About
CPS has been teaching photography classes for over 90 years. As an all-volunteer, non-profit our goals are simple: to provide quality photographic and photo editing instruction at a reasonable cost, period. Enrollment fees support our state-of-the-art clubrooms and help us provide outstanding facilities to help our students learn. All of our classes include a free membership period in the club, allowing students to expand their photo knowledge. All classes include an extensive set of class notes and unlimited return provileges to pick up any missed classes or those students might want to hear again - all at no additional cost. Visit www.clevelandphoto.org for full details and a look at our extensive calendar of activities.
Watching our students advance from being picture-takers to photographers - telling stories with their images that capture the viewer's eye and help them see and feel what the photographer saw and felt.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Classes are currently offered in the following areas:
Fundamentals of Good Photography - a 12 session course that covers all major photographic disciplines and includes 2 course-specific field trips. Cost for the course is $175 (about $5 per hour of instruction)
Intro to Photoshop Photo Editing - a 10 session course that teaches all major Photoshop operations and a workflow that will help students feel confident in the use of the program. Over 500 pages of detailed, step-by-step class notes are provided. Cost for the course is $175 (about $7 per hour of instruction)
Intermediate Photoshop Editing - an eight session course that begins where the Intro course leaves off. Highly detailed instruction in the full use of the RAW Editor and other more advanced techniques help make you an expert in Photoshop technique. Completion of the Intro class or significant Photoshop experience is required. Cost for the course is $175 (about $9 per hour of instruction)
Intro to Photoshop Lightroom - a six session course that provides complete familiarity with this popular editing program. Cost for the course is $125 (about $8 per hour of instruction)
All classes except the Intermediate Photoshop course are for beginning to intermediate photographers/editors and no previous experience is necessary. We begin with the basics and build from there.
All classes include a period of free CPS membership, a disc or digital download containing all the class notes and FREE unlimited return policies for missed classes or refreshers.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Each class is taught by an instructor with extensive real-world experience and a passion for their particular subject. Editing classes are taught by multiple instructors to allow students to see different approaches to the programs in order to help them develop a personal workflow that will work best for them.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
The Fundamentals of Good Photography (12 sessions), Photoshop Editing classes (10 sessions) and Intermediate Photoshop classes (8 sessions) cost $175.
The Intro to Lightroom class (6 sessions) costs $125.
How did you get started teaching?
The Cleveland Photographic Society has been in continuous operation since 1887, making us (to the best of our knowledge) the 7th oldest camera club in the United States. We began teaching the Fundamentals of Good Photography class in 1921 and have continually updated the curriculum as technology and student needs have changed. We began teaching photo editing in 2004 and update the content of our classes as Photoshop and Lightroom continue to evolve. After each class, we review critique forms submitted by our students and constantly update our curriculum based on their comments and suggestions.
What types of students have you worked with?
Our students range from mid- to late-teens through active senior citizens. Experience ranges from students who have purchased a camera on their way to the first class to intermediate-level photographers who want a refresher in the basics. Those converting from film to digital or rediscovering photography after many years find our classes enlightening - as well as those just discovering or wishing to further explore photography as a serious hobby and/or potential vocation.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
At the end of every course session, students are invited to share their work with the rest of the class. Instructors offer gentle critique to help them continue to improve, but mostly come away impressed with the high level of quality images presented - proof that our students have learned a great deal during the course of instruction. As an all-volunteer instructor base, this is our ultimate reward.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask what exactly the instructor will cover and how many sessions will be required. Ensure that the instructor will cover the basics of photography in depth and help you leanr all the features of YOUR particular brand and model of camera. Many instructors jump right in to taking photos without providing a solid background in the principals of photography and how to get the most out of your camera. Beware of instructors that speak in absolutes - there is no one way to learn photography, no one brand that's better than another, and not a lot of equipment beyond a camera and a lens that's necessary to help make you a great photographer. We teach from a broad-based approach that exposes you to a variety of options and then help you develop the style that's right for YOU.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about the types of photos you like to take and the problems you've been having in capturing them. If you want to learn how to take pictures of your kids, grandkids, etc. simply playing in the backyard or playing sports, think about how you've approached things in the past. If you're shooting primarily in AUTO mode, we take the time to teach you how to take control of your camera and take the best pictures you can with the camera you have.