Workshops

If you have a groupon voucher for a photography workshop please register now so we can determine if we need to add any additional dates before the end of the year.

“The Art and Business of Photography”

This is a 2 day class for professional photography groups.  In this class we cover everything from starting and managing a photography business, lighting and posing individuals and groups, workflow management, Photoshop techniques for retouching images, album design, and more.  Learn how to set prices based on your business needs, not those of your competition and building a business model for the future.  This workshop is for all levels of photographers and can be taught in English or Spanish.

Cost is $2500 plus expenses.

“Photography for Fun or Profit”

(This is the Groupon Basic Workshop)

In this 4 hour basic workshop Adilfa and Russ Ford of Don Polo Photography will teach students what to look for in a digital camera and how to use the camera once you have one.  What are the important camera settings and how to use them to get more creative portraits.  How do the automatic and manual camera modes work and when to use each.  How to take better photos of your own family without spending a ton of money on professional equipment.  Posing and lighting for portraits.  Did you know that how you pose a person can add or take away up to 2o pounds in the portraits?  What is a RAW file and when and why would you use them?  Basic photoshop tips and techniques for improving your images, and how and when do you choose a professional photographer.  This workshop is designed for amatuer photographers and consumers wishing to take better photos as well as beginning professionals wanting to learn how to start their photography business.

Cost is $495 plus expenses for groups up to 5 people.  Price for individual $295*

*(Groupon special just $39 -  scheduled dates in 2012 are May 14,  June 25,  August 8,  September 24, October 16, November 12, and December 3 .  Additional dates will not  be added in 2012 unless these fill up. Class will be taught at Don Polo Photography Studio and Gardens at 3022 W. Mt. Logan Way in West Jordan, Utah. All Class times are 6:00pm to 10:00pm.  Call 801-967-9106 for questions or email  russ@donpolo.com.  Click here to register.

“Photographic Lighting and Posing Workshop”

If you’ve taken the basic workshop and find that photography is in your blood or you just want to know more about setting up a photographic studio and making people look their best then this workshop if for you.  We’ll start with basic studio setup using one or more lights and talk about proper placement and power settings.  What is the difference between a softbox and an umbrella and why would you use one over the other.  Scrims, snoots, barn doors, parabolics, and more.  We’ll show good and better posing techniques and what to avoid.  Learn the rules so you’ll know when and how to break them to get better award winning photographs.  We do a live posing demo and show the results instantly on screen so you can see the difference a little change can make.  For anyone interested in being a better people photographer this is the chance of a lifetime to learn from the pros.

Cost is $495 plus expenses for groups up to 5 people.  Price for individual $295*

*(Groupon special just $39 -  scheduled dates are June 26,  August 7, and October 15.  Additional dates will not be added in 2012 unless classes fill up. Class will be taught at Don Polo Photography Studio and Gardens at 3022 W. Mt. Logan Way in West Jordan, Utah.  June and August class times are from 6:00pm to 10:00opm.  October class time is 5:00pm to 9:00pm.     Call 801-967-9106 for questions or email  russ@donpolo.com.  Click here to register.

“Basic Photoshop/Portrait Retouching”

This 4 hour class will give you a better understanding of what it takes to be a photographic retoucher.  We’ll start with basic photoshop settings, preferences, and shortcuts to help maximize your productivity in front of the computer.  We’ll also talk about some of the differences between Photoshop and Elements and what you can and can’t do with both.  We’ll give a brief introduction to the basic toolset used in portrait retouching and talk about the power of layers, layer masks, and blending modes.  Basic facial retouching includes blemishes, wrinkles, fixing hair and makeup, and enhancing the eyes.  Slimming the body just enough to make your subject look better but not fake.  Swap a head, insert a person or take one out.  Changing the color of someones clothing and even changing the background will all be discussed and shown.

Cost is $495 plus expenses for groups up to 5 people.  Price for individual $295*

*(Groupon special just $39 -  scheduled dates are May 15,  August 6, and November 13.  Additional dates will not be added in 2012 unless all classes fill up. Classes will be taught at Don Polo Photography Studio and Gardens at 3022 W. Mt. Logan Way in West Jordan, Utah.  All Class times are 6:00pm to 10:00pm.  Call 801-967-9106 for questions or email  russ@donpolo.com.  Click here to register.

“Full Day One on One Photography Experience”

The ultimate photography experiece for the wannabe professional photographer.  Bring your family or another family of your choosing in for a family portrait session.  Adilfa will instruct in lighing and posing as she sets up for the photo shoot and teach you the appropriate camera settings for the job.  After the photo session Russ will teach you how to process your files and prepare them for selection.  Choose your favorite image and watch and learn as Adilfa teaches Photoshop retouching techniques to make your portrait perfect.  And then watch the magic as Russ prints and frames your finished portrait for you to hang in your own home.  Workshop includes a family portrait session and a 24 inch framed portrait ($595 value) in studio or on location .

Cost $1200

Comments from earlier workshops

Thank you for an excellent workshop and an excellent summary. I couldn’t write fast enough, so this is very much appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to make it PERFECT!!!! I would recommend your class to anyone who wants to grow in their art. Kathie Keeler

Thank you for the handout – it is very helpful.  I learned so much at your photography class and appreciate your tips and advice. My son needs to get some senior pictures and I am wondering if you could give me some pricing on your photo packages. Thank you! Elise Alles

Thanks Russ and Adilfa, Your class was fantastic, I learned a ton!!  You guys are great teachers!!  I would love it if you taught a follow-up class through the Groupon.   Sincerely, Kari Livingston Highland, UT

Russ & Adilfa,

Thank you so much for the photography workshop on Tuesday night. It really opened my eyes to all the possibilities photography has to offer. I started taking a lot of pictures when my mom gave me a Canon Powershot after my mission in 2006. I took 8,000 pictures on it over the last 4 years before it started acting up and I decided to replace it. I bought a Canon Rebel T1i in January and I have loved it. I am so excited to apply what I learned in the workshop. I wrote a blog post about it and you can find it here: http://discoveramber.blogspot.com/2011/04/painting-with-light.html

Again I just wanted to say thank you for everything. I am sure I will be in touch with questions in the near future.

Sincerely,

Amber