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Why Balanced Exposure?

Everyone needs quality training. With so many cameras out there today, it's just confusing. Everyone from the Advanced Hybrid camera user to the professional photographer who uses a DSLR camera needs to be trained to use their cameras to their fullest potential. Without proper training, you could be utilizing only a fraction of what your new camera can give you.

While there are many photography schools available, we feel that there is always a need for a school that's a little different. We not only explain the therory behind something, we also show it to you in action. Then, we allow you to do the same thing. We do all this in a language you can understand and in a way you can remember.

Balanced Exposure offers a variety of classes so that you can pick the topics you need the most help in.

Everyone learns at a different pace. For some, a group class works best. But for others, individual attention is preferred. We offer both kinds of training... just pick which suits you best.

Introduction to Photography

See below to download a current class schedule. Classes are constantly forming. Inquire about Individualized lesson plans for any area of photography that you are interested. Remember to bring your camera and lenses and instruction manuals for reference. You should also bring a portable laptop computer with software pre-loaded for any software training class.






Click here for a Class Calendar. Important information concerning these classes is also found here.

Click here to schedule your class.

Note: Classes from Balanced Exposure are for DSLR Cameras. However, if you have a "Hybrid Camera" which has full manual controls, you are welcome to attend the DSLR classes since these kinds of cameras offer similar features to the DSLR cameras, but standard "Point & Shoot" cameras do not qualify for admission into the DSLR classes.




Photo Essentials (Group Class)
Four Hour Training - $225
Advanced Registration Required

The DSLR camera and also the advanced hybrid cameras are among the most desired cameras on the market today. If you own one of these cameras, this is the class for you.

This single day 4 hour group class will teach you the fundamentals of your camera. Some of the topics include:
What is White Balance and how do I set it?
How do I set the Aperture? What does it do?
How do I set the Shutter Speed and why do I want to do that?
What is ISO?
RAW vs JPG images
What does Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop do for images?
How do I shoot in Manual, Aperture Priority and Shutter Speed Priority Modes?

If you want to know how your camera fully functions and how best to deal with a variety of lighting situations, this is the class to take.
Please bring your camera and its instruction manual to the class. Each camera is different from model to model and brand to brand, so having the instruction manual with you could prove to be helpful in finding how your camera handles a certain function.

We will cover both theory and practical applications with your DSLR or advanced hybrid camera
We will be covering a lot of material about your camera as well as practicing the new things you'll be learning.

By the end of the four hours, you'll be shooting confidently with Aperture and Shutter Speed Priority and also Manual Settings

Composition + (Group Class)
Two Hours - $125
Advanced Registration Required

After learning how to get a proper exposure and how to use your camera, it's time to learn how to actually take a good photo! We'll spend two hours looking at examples of photos that look good, photos that don't and how to distinguish the difference. Elements of composition and design are emphasized.

Exposure (Group Class)
Two Hours - $125
Advanced Registration Required

The best photographers think through their shots before taking them. Knowing the right settings is one thing, but figuring out the right settings is better. Learn how to figure out how best to set your camera's exposure controls to get the right image quality for a variety of situations! This class concentrates on such questions as, "How do you photograph fireworks?" "How do you photograph Holiday lights?" "What's the best setting to to photograph a back-lit subject?" Learn the settings... but better still, learn why the settings work and figure out other shooting scenarios. Classes begin in February 2013.

Intermediate Photography

See below to download a current class schedule. Classes are constantly forming. Inquire about Individualized lesson plans for any area of photography that you are interested. Remember to bring your camera and lenses and instruction manuals for reference. You should also bring a portable laptop computer with software pre-loaded for any software training class.


Click here for a Class Calendar. Important information concerning this class is also found here.

Click here to schedule your class.

DSLR Advanced (Group Class)
One Class - 3 hours - $195
Advanced Registration Required. Prerequisite: Photo 101, Boot Camp or Photo Essentials

This class is for those DSLR camera owners who have already taken either our Photography 101, Boot Camp or Photo Essentials class.

The class concentrates on the "other features" found in the menus of your camera.

Advanced / Hybrid Point and Shoot Cameras and also standard Point and Shoot Cameras will not be coverd in this class and will not be admitted into the class.

We will cover in more detail topics like Custom White Balancing, Focusing Modes, Metering Modes, Bracketing and other features found within the camera's advanced menus. Be sure to bring your camera's instruction manaul for this class.

Flash Photography - External Flash for DSLR Cameras and Studio lights (Group Class)
Three Hours - $195
Advanced Registration Required

Topics include:
Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO... How these affect your flash photos
White Balance
Power levels
Fill Flash
Compensating for backlighting issues with flash
Bounce flash and off-camera techniques
Studio Flash Photography using multiple lights
And more!
Bring your camera, lenses, flash and instruction manuals

Studio Photography Workshop (Group Workshop)
Three Hours - $195
Advanced Registration Required

This is a group workshop for those students interested in learning the basics of studio lighting for:
Table Top Photography
Model Photography
Studio Flash Photography
Continuous Light Source Photography

Learn the effects of lighting, light modifiers, and lighting ratios as they apply to photographing table top products. We will also delve into model photography as well, but the main focus will be product shots.

Students will work with each other to adjust studio lighting for correct light ratios and positioning. Students are encouraged to bring in their own objects to photograph.

Bring your camera, lenses, and instruction manuals for reference. Students must bring in a variety of objects to photograph as well.

Adobe Lightroom 4 (Group Class)
One Class - 2 hours - $125
Advanced Registration Required. Prerequisite: Photo 101, Boot Camp or Photo Essentials

This class is for those DSLR camera owners who are looking to correct their colors and exposures in post production using the Adobe Lightroom 4 software.

The class concentrates on teaching you how to use Adobe Lightroom 4 to fix the colors and exposures on digital images. The main concentration of the class will be on the Library and Develop modules of Lightroom 4. Learn to correct colors and exposures, reduce digital noise, enhance colors, fix red eye, correct lens distortions and more!

Intro To Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 (Group Class)
Three Hours - $195
Advanced Registration Required

RAW vs JPG:
Adobe Bridge
Curves
Cloning
Masking
Layers
And More!
Bring your laptop with Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 already loaded
Advanced registration required

Intro To Adobe Photoshop CS5 and CS6 (Group Class)
Three Hours - $195
Advanced Registration Required

RAW vs JPG:
Adobe Bridge
Cloning
Curves
Masking
Layers
And More!
Bring your laptop with Adobe Photoshop CS5 or CS6 already loaded
Advanced registration required

Composition + (Group Class)
Two Hours - $125
Advanced Registration Required

After learning how to get a proper exposure and how to use your camera, it's time to learn how to actually take a good photo! We'll spend two hours looking at examples of photos that look good, photos that don't and how to distinguish the difference. Elements of composition and design are emphasized.

Exposure (Group Class)
Two Hours - $125
Advanced Registration Required

The best photographers think through their shots before taking them. Knowing the right settings is one thing, but figuring out the right settings is better. Learn how to figure out how best to set your camera's exposure controls to get the right image quality for a variety of situations! This class concentrates on such questions as, "How do you photograph fireworks?" "How do you photograph Holiday lights?" "What's the best setting to to photograph a back-lit subject?" Learn the settings... but better still, learn why the settings work and figure out other shooting scenarios. Classes begin in February 2013.

Wedding Photography

Please see below for a current class schedule. Classes are constantly forming. Inquire about Individualized lesson plans for any area of photography that you are interested. Remember to bring your camera and lenses and instruction manuals for reference. You should also bring a portable laptop computer with software pre-loaded for any software training class.


Click here for a Class Calendar. Important information concerning this class is also found here.

Click here to schedule your class.

The Secrets of Wedding Photography (Group Class)
Two Three-Hour Days - $750
Advanced Registration Required

If you are serious about entering the wedding photography business, this is the class for you. In this two day workshop (8 hours total time), we will cover the key elements on how to run a successful wedding photography business. With over 20 years of wedding photography experience, Russell Lowe, owner of Balanced Exposure will share his secrets on how he was able to continue photographing weddings for so long. This is the workshop to take if you really want to know how the wedding business works. This is an interactive workshop. Be prepared to ask questions, get them answered and to practice techniques during a solid two days of intense training and discussions.

Topics Include:
The Business of Wedding Photography
The advantages and disadvantages of having a sales office or meeting at home or a coffee shop
The Sales and Marketing of Wedding Photography
The Wedding Photography Contract and why it is important
Wedding Albums and Wedding Album Design
Camera, Lenses and other equipment choices
Engagement Sessions
Photographing the wedding
Photographing A Reception
Studio Sessions... do you need them or not? Should you do them at the reception?
And A Lot More!
Be prepared to work and study hard for two solid days!

