There certainly is no shortage of training materials available for learning photography. Just do a keyword search on Amazon and you’ll unleash a torrent of books to help you along the way from Humble Beginner to Rock Star Pro. If you’re like me, you probably have amassed a reference library that’s spilling out of the bookcase onto the studio floor. It’s the same with DVD’s. Seems like everyone who is anyone is releasing a DVD, and many of them are very good; Zack Arias,Joey L. (Don’t bother with the first one. It was crap) or Vincent Versace, for those photographers not of the faint of heart. Then, there online resources like Kelby Training or Chase Jarvis’ new CreativeLIVE. The point is, there are a ton of resources out there, so why am I compelled to throw one more onto the stack? Two reasons. One, because you’ve probably never heard of the amazing photographer that created it. And two, because it’s one of the best sets of photography training DVD’s that I’ve ever seen. Check out the review and leave a comment for a chance at winning a copy of the THREE DVD SET, courtesy of Karl Taylor.
Hits:
- Incredibly comprehensive training package
- Concepts are presented clearly and thoroughly
- Production value is superb
- Support forums and FREE supplemental training
Misses:
- There weren’t more DVD’s to watch!
Rating:
Overview
One of the first things you will notice about the Karl Taylor Photography Masterclass is the fantastic production quality. From the printed Introduction To Photography quick reference guide included with Disc One, to the DVD menus, to the locations and quality of the actual video, it’s all top notch. It’s no wonder. Karl and his team spent 18 months designing, writing and producing this training series. The other thing you’ll notice straight away is Karl Taylor himself. Karl is a wonderfully talented photographer who absolutely loves what he does, and it shows. His passion for art, as well as his technical knowledge of photography have allowed him to create a package that presents material that is sometimes daunting for the beginner in a straightforward manner, with each lesson building on the last. Enthusiasts and advanced amateurs will love topics like using filters, outdoor portraits, remote capture and how to get great action shots.
The set begins by teaching how to get your camera out of program and into manual mode by understanding six essential requirements to record a photographic image: light, optics, subject, aperture, medium and time. Karl sees these as the building blocks of photography and a thorough understanding of them will allow you to produce higher quality images under a variety of conditions. From these building blocks, Karl takes the viewer through landscapes, macro photography, using filters, shooting fashion, portraiture and much more. Concepts and techniques throughout the Masterclass are explained within the context of a shoot, either in the studio or on location, which allows the viewer to see the techniques in action. Speaking of locations, Karl and his team present the series in fantastic locations, from shooting fashion and night shots in Paris, to shooting landscapes and actually “painting with light” on some gorgeous rocky coastlines in England. Karl does a brilliant job, both as host and instructor, making the viewer feel as if we are part of the shoot, rather than merely an observer. We are allowed to be a part of scouting, gear setup, and capturing the images as well as the theory behind it. In addition to the DVD training, Karl Taylor offers a free 14 session Photography Micro Course, as well as more than a dozen video tutorials that cover things not found on the DVD’s.
I’ve watched these DVD’s several times now and find that each time, I catch something I missed the last time through. There is simply so much information in this series that I can’t possibly go through it all, so I encourage you to check out the video previews of each DVD below. I think you’ll agree that Karl Taylor has created a fantastic training program and a valuable addition to your reference library.
Introduction to Digital Photography
An in-depth step by step approach to getting started in SLR photography. Master your camera in manual mode for full creative control. Learn about lenses, depth of field and shutter speeds. Follow Karl as he captures stunning landscape images and demonstrates the techniques step by step.
Topics include:
- Using Your Camera In Manual Mode
- Creative Composition
- Understanding Light
- Apertures & Shutter Speeds
- Optics, Lenses & Focus
Travel & Landscape Photography
In this exciting program Karl Taylor takes you on an incredible photographic tour of Paris and shows you the techniques applied to capture stunning travel images. Karl also goes head to head with international award winning landscape photographer Nick Després in a landscape shootout that shows you step by step techniques for capturing breathtaking images.
Just some of what you will learn:
- Neutral Density & Graduated Filters
- Waiting For The Right Light
- Long Exposures
- Photojournalistic Style
Advanced Digital SLR Photography
See step by step how to paint a night scene with light on a 20 minute exