A new venue to learn more photography skills...

"The Lounge" was started to give all levels of photographers the opportunity to take a more in-depth look into different genre's of photography with other like minded people that share the passion of photography. We do this in a relaxed group setting twice a month from September to April.
 
We also will have other events like sponsored photo outings as we get them created... these photowalks will be topic specific and will be lead by PRO photographers that specialize in specific photography styles.
 
Why would you want to become a member of "The Lounge"? Where else can you meet people who enjoy creating photographs just like you, experienced and amateur photographers sharing their shooting methods, discussing possible travel locations, talk apertures, f-stops and Photoshop, the opportunity to look at and try the latest photogrpahic gear, get wholesale pricing on photographic workshops ... plus PRO's giving you their inside tips - and all in one place?
 

People often ask us if we are a "photo club"... my answer is, "No, a photo club is probably run by amateur photographers that are enthusiastic about photography just like you. 'The Lounge' is owned by a professional photographer that has had the pleasure of mentoring under some of the worlds most successful photographers. As a result of that real world experience I have taken that learning and have now passed it on to our instructors. All our instructors can now take pride at being better teachers having learned the teaching skills that are imperative to making our instruction a successul learning environment. We believe we offer more insightful presentations and valuable information that you will not receive elsewhere."
 
Our members also receive access to the latest photography gear through our sponsorships and relationships. This gear is brought to our meetings for you to look at and see first hand on how it operates in the real world... from professional studio lighting set ups, to the latest super telephoto lens and new products that hit the shelves. At the Lounge you will have opportunities to see this gear, opportunities that you will not get at your local photography club.
 
The Photographer's Lounge also has far reaching relationships with professional photographers from Canada, America and Europe. When possible, we bring you these photographers that work with the Photographer's Lounge when they visit Ontario. As a benefit of membership we offer our members the opportunity to talk one-on-one with these world class PRO's without an extra fee as you would have to pay elsewhere.
 
We also introduce you to the latest photographic news and information as it is announced... no need to scour the web anymore, we sent it right to your inbox as we get the press releases. We cover topics from photography gear, composition, editing tips, photographic destinations, printing and the latest news from the industry. Members can also access this .online in our "Members Learning Center". Here they can look at their leisure for tips, tutorials, shooting locations, video tutorials and different gear suggested for each type of photography genre.
 
As a member of "The Lounge" you also will receive the opportunity to attend our workshops with our International Teachers at a more attractive price than you would have to pay if you were not a member.
 
Member's also receive discounts on products. Our partners and sponsors have authorized us to extend to you affiliate discounts on their various products. Your membership investment could easily be erased with the deep discounts you will receive on software and photographic gear through "The Lounge".

These benefits begin from the moment you register and are active till the end of our meeting season in which you registered. For example, any member registering in February of 2013 will have an active membership until April 30, 2014. You will be required to renew your membership after April 30, 2014 in order to activate your membership for the following year.

To see how we structure our meetings please see the "Meeting Page"

To see our calendar please have a look here.

To register and become a member please visit our "Membership Page"

Composition Workshops for Photographers

Do you want to learn how to take better photos? Check out our composition workshops that we run in South Western Ontario.

Small to medium sized groups, lots of laughs and you will walk away a better photographer.

See these workshops at the Photographer's Lounge website

Composition Photography Workshops

The Photographers Lounge has recently announced a series of "Composition Workshops" desigend to help photographers take better photos. A list of these workshops is below.

December Workshop - X-Mas Street Photography Workshop

Downtown Waterloo is the perfect location to capture the Christmas lights at night. Waterloo Town Square is a great launching point to walk up and down King Street and head over to Waterloo Park to photograph the lights and the twinkles in kids eyes.

Date: Friday, December 14th, 2012 - 7:30pm till 10:00pm

January Workshop - Rural Winter Workshop

As the ground freezes and the forests open up the photographer is presented with unique and new subjects to photograph. From baren pine forests to pathways that lead to nowhere; this is the time of year you should not be sitting indoors watching TV and reading magazines. Join us on a morning walk through the forest at Puslinch Lake.

Date: Sunday, January 13, 2013 - 9:00am till 11:30am

February Workshop - Frozen Water Workshop

Lake Ontario offers a beautiful photographic scenery 365 days a year. The winter offers the photographer a unique perspective of frozen formations, water and wild life. We will head to Burlington's waterfront and take a stroll down the board walk to capture the scenic waterscapes and people.

Date: February 17, 2013 from 9am till 11:30am

April Workshop - Spring Flower Workshop

April showers used to bring May flowers, but times are changing and the rural roads are lined with new growth. And The Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton always have unique and seasonal flowers blooming inside and outside in the vast landscape that the grounds cover.

The cost for the workshop does not cover the fee to enter the facility.

