As with capturing and creating breathtaking photographs, Jim Crotty has a passion for teaching and coaching other aspiring photographers through his own program of full-day photography workshops. He encourages others to discover their own creative and artistic vision by learning to use camera as paintbrush, the lens as paint and the landscape as canvas. With almost 35 years experience in pursuing the art of photography Jim helps simplify the often difficult and intimidating maze of technical features and functions of the digital camera as well as the overwhelming options that are available for post-shooting, digital workflow.
His teaching style is relaxed and affirming toward the positive, always welcoming all levels of photographic skill to his workshops. Previously Jim has taught at the college level as an adjunct instructor in both speech communications and journalism, at Sinclair Community College and Thomas More College, respectively. He has also presented countless corporate training presentations. In his photography workshops Jim uses those experiences, as well as a wealth of knowledge in the field of digital photography, to deliver educational programs that inspire and reinforce the creative artist that lies within all photographers.
Upcoming Workshops: April 2010 - Spring Nature Photography. Date and location will be announced soon.
Online gallery of images captured by workshop attendees on January 30, 2010, at Cox Arboretum in Dayton, Ohio.
Introduction to Nature Photography: The Winter Landscape
Saturday, January 30, 2010
9 AM to 5 PM
Cox Arboretum MetroPark
Dayton, Ohio
This will be an introductory workshop program for those who are new to digital photography and wish to take their picture taking capabilities to the next level. The emphasis of the workshop will be upon nature photography, particularly as it applies to the winter landscapes in Ohio. Jim will discuss topics including basic functions of the digital camera, both point and shoot as well as 35mm, choosing the right lens for particular subjects, use of filters, lighting for creative effects, aperture, shutter speed, film speed, time exposures and more. There will also be an overview of basic digital editing and enhancements on the computer using both Apple Aperture and Adobe Photoshop.
The majority of the workshop instruction will be held within the MeadWestvaco Theater room in the main building facility at Cox Arboretum. This facility allows for comfortable seating with optimal viewing of speakers and presentations. Jim will be using a laptop computer with LCD projector throughout the workshop to clearly demonstrate the photography techniques discussed as well as slideshows of various nature and landscape images from his award-winning and often published stock library of his most popular photographs.
During the day Jim will also guide the group out to the gardens and outside areas of Cox Arboretum to demonstrate the photography techniques discussed within the classroom. Participants will be encouraged to bring their own cameras for this part of the program.
What to Expect and What to Bring
This class is designed for photographers who are just beginning the process of learning basic nature and landscape photography with a digital camera. A digital point and shoot or 35mm SLR is recommended. Some prior experience with photography software, such as Photoshop LE, is recommended but not essential. Participants can bring their own laptops if they so choose, however it is not required.
Lots of fun with supportive feedback and positive instruction on how to demystify digital photography for optimal image results in nature photography.
Fee
The cost of the full-day program is $89 per attendee, payable on the day of the workshop, cash or check. The fee does include a box lunch.
Gift Certificate for Workshop
A gift certificate for admission to the January 30 workshop makes a great gift for friend or family member who has an interest in photography. Payments for gift certificates can be made by check or PayPal. The recipients name can be digitally added to the certificate which then can be emailed as either a printable JPEG or PDF file. Call Jim at 937-432-6711 or email for more information.
To Register
The Introduction to Nature Photography - The Winter Landscape Workshop will be limited to the first 20 people who register. A waiting list will be added as soon as the class is filled to capacity. To register please email or call 937-432-6711. Deposits are not required.
Cancellations, Delays and Refunds
Jim Crotty retains the right to cancel any workshop for lack of registrants up to 30 days prior to the workshop date. In the event of cancellation every effort will be made to contact each registrant via email and/or phone. Under no circumstances will Jim Crotty or Picture Ohio, llc be responsible for any other expenses such as flights, medical, car rentals and hotels that you may have incurred. Since payment is not due until the day of the program, refunds will be issued only in the event that a participant needs to leave due to a medical or family emergency.
If any participant is not satisfied with a workshop presented by Jim Crotty, for whatever reason, their fee for attending the program will be fully refunded within 30 days following the date of the program, no questions asked.
Before participating in a workshop all attendees will be required to sign a General Release, Assumptions of Risk, Limitation of Liability and Cancellation form.
Also, one thing that won't be tolerated is any type of rudeness or negative behavior displayed toward the instructor or other participants. Sometimes photographers attend workshop programs with the goal of "competing" against the work of others or to demonstrate that they "know more." If this occurs the instructor reserves the right to remove any participant who is disruptive to the positive, learning process. No refunds will be issued.
Presentations to Schools, Clubs and Corporate Organizations:
I've presented my work and my creative vision to various groups over the last four years, including many schools, camera clubs and professional organizations. I have a very relaxed style, incorporating a fair amount of story telling about my many experiences photographing in the field and for a wide variety of clients as well as what it took to overcome some personal obstacles and challenges to finally being on the right path with my life and my artistic vision.
I like to have fun with my presentations, but most important of all, I like to inspire and motivate my audience to follow their own dreams and goals in life as well as develop and integrate creative vision in all that they do. Obviously my presentations are geared toward the showing of my photographic images. I use select photographs, via both large format, mounted prints as well as audio-visaul digital slide presentations through a MacBook Pro and projector, that best illustrate a particular photographic technique as well as those that communicate my unique creative vision and approach toward life.
I adjust my presentation style and material according to the select audience I'm scheduled to speak to, such as "how I got involved with photography" for school groups or "Finding the Light: More Than Just a Photographer" for social and corporate organizations.
Fees for presentations are based on intended audience, time required, travel and hand-out materials. Fees can vary based on whether the organization is a non-profit or profit. I retain the right to donate presentation time to select non-profit and educational organizations. Please call 1-877-527-6889 or email to learn more about how my presentations can enhance your classroom or organizational meeting. Please schedule at least three months in advance.