FAQ

What are the specific techniques attendees will learn in these programs?

We’ve developed our classes to be easy, fun, and as technical as attendees want them to be. In Photo Foundations, they will learn composition, how to shoot moving objects to freeze action, portraiture, depth of field, and manual settings. 

Beyond the Basics is for those with a good handle on photography basics that are looking to expand their skills by learning lighting, composition techniques, and much more. 

While our YouTube and Intro to Video Production courses are for those looking to create high-quality video content effortless for personal or professional work.

Can an attendee use a smartphone camera in this program? 

Although smartphones are great for snapshots, our classes are about learning the craft of photography and videography. Modern digital cameras are powerful tools that far exceed what’s possible on a smartphone. Attendees must have a functional DSLR or Mirrorless camera. If you don’t have a digital camera in the household, click here to see some options that can fit your budget. Once a class is purchased, we’ll email you a discount code to apply to your purchase at the Canon SHOP store. 

Do attendees have to use a Canon camera, or can they use other brands? 

Attendees can use any brand of camera they choose as long as it’s a dedicated digital camera (DSLR or Mirrorless). If you don’t have a camera and wish to take advantage of special offers on-camera bundles from Canon, click here.

My child is already pretty good at photography, can I sign them up for Beyond the Basics without doing Photo Foundations first?

This camp is for every level of photographer beginner to advanced. More experienced photographers may still benefit from Photo Foundations and the instructors will give them more tailored options for their photo challenges. Attendees with a better grasp on photography techniques, however, can enroll in Beyond the Basics without having completed Photo Foundations. 

How many attendees are in each online Zoom session? 

We keep each session to 8-12 attendees to ensure the most optimal interactive environment. 

Are refunds available?

Yes, we will refund 100% of paid fees prior to the start of the class registered for. 

Do I have to pay anything extra for Zoom or other apps? 

No, Zoom and any other resources for the class are at no extra charge.

What happens if attendees join their scheduled Zoom session but it does not work? 

Zoom is a reliable and stable platform, however, there are times when technical issues may occur for Class Leaders and/or attendees leading to a delayed start or possibly suspension of a scheduled session. Not to worry, in the rare event that a technical issue occurs, we will email each parent a link to a recorded Zoom session that contains the content for that day and photo challenge information. If you do not receive an email within 2 hours of your session start time, please contact us. Class leaders will also spend a few minutes in the subsequent session to ensure attendees are all up to speed on the content.

I’m trying to ensure myself or my child is safe and practicing social distancing, will they be required to interact with anyone else?

We have built our online classes to be completely compatible with social distancing protocols for the safety of you, your children, and our community. Zoom sessions happen in the home and all photo challenges can be completed at home or in your backyard. There is an opportunity for attendees to go to a local park with supervision or permission, but it is not mandatory. 

How are instructors vetted? 

We take the quality of our programming seriously and strive to create a nurturing, safe and enjoyable experience for attendees. All instructors who are selected to lead programming are experienced photographers with experience working with small groups and youth. We conduct RCMP criminal record checks on all instructor candidates and train instructors to understand the ethical and legal standards of online and offline communication with youth.

How does scheduling work for the 1 on 1 Coaching sessions?

Once you have purchased a session you will receive a link to book your session with your chosen Coach within 48 hours.

How does the 1-on-1 Coaching differ from the Photo Challenge Mentorship Program?

The Photo Challenge Mentorship Program is offered only to our alumni of our regular courses offered, it is done in a group setting instead of a 1 on 1. Lastly, the Photo Challenge Mentorship Program is catered to getting feedback on images submitted for the Program whereas the 1-on-1 Coaching is more open to learning pathways catered to your specific interests.

What does a 1 on 1 Coaching session entail?
Once you purchase a session you will receive a survey to fill out asking what it is you would like to cover during your session. This will help prepare your Coach for that session. Once you join your Coach will answer those questions and you will work collaboratively to create a flexible, unique, and exciting learning pathway catered to your specific interests. 

 

What kind of equipment is needed for the Intro to Video course? 

Students are welcome to use any kind of camera that can record video. This may be a DSLR, Mirrorless, Digital, or even a phone camera. Students will also need access to a device used for editing videos, such as a laptop, PC, or tablet. This course does not require the purchase of any additional equipment or software. 

What level of experience is the Intro to Video course? 

This video based course is introductory level, suited to those who are starting to explore the world of video and content creation. It is focused on solidifying the basic process of organizing, filming, and editing your first videos. If you have a DSLR or Mirrorless camera, and would like more in depth learning about the camera itself, we recommend taking the Photo Foundations or Beyond the Basics courses first.