Date: Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 9:30 am till 12:00pm

May Workshop - Farmers Market Workshop

Waterloo Farmers Market is an iconic destination in Ontario for travellers and locals. A visit to the market with your camera will present you with photographic opportunities that include, Mennonites, vendors, people, fruit, vegetables, street performers and livestock (horses, pigs, cows)

Date: Saturday, May 4, 2013 from 9:30am till 12:00pm

June Workshop - Abandoned Photography Workshop

Did you know that there are dozens and dozens of hidden gens that have been abandoned along the Ontario waterways? One such abandoned location is the old German Mill along the Grand River between Glenn Morris and Cambridge. Together we will go for a hike through the bush and walk to the old German Mill that sits along the Grand River.

While we are together we will also give you a list of other safe abandoned locations you can visit in Ontario.

Date: Saturday, June 1, 2013 from 9:00am till 12:00pm

June Workshop - Out at the Badlands Workshop

Many people have visited the "Badlands", and if you have you know that the area has so many photographic opportunities that you can get lost in the location. Together we will work on composition and help you segment the area into scenes to help you walk away with some unique and compelling images you will want to share with your friends.

Date: Saturday, June 22, 2013 from 8:00am till 11:00am

July Workshop - Urban Exploration Workshop

One of the most historic and quant cities in Ontario is Galt, Ontario. With its long history of being a mill town, the factory buildings still stand. Now, 100 years later, modern facilities have crept in and a well conceived mix of old and new exists on this river town.

From some of the oldest churches, to the Grand River, to the University buildings; you will be presented with photography opportunities of old and new.

Date: Saturday, July 20 from 9am till 11:30am

August Workshop - Under the Stars and City Light Workshop

If you want to capture the photo of a lifetime you have be there at the best times. The Toronto skyline is one of the most photogenic along the Lake Ontario coastline.

We may be getting up early for this one, but you will be presented with skyline photographic opportunities that range from city lights, to blue hour and into the golden hour.

We will start our on the waterfront and end our time together at the Distillery District in Toronto.

Date: Saturday, August 31, 2013 from 4:30am till 8:30am

September Workshop - Golden Hour Workshop

One of my favorite places to photograph is along western shores of Lake Ontario. It is here where you will be presented with a beautiful view of a sunrise over the water. Along the beach you will also see broken down piers, birds and a very photographic shoreline with a mix of sand and pebbles.

Everyone that visits this location wants to return time and time again... and so will you.

Date: Saturday, September 7, 2013 from 6:30am till 9:30am

October Workshop - Fall Colours Workshop

The Forks of the Credit offers the photographer some of the most beautiful scenes in Ontario. The undulating landscape and dense tree population, combined with flowing rivers is unmatched in Ontario. Come with us as we go and photograph this area while we teach you how to capture those iconic photos you see in calendars and postcards.

Date: Saturday, October 14, 2013 - 9:00am till 11:00am

November Workshop - Santa Clause Parade Workshop

A visit to a Santa Clause Parade offers much more photographic opportunities than just the floats that meander by you. What about the people, the Christmas decorations, the performers?

But getting that great shot is often not as easy as it first seems. The crowd gets in the way, the angle is not right. We will teach you how to attend a parade and walk away with well composed photos that you will be proud of.

Date: Yet to be determined.

On our Creative Composition workshop you will learn how to develop your photographic eye and start to create great photos rather than just taking snaps.

The workshop is aimed at beginners who are new to their camera – whether a compact or DSLR – and who are looking for a gentle introduction into photography.

The Creative Composition workshop will be of use if you are looking to create images that are pleasing to the eye and create visual stories that are interesting.

Your workshop will begin with a discussion on what makes "Good Composition".

• Orientation and the rule of thirds
• Leading lines, curves and S-bends
• Framing and filling the frame
• Perspective and depth of field
• Colour and shapes

All these compositional terms will be explained using a range of professional images.

After our discussion we will be putting the theory into practice.

As the workshop moves outside, 1:1 time is available with the Workshop Leader(s) to help you apply such principles to your own photos. It finishes back indoors with a review of your photos over coffee; a powerful opportunity to understand how others see and capture scenes.

The practical discussion will take place at a predetermined location where we can sit as a group and have a discussion without interruption.

Although this workshop can be completed at any time, it is well suited to being taken at the beginning of your photography journey.

Our workshops run from two (2) to three (3) hours and the timing has been listed above in the Composition Workshop schedule.

How It Works

You arrive at the workshop at the predetermined time. You are responsible for getting yourself to and from the workshop.

Once you register you will receive directions to the studio. To register please visit http://www.photographers-lounge.com/workshops/composition-workshops/

Who Should Attend

The photographer that will get the most out of one of these workshops is someone that has a camera and wants to learn how to take better photos with the gear they have.

Rick Sammon seminar - Kitchener - September 2012

Rick Sammon, a Canon Explorer of Light, is one of the most active photographers on the planet. The dude just can’t sit still!

Rick has published 36 paper books, including Secrets of HDR Photography, Exploring the Light, and Digital Photography Secrets. Rick’s book, Flying Flowers won the coveted Golden Light Award, and his book Hide and See Under the Sea won the Ben Franklin Award.

