Frequently Asked Questions

Both of the workshops cover the basics and no previous knowledge is required.

The three hour workshop is an intense learning experience. You will learn how to:

Capture action with fast shutter speeds.
Use long exposures to make water movement turn creamy.
Use apertures to throw distracting backgrounds out of focus.
Get better colour by understanding White Balance.

As both of the classes start with the very basics you might not get enough out of them if you already understand speeds and apertures, depth of field, etc.

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1.You can pay for the class in advance on the PayPal website using your Mastercard, Visa.

2. You can make a "Direct Deposit" in advance.
Our bank account details are:

BSB: 112-879
Account No. 056 687 041
Account Name: Andy Piggott Photography

3. You can pay cash on the day.

Please note that we only accept PayPal or Direct Deposits for Gift Certificates.

Of course bring your camera and standard lens (see below regarding which lens). Make sure you have a memory card (with at least 2Gb of space available) a fully charged camera battery. If you have it bring the instruction manual for the camera. Bring paper and a pen for taking notes. You do NOT need a tripod for these classes.

These are outdoor photography courses so please dress for the weather. Wear warm clothes in the cooler months and something you can kneel down in. We only walk short distances but wear comfy shoes. Bring an umbrella if there is any sign of rain.

If you are doing the 1 day workshop we will take a break around 1.30 but there are not a lot of places to eat near the park at weekends, you might be best to packed lunch.

If you like to travel light just bring one lens in which case it should be the "standard zoom" the camera cane with. Typically it will be an 18-55mm (though it might be 18-105, 18-135 or 18-200 etc.)
If you have an Olympus DSLR or "Pen" series or a Panasonic "G" series the standard lens will be a 14 to something (e.g. 14-42mm) instead of 18 to something.
If your camera is a so-called "Full Frame" e.g. Canon 5D Mk2 bring your 24-105 or similar.

Feel free to bring any other lenses that you use often and would like to learn about.

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The classes take place outdoors so please dress for the conditions. Wear warm clothes in Winter and have something warm for when we are in shade during Spring and Autumn. If there are showers forecast Please bring an umbrella.

We can do a large portion of the class indoors if necessary but we do need at least sometime outdoors. If the weather forecast is for steady rain or very windy conditions the class may be postponed. In which case we will send an SMS to your mobile. We will then try and reschedule for a date suitable to the majority of participants.

Of course it is important to remember that you don't need sunny conditions for good photography.

The day of the workshop you will receive email links to on-line course notes for you to revise and reinforce the topics covered in the classes. There are also printable PDF versions available too.

Bring paper and a pen for making notes during the class. The actual process of writing the info down helps to consolidate the acquired knowledge.

Near the end of the workshop you will receive a laminated Cheat Sheet to keep in your camera bag as a ready reference when you are out photographing.

There is no penalty if you cancel more than 48 hours before the class.

A 50% cancellation fee applies for cancellations less than 48 but more than 24 hours before the class.

Cancellations less that 24 hours before a class or failure to attend incur a 100% cancellation fee. In which case no refunds or re-booking can be made.

If you reschedule more than once we may ask for a non-refundable deposit.

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Our workshops are based firmly on outdoor photography by available light. On the full day course I will give you tips on using "speedlights" to do "bounce flash". On days that are heavily rain effected we will do some indoor photography and will explore "open flash" with long exposures.

If you are looking for photography courses that specialise in studio lighting for product and portraiture I recommend you contact Gary Ede on 02 97122642.

If you are looking to do product photography maybe for your website or to make brochures you will need to know about such things as shutter speeds, apertures, ISO etc. These subjects are covered by the 1 day class.

Bear in mind that our courses are based on outdoor photography. While you can do some product photography by available light and reflectors you will probably want to do a studio lighting course. In which case I recommend you contact Gary Ede on 02 97122642

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We are outdoors for most of the class and of course then can be quiet a lot of noise from traffic, demonstrations, Cathedral bells, tour groups and the general buzz of the city.

I often need to shout to make myself heard. There is an indoor section of the class that takes place in a cafe where there is chatter and background music.

Several people with hearing problems have done the class and had an enjoyable time. If you are not sure please ring me on 02 4784 1540 so that we can have a chat.

If you are worried that you might not be able to understand the classes please ring me on 02 4784 1540 so that we can have a chat.

Of course if you do attend a class and there is something you don't understand just let me know and I will find a different way to tell you.

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Generally the minimum age for the class is 14. However if the child is accompanying a participating adult it might be ok if they are a little younger (please let me know when booking).

If an attendee is under 16 y.o. and is not accompanied by an adult I require a parent to drop the attendee off so that I can meet the parent before the class starts.

Please note that if you are booking a class for a child it is important that they themselves are keen to do the class and are not being pushed in to it.

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Digital SLRs usually only have official warranties in the country of purchase from an authorised supplier.

At the moment most lenses carry international warranties, so you will probably be covered for lenses bought outside of Australia.

You may pay more in a camera shop (it is very hard to compete on price with the overheads of a "bricks & mortar" operation) but you should get more service and backup. Good advice is valuable. It might be better to $50 dollars more to get the right camera for you. Some dealers also offer extra warranties, discounted accessories, and loyalty schemes.

There are a number of "parallel importers" that source their products (often in Hong Kong) rather than through the official importers. They usually supply their own warranty sometimes with options to extend them. A good example of this type of supplier is D D Photographics in North Sydney who I have used a number of times.

There are lots of online options (often based in Hong Kong) that can be quite a bit cheaper. Some of the better known ones are Digital Rev, DWI and CitiWide (I have purchased from the latter two).

Bear in mind that goods bought from overseas suppliers (costing $1000 + ) will be subject to GST and a Custom's handling fee. Shipping and insurance should also be factored into you decision.

Note: This information is particularly liable to change. My comments are hopefully useful but you need to check warranties, GST requirements etc yourself before buying.

You are welcome to borrow a Digital SLR for the courses (subject to availability) free of charge. Please request when making your booking.

If you wish to take the photos away with you, you will need to bring an "SD" memory card with you (2Gb minimum). Please note that Sony "Memory Sticks" are NOT SUITABLE.

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If you are deciding which DSLR to buy it is essential to give priority to the lens. "Kit lenses" are usually very cheaply made. Get the best lens you can for your budget then attach it to and camera body that it works with.

Even entry level DSLRs are packed with features and offer very good value. The Canon 1100D, Nikon D3100, Pentax K-r an Sony Alpha 390 are all very capable.

You get a few more conveninces in the next model up in the range (perhaps a rotating rear screen for example). Have a look at the Canon 600D and Nikon D5100.

"Mid range" models aimed at the enthusiast include the Nikon D7000 and Canon 60D, Canon 7D and Pentax K-5. These tend to be a bit more solid and have dedicated dials or buttons for some features that might be buried in menus on more basic models. While these extra features are rarely essential you might find them worthwile once you cave done one of the classes.

One of the most important advantages of a DSLR compared to a little "point and shoot" is the much bigger sensor. A second major advantage is the ability to change lenses.

A new breed of "Mirrorless" camera is emerging which also offers large sensors and interchangeable lenses. By dropping the mirror and prism design of traditional SLRs they can be made smaller.
This new type of camera is so new that there is no agreed name for the catagory so you may read of "Mirrorless", "Evil Cameras" (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens), "ILC" (Interchangeable Lens Camera) or "Hybrid System".

The Olympus "Pen" Series, The Panasonic "G" Series, Samsung "NX" and Sony "Nex" are already making in roads into the market and more will follow.

If you decide to go this way rather than a Digital SLR I strongly recommend you pick one with a viewfinder not just a screen on the back. In bright conditions the rear LCD can be very hard to use. The rear screen also forces you to hold the camera away from your face which is a lot less steady.

Tripods are NOT needed for these workshops

Tips on buying the right tripod:

Tripods are particularly useful when using long shutter speeds in low-light conditions. The tripod should be as stable and rigid as possible. Cheap plasticy models will flex when there is a breeze. Extra weight usually means extra stability.

If you do need to carry less weight without sacrificing rigidity have a look at carbon fibre models (however these ar MUCH more expensive).

Recommended brands are Manfrotto, Gitzo and Velbon Pro.