to know how yours works since it will not be practical to teach individual cameras.
- Do you use a separate flash at all or built in one?
- Do you have basic photographic knowledge? Lo / Med / Hi?
- Are there certain things you would hope to have addressed?
Looking forward to hearing back here (you can add notes below) or by email. Thanks.
I’m interested in the photo workshop.
Hi William,
I am working in Africa and always looking to learn new tricks. How you are doing well.
Cheers,
Don
Cool Don! Wishing you well out there! Safari Njema!! (Good Journey!)
Hi William,
Enjoy your live shows! Just wondering about the Photo Tips workshop in Vancouver, how much, how long, equipment, etc
Peter
Hi Peter, I am in the building stages and trying to gauge where people are at (experience wise, etc) – to build what will be best for everyones needs…
Can you tell me what is your level of experience? (others interested can let me know too please)
- Are you using DSLR?
- or Pocket camera kind of thing?
- Is your camera new to you or do you know it well?
- Do you use a separate flash at all or built in one?
- Do you have basic photographic knowledge? Lo / Med / Hi?
- Are there certain things you would hope to have addressed?
Looking forward to hearing back here or by email.
Cheers, William Jans
William,
Would love to go to the Photo Workshop, just wondering how much it is.
Shaunna
I shoot with a DSLR, Nikon D200
I’ve owned it for 5 years now
I have a separate flash
Basic photgraphic knowledge would be medium – always something new to learn
I would to knwo more about shooting people. I feel weird asking people if it’s ok to take their picture or even taking pictures of people in the scene.
I would like to purchase a ticket for this event as a gift for our daughter. can you give me details on how to do so? Thanks!
Isabel
Hi William, I have been using my SONY Cybershot G for fast action, poor lighting school-based photography with excellent results. I would love to learn more how to use this camera for travel photography. Sounds like your workshop will be fun!
Wonderful. You sound excited about imaging too, so I am sure you are doing great stuff. I hope I get to see you at the workshop!
Cheers, William
Good Morning William – I have a cheque to post for the June photoworkshop. Holly Easterbrook will attend the class. She is a beginner. Regards, Lynn
Sounds good, paid and ready to go!
Mike
Is there any point in taking the photo workshop if all I have is a point and shoot? Thanks Stig.
Hi Stig, nice to meet you. Your name is familiar too but I am not sure whre from. Yes this could still be quite useful for you. A lot I will speak of is about how to shoot well and what to shoot too… some does talk about lens options which will not relate to yours, but most of the idea is how to take better photos with what you have. Undoubtably I will be showing the wows of what better gear can do, but you might learn things about future purchases you might wish to make in either a better point and shoot or maybe slr possibly… have a look at this page and see what other people are talking about re where they are at
Cheers William Jans
Wow, it sounds like a great workshop – I wish I were in Vancouver so I could attend. Let me know if you ever hold a similar workshop in the Okanagan.
Hi Drew! I certainly will. If there is enough interest that is indeed possible
Cheers William in drizzly YVR!
William
Have been taking photos on a casual basis for years ranging from family photos on trips, in backyards and sporting events (now grandchildren and not just children) to travel photography on many trips we have fortunate to take over the years. I of course started with film, and swore I would never change to digital, but the digital revolution finally got me. I like to do a lot of nature photography and landscapes/seascapes. Haven’t had a great deal of success on people subjects. I would say I have medium knowledge of photography, I just use the built-in flash, and seldom use a tripod. I have had my present DSLR for a year and I know I’m nowhere near using its full potential.
Looking forward to the workshop and meeting the fellow participants
Paul
Hi William,
I just booked two spots for my friend Michael and I. We’re both shooting Canon XSi cameras. I know my way around my camera fairly well, and I understand the basics of photography. I’m probably somewhere between beginner and intermediate. Michael is probably somewhere between intermediate and advanced.
I do a lot of travel photography/videography. I’m not bad at composing shots, but I lack your skills (both technical and intercultural/interpersonal) for capturing the more spontaneous photojournalistic/interactive shots. I’d love to hear your tips on interacting with ‘the locals’.
I’m really looking forward to hearing your tips on how to travel light and keep from being targeted by thieves.
Time permitting, I would also love to hear any handy finishing/photoshopping techniques that you’d care to share.
Thanks, and see you Sunday!
Sean
This is a little last minute but just for the record…. my first camera was a Kodak Instamatic!
For several years I used an SLR (film) then changed to a compact point and shoot with zoom for convenience. Currently, I use a Canon PowerShot SX210 IS. I also take alot of pics with my iPhone!
I would like to refresh what I knew, improve my skills and get back into the SLR realm – I miss it.
Composition improvement is my particular interest but everything you have mentioned to cover will be very helpful.
Also, I am currently a PC gal.
Candace
Another last minute, for the record addition…
I have been taking photos for a long time (hey, I’m almost 60…) but there is lots of room for improvement. Used to have a film slr. I like to travel light, so opted for the micro 4/3rds format with my latest camera. I do a bit of travelling, but am always shy around people and I struggle to get good people shots. Using a pc and just got the adobe lightroom software, but don’t have much experience tweaking photos.