He is also a leader in iPad and iPhone photography apps. His apps include:
• Rick Sammon’s Light It! – a collection of live-action movies that show Rick’s basic lighting techniques.
• Rick Sammon’s iHDR – an interactive iPad app that shows the user the wonders of HDR photography.
• Rick Sammon’s 24/7 Photo Buffet – an e-book that offers 24/7 access to Rick’s best photo tips, tricks and techniques. iPhone and iPad versions available.

Rick, who has photographed in almost 100 countries around the world, gives more than two-dozen photography workshops (including private workshops) and presentations around the world each year.
He co-founded the Digital Photography Experience podcast (www.dpexperience.com) with Juan Pons and also hosts several shows on kelbytraining.com and has a three-day class on creativeLive.com.

Rick has been nominated for the Photoshop Hall of Fame, is considered one of today’s top digital -imaging experts, cutting through lots of Photoshop “speak,” making it fun, easy and rewarding to work and play in the digital darkroom.

When asked about his photo specialty, Rick says, “My specialty is not specializing.”

See www.ricksammon.info for more information about Rick.  

Introducing The Event

Saturday, September 22, 2012 - 10:00am till 12:00pm
Bingamens Conference Centre in Ballroom BC
425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario

Saturday Morning you will be treated to Rick’s first presentation in Canada. He will be demonstrating a Speedlite Shoot.

Rick will demo his favorite speedlite tips, tricks and techniques. We'll have a model, some soft boxes and a background.

Rick will show you how you don't need a professional studio to get professional quality results.


Saturday, September 22, 2012 - 1:00pm till 4:00pm
Bingamens Conference Centre in Ballroom BC
425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario

In the afternoon Rick's presentation will be “Exploring the Light”. In this informative and fun-filled presentation, Rick Sammon will begin by sharing his people, wildlife, landscape and travel pictures from around the globe – illustrating the difference between taking pictures and making pictures. For every image, Rick will share a photographic technique, digital darkroom tip, or a photo philosophy. He will cover seeing the light, controlling the light, playing with the light, HDR photography and some composition techniques. 

This is not just a slide show of pretty images. Rick is here to share what he’s learned over his many years as a professional photographer. As Rick “takes” us on a visual journey through the exciting world of digital photography, he will share some of his favorite Photoshop CS5 enhancements. 

Come and learn from one of the best teachers and photographers of our time. To reserve your spot visit us here... http://www.photographers-lounge.com/seminars/rick-sammon/

New Mentor Program Available at KPEP Photography

MENTOR PROGRAM

Mentor Programs have been a historical method of passing information from one photographer to the next as far back as I remember. For you, the benefit of working with someone more experienced, with a program tailored to your specific goals is a sure way of expediting your learning curve.


The times when I personally learned the most in photography was when I spent quality time with people vastly more experienced than me. Whether it was out in the field, sitting at coffee shops talking, or getting advice on editing... these times were when I learned the most. I don’t care how many books you buy, how many YouTube videos you watch, clubs you join... all that knowledge these things fill your brain with will never come together until you find a mentor to walk you through your journey.


The Program that we create for you will be customized to YOU. In the beginning I will work with you to define your specific goals, identify any areas that need improvement and then, through a series of specifically designed assignments, provide one-on-one personal and telephone consultations and critiques. Together we shall implement a work plan that will accelerate your development as a photographer.


Creating an Individualized Program is important because each person has a different goal, and learns at a different pace. For example, you may be looking at developing a part-time photography business, or maybe you just want to take breathtaking landscape photos to show off to your family and friends. No matter what your goal is, I will work with you to make sure we achieve them together.


Program Options and Cost - There are three completely customizable options available in my Mentor Program to help you define and realize your individual goals.


Three-Month Option

The Three-Month Program option provides for one 2-hour personal session every three weeks plus up to one hour of personal or telephone discussions per month, as well as a final two hour follow-up session after the three months period is complete. Personal sessions will include discussions of specific problems or needs, field sessions, photographic assignments, and critiques - all designed to meet your particular requirements and complete your portfolio.

Three-Month Program - $ 350 (Payment: 50% due upon acceptance. Balance due 45 days after start date.)

Six-Month Option

The Six-Month Program option provides for one 2-hour personal session every three weeks plus up to one hour of personal or telephone discussions per month, as well as a final two hour follow-up session after the three months period is complete. Personal sessions will include discussions of specific problems or needs, field sessions, photographic assignments, and critiques - all designed to meet your particular requirements and complete your portfolio.

Six-Month Program - $ 600 (Payment: 50% due upon acceptance. Balance due 3 months after start date.)

One-Year Option

Program option provides for one 2-hour personal session every month plus up to one hour of personal or telephone discussions per month, as well as a final two hour follow-up session after the three months period is complete. Personal sessions will include discussions of specific problems or needs, field sessions, photographic assignments, and critiques - all designed to meet your particular requirements and complete your portfolio.

One-Year Program - $ 1000 (Payment: 25% due upon acceptance into the program; 25% due 2 months after start date; 25% due 4 months after start date; balance due 6 months after start date

How to Contact Me

Please visit the "CONTACT" page of my website and email me with your contact information. I will respond and set up an initial meeting to discuss what type of workshop that will suit your individual needs best.