Steve Wetzel Photography

Class Date/Dates: 
10/14/2014 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm 
10/21/2014 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
0/28/2014 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm

NOTE that field shoot may not be on Tuesday, Octoper 21, depending upon the weather.

Course Summary:

In this class we will learn how to photograph the stars as star trails.  We will explore composing a scene at night and we will play with light painting techniques that can make the foreground of your image come alive.   We will study and learn the technical aspects of shooting a landscape and the sky with the long exposures that are required to capture start trails.  We will discuss the equipment you need and other accessories that can be useful in photographing at night.  We will also learn about scouting techniques and tools that will help you find the best spots for your night photography.

In addition ,we will spend some time in the digital darkroom, exploring ways to enhance your night start trail photos.  We will learn how to set white balance, reduce light pollution, increase sharpness as well as how to stack several start trail images into one combined image.

This is an intermediate class and students should be familiar with setting your camera's ISO, shutter, speed and aperture in manual mode, and how to use manual focus.

Course Requirements
Students are required to have a tripod and DSLR or mirrorless camera that is capable of capturing a long exposure (most cameras are capable of taking a 30 second exposure which is fine for this class) capable of manual control and manual focus.  A wide angle lens, while not required, is recommended (the faster the lens the better).  An intervalometer (Nikon has one built into many of its cameras) and knowledge of its basic operation is not required, but strongly recommended - you will not get the sharpest images without it.  Your flashlight of choice is also required!  Bug spray is optional.

 Instructor Bio
Steve Wetzel is an electrical engineer by day and a photographer by night. Steve became interested in photography in the early 1980s when he had multiple rolls of film developed that he shot in the Colorado Rocky Mountains with a recently acquired SLR.  Viewing the prints, he realized those images sucked as much as images he took the previous year in those same mountains with an inexpensive point and shoot!  With this experience Steve learned first-hand that it requires more than a good camera to make a good photograph. Thus he began his quest to learn the intricacies of both the technical and creative aspects of photogrpahy which he now passes on to his friends and students.

Steve resides with his wife Laurie and Ace the wonder dog in their home just east of Madison near Cambridge, Wisconsin where he photographs and experiments with his camera. He has exhibited in several venues in the surrounding area .

Cancellation/Refund Policy Revised as of August 13, 2014
1. All student cancellations will incur a $10.00 processing fee, which will be deducted from any refund remitted.
2. Cancellations more than thirty (30) days before the start of the first class session are refundable, less the above processing fee.
3. Cancellations at thirty (30) days or less  before the start of the first class session will result in the loss of all fees. You may have someone else fill your slot in the class but we must be notified of this substitution as soon as possible.  PhotoMidwest / The Center for Photography in Madison will have no involvement in any transfer of funds related to such substitutions.
4. In the rare case an entire class must be cancelled by CPM, all students will receive a full refund. Partial cancellation of a single class session will typically be addressed via a rescheduled session, not a partial refund of fees.