Q: What type of camera will I need?
A: For digital-based photography courses, we strongly recommend a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) or mirrorless camera body with the option to change your ISO, aperture and shutter speed for shooting manually. Most cameras made in the past 5 years will feature this functionality. Some popular current-model DSLRs and alternatives can be researched on sites like dpreview.com.
Some cameras offer more functionality than others, and for most classes that won't be a problem. If you have any questions about the suitability of your particular camera, feel free to contact us.
Q: Can I rent a camera?
A: Yes! We have digital cameras for rent during 1 day classes. Please inquire about availabilities and fees by contacting us here.
Additionally you can rent a camera or lenses from the following rental houses: Fotocare, Adorama, Lensrentals.com.
Q: What if the class I want to take is full?
A: Drop us a line and we'll add you to our waiting list and notify you if a spot opens up.
Q: Can I share a camera with a friend?
A: Definitely, as long as you are OK with sharing and taking turns to do your assignments with one camera. This may become more difficult in multi-week workshops, but for a one- or two-day class like our Field Guides and Crash Courses, you'll be fine.
Q: What camera should I buy?
We hate to say it, but right now there's a lot parity between the top manufacturers of digital cameras. In the DSLR market, Canon and Nikon are currently the industry leaders, with Sony, Olympus, and Fuji introducing new mirrorless models. The decision between cameras boils down to your personal preferences on size, ergonomics (how it feels in the hand), number of pixels, speed of operation, low light performance and subjective values like color rendition and pleasing background blur.
In New York, try visiting the professional stores B&H PhotoVideo (420 9th Ave at w33rd st), Adorama (42 w18th st bet 5th and 6th), and K&M Camera (387 Broadway bet Walker and White). Online shops and retailers like the above, as well as other resources like DPReview and Amazon's customer reviews, can be very helpful in selecting the right camera for you. To save money, you can buy used at a place like KEH, or at one of the major retailers' used sections. Ebay, if you're feeling lucky.
Another idea is to rent a camera for a day or the weekend, and bring it to one of our One-Day Workshops—really put it through its paces. You'll quickly figure out not only whether the camera is right for you, but what you are looking for in a camera.
Q: What is your policy on transfers, cancellations and refunds?
TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER SESSION
Because space is limited and classes often fill up, students cancelling class last minute may prevent other students from signing up for that session. For this reason, we require that students who need to reschedule their registration within 72 hours prior to the class scheduled start time will be required to provide a 15% fee* to transfer to another session.
We are here to guide you through class selection to make sure you benefit from our courses, so feel free to contact us for any questions regarding class selection, registration issues, or if you need to transfer to a different session.
CANCELLATIONS
While we encourage you to make every effort to attend your registered class, we understand if your situation changes unexpectedly. Unfortunately, the same situation applies with our limited capacity. Therefore, students who need to cancel their registration for whatever reason within 72 hours prior to class scheduled start time will be also be assessed a 25% cancellation fee* from any refund requested.
NO-CALL NO-SHOWS
We really appreciate when people let us know they can't make a class, even if it's last minute. In some cases there may be a student on the waiting list that we can offer that seat to. No-shows are rather unhelpful for this cause, and so we charge a 50% fee* to transfer or refund a registration in the situation of a no-call no-show.
* of the original list price
For more info review our complete Terms & Conditions.
Q: Where can I get photo prints made?
A: For our 9-week classes like Digital Photo I, we recommend trying your nearest drugstore minilab for digital prints, at least during the first few classes. Print quality is a lot less crucial for early assignments, so just go wherever you can get them done for a reasonable price.
For long-term projects, we recommend getting your final prints from a more professional lab. There are several quality places to get prints done. In New York:
AdoramaPix: Affordable, good quality-to-price ration. Online upload and order available. Does get busy during holidays. Closes early Friday and all day Saturday, and for all Jewish holidays.
42 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011 (212) 741-0052
Printspace: Chromira c-prints are of very good quality, can be affordable if you submit according to their specs. Prints up to 30x40in. Good for larger prints that won't cost an arm+leg.
151 West 19th Street New York, NY 10011 (212) 255-1919 ext. 8