The Business of Wedding Photography (Group Class)
Three Hours - $375
Advanced Registration Required

The Sales Presentation
What to charge for a wedding
Showing your work
Pricing your packages
Closing the sale
Keeping contact with your clients
Post wedding consultations
Selling your images
Insurance
Albums
Online Sales
And more...

Photographing Weddings (Group Class)
Three Hours - $375
Advanced Registration Required

Defining Your Style
Flash Vs. Ambient Light
Important Images That Must Be Photographed
Where to be to get the best images during the ceremony
Working with the other wedding vendors
Working the reception
Techniques of shooting in near total darkness at receptions
And More...

Shooting A Wedding For A Friend (Group Class)
Three Hours - $375
Advanced Registration Required

While we highly advise not photographing a wedding simply because someone asked you to do it, if you are going to do it anyway, let us teach you the basics of how to do it properly.

How to take the key shots required for every wedding
Working with other vendors who have been hired by the bride and groom.
Camera and lens requirements for wedding photography
Photographing the all-important "Formals"
Dealing with low light photography
And More!

Photography Field Trips

Join in on the fun!

2013 Photography Field Trips



This year, we are going to several locations to learn how to shoot!

The number of students per field trip is extremely limited, so please call 847-840-4082 soon to reserve your spot and pay for your class with a credit card over the phone. Before calling, please decide which date you would like to attend. You will be placed specifically on the field trip for that date.

You must have taken the Photo Essentials class first or have a good grasp of using your DSLR camera in manual mode, aperture priority mode and shutter speed priority modes before going on one of the field trips.

Milwaukee Public Museum

Dates: March 10 and April 14
Time: 10 AM - 12:30 PM (you may stay longer after the class is dismissed)
Continuing Student Discount Price: $25
Please note that your entrance fee to the museum is extra and is payable at the museum. Cost is $14
Park on the street. Sunday street parking is free!
We will learn how to take exhibit photos with ambient light, but you may bring an external flash too if you have one.

Brookfield Zoo

Dates: May 19, June 2, July 7, August 4, September 15
Time: 11 AM - 2:00 PM (you may stay longer after the class is dismissed)
Continuing Student Discount Price: $35
Please note that your entrance fee to the zoo and parking is extra and is payable at the zoo. Ticket price is $15. Parking is $10.
Bring your standard zoom lens. If you have a long telephoto lens, bring this as well to get closer photos of the animals!

Botanic Gardens

Dates: May 5, June 23, July 21, August 18, September 8
Time: 1 PM - 3:00 PM (you may stay longer after the class is dismissed)
Continuing Student Discount Price: $25
Please note that parking is extra and is payable at Botanic Gardens. Parking is $20 per car. There is no entrance fee.
Bring your standard zoom lens. If you have a macro lens and/or a tripod, you may bring these as well.

Night Photography Field Trip

Dates: June 10, August 13, September 10
Time: 8 PM - 10 PM (7:30 PM - 9:30 PM on 9/10/13) (you may stay longer after the class is dismissed)
Continuing Student Discount Price: $35

Learn to photograph the Chicago Skyline!!

Please note that parking is extra. Street parking is available. We will meet near the Adler Planetarium.
A tripod is necessary to take the class. Bring your standard and/or wide angle zoom lenses.

Post Production - Software Training

Please call or email for a current class schedule. Classes are constantly forming. Inquire about Individualized lesson plans for any area of photography that you are interested. Remember to bring your camera and lenses and instruction manuals for reference. You should also bring a portable laptop computer with software pre-loaded for any software training class.






Click here for a Class Calendar. Important information concerning this class is also found here.

Click here to schedule your class.

Intro To Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 (Group Class)
Three Hours - $195
Advanced Registration Required

RAW vs JPG:
Adobe Bridge
Curves
Cloning
Masking
Layers
And More!
Bring your laptop with Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 already loaded
Advanced registration required

Intro To Adobe Photoshop CS5 and CS6 (Group Class)
Three Hours - $195
Advanced Registration Required

RAW vs JPG:
Adobe Bridge
Cloning
Curves
Masking
Layers
And More!
Bring your laptop with Adobe Photoshop CS5 or CS6 already loaded
Advanced registration required

Intro To Adobe Lightroom 4 (Group Class)
Two Hours - $125
Advanced Registration Required

How to import and export your images:
Proper use of Lightroom for Color Correction
Proper use of Lightroom for Exposure Correction
How to batch correct your images
And more!
Bring your laptop with Lightroom already loaded
Advanced registration required