Post Production Services

Balanced Exposure started out as a post production service for professional and amateur photographers who needed help in performing color and exposure corrections as well as image retouching. Today, we continue to offer this service to the photographic community besides offering photography training.

Correction services pricing is quoted on a per project basis. Projects requiring Photoshop touchups and manipulations are $10 per 15 minutes. Please contact us with the specifics of your project before sending your image files.

Payment in full is required at the start of every project.

Our turnaround time varies depending on the scope of the project and current workload.

Color and Exposure Correction:

Photographers in need of an outsourced solution for correcting their images for color and exposure can mail their image files burned on CD-R or DVD-R media to Balanced Exposure for processing.

Guidelines:

1. Photographs should be taken with sRGB color space whenever possible. Other color spaces are accepted but should be identified if known.

2. RAW or JPG file format is acceptable for correction services.

3. Full resolution files should be provided whenever possible rather than downsized files.

Corrected files will be returned with:

1. Quality level “10” JPG image
2. sRGB standard color space
3. Color Corrected
4. Exposure Corrected
5. Sharpening added as needed
6. Noise Reduction utilized as needed

Additional correction services to individual images such as dust spotting, facial blemish removal, fly-away hair removal, etc. are available at additional cost. Please specify in writing what work needs to be performed.

Image Restoration of old or damaged photographs is available through Balanced Exposure.

Requirements for image restoration include:

1. Scan images to create a digital file at 300 ppi with sRGB color space.

2. The largest size from the scanner should be chosen.

3. Clean and dust original photos prior to scanning.

4. Include a written description of what you would like corrected.

Corrected files will be returned with:

1. Quality level “10” JPG image

2. sRGB standard color space

3. Color Corrected

4. Exposure Corrected

5. Sharpening added as needed

6. Noise Reduction utilized as needed

Currently, all color and exposure corrections are performed primarily using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom. Image restoration and other correction services are performed using Adobe Photoshop CS5 and other correction software as needed.

Please complete the contact information form with the services you require before sending images and we will return a price quote as soon as possible. Alternatively, you may call or email at:

phone: 847-840-4082
email: training@balancedexposure.com

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: Please note that Photography 101 classes are held either as a single 6-hour class or as two consecutive day 3-hour classes. Also an email confirmation will be generated once you sign up for your class, but you may only get an automated notice for the second day's class if you sign up for the two day option. Be sure to note that the first day's class will be held the day before the date shown on the second day's class notice .

If you have an "advanced hybrid camera" which has manual controls, you are welcome to attend the DSLR class since these kinds of cameras offer similar features to the DSLR cameras.


Click here to schedule your class.

If you have purchased your class via an online coupon company, you should have a voucher number already and can use that to schedule your class online. If you have paid for your class here via PayPal, please call 847-840-4082 first to get a voucher number before attempting to schedule your class.

Intro To Photography

Photo Essentials $225.00 USD Photography Boot Camp $150.00 USD Flash Photography $195.00 USD

Please also remember to send Balanced Exposure an email message after purchasing your class via PayPal to alert us of your purchase. Indicate your name, email address, phone number and also which class you have paid for. A voucher number will be issued to you via email in a few days.

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
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

Photography Boot Camp (Group Class)
One Class - 3 hours - $150
Advanced Registration Required

Similar to the Photo Essentials class, but only covering camera operations, this feature-packed 3 hour group class is designed to jump start you so that you are no longer shooting in automatic mode, but rather in manual, ,aperture priority and shutter speed priority modes.

Note: This is the class to take if you simply need to get yourself started with digital photography quickly and want to know the basics of how to use your new camera. Composition and other topics regarding various shooting situations will not be covered. For those additional topics, the Photo Essentials class is the class to take instead.

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

Continuing Education

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.

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



___________________________________________

Please note that we will not honor the special prices on these classes (see below) unless you are a previous student of Balanced Exposure and have the prerequisite of either having taken the Photography 101, Boot Camp or Photo Essentials Class. A new voucher number will be emailed to you within a few days after you have paid for your class via PayPal. Also note that you may use your credit cards to pay with PayPal, even if you do not have a regular PayPal account. Simply fill in the information as a "guest" of PayPal and it will accept your credit card! However, note that no refunds can be issued to you via your credit card if you pay using the PayPal system. Any need for a refund will need to be made in person at Balanced Exposure's location in this case.

Please also remember to send Balanced Exposure an email message after purchasing your class via PayPal to alert us of your purchase. Indicate your name, email address, phone number and also which class you have paid for. A voucher number will be issued to you via email in a few days. Please note: DSLR Advanced vouchers will expire 6 months after purchase date.

Continuing Education

DSLR Advanced $75.00 USD Flash $75.00 USD

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.


The Photographing Weddings classes are currently scheduled for July 29 and September 30. Each of these classes will be held from 6 PM to 10 PM.

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

Click here to schedule your class.

If you have purchased this class via an online coupon company, you should have a voucher number already and can use that to schedule your class online. If you have paid for your class here via PayPal, please call 847-840-4082 first to get a voucher number before attempting to schedule your class.

Weddings

Secrets of Weddings $750.00 Business of Weddings $375.00 Photographing Weddings $375.00 Shooting For A Friend $375.00

Please also remember to send Balanced Exposure an email message after purchasing your class via PayPal to alert us of your purchase. Indicate your name, email address, phone number and also which class you have paid for. A voucher number will be issued to you via email in a few days.

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
Photographying the all-important "Formals"
Dealing with low light photography
And More!

Studio 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.




The Studio Techniques - Lighting and Posing Workshop is currently scheduled for July 12, August 12 and September 20. Each of these classes will be held from 6 PM to 10 PM. A live model will join us from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

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

Click here to schedule your class.

If you have purchased this class via an online coupon company, you should have a voucher number already and can use that to schedule your class online. If you have paid for your class here via PayPal, please call 847-840-4082 first to get a voucher number before attempting to schedule your class.

Please also remember to send Balanced Exposure an email message after purchasing your class via PayPal to alert us of your purchase. Indicate your name, email address, phone number and also which class you have paid for. A voucher number will be issued to you via email in a few days.

Studio Techniques - Lighting and Posing Workshop (Group Class)
Three Hours - $350
Advanced Registration Required

This is a hands-on studio workshop.
We will be working with a live model for the last two hours of the workshop as we discuss and practice various aspects of studio photography.
We will cover such topics as:
High-key photography
Three-Point Lighting
Multiple Strobe Lighting
Posing
Using the Paul Buff Cyber Commander Wireless Remote System
And more!

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.

If you have purchased this class via an online coupon company, you should have a voucher number already and can use that to schedule your class online. If you have paid for your class here via PayPal, please call 847-840-4082 first to get a voucher number before attempting to schedule your class.

Software Training

Intro To Photoshop Elements $195.00 Intro To Photoshop CS5 $195.00 Photoshop CS5 - Advanced Techniques $195.00 Intro To Adobe Lightrooom $195.00 Post Production - Workflow Seminar $95.00

Please also remember to send Balanced Exposure an email message after purchasing your class via PayPal to alert us of your purchase. Indicate your name, email address, phone number and also which class you have paid for. A voucher number will be issued to you via email in a few days.

Intro To Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 (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 9 already loaded
Advanced registration required

Intro To Adobe Photoshop CS5 (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 already loaded
Advanced registration required

Adobe Photoshop CS5 - Advanced Techniques (Group Class)
Three Hours - $195
Advanced Registration Required

Layer Masks
Adjustment Layers
Liquify
Batching
Actions
And More!
Bring your laptop with Adobe Photoshop CS5 already loaded
Advanced registration required

Intro To Adobe Lightroom (Group Class)
Three Hours - $195
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

Post Production / Workflow Seminar (Group Seminar)
Two Hours - $95
Advanced Registration Required

Watch and learn as your instructor goes through a typical post production / workflow session using images you bring to class as the examples!
Demonstrations of Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Photomatix Pro, FXHome Photokey (Green Screen), Portrait Professional Studio and more!
This class is your best opportunity to see these post production programs in action.
Advanced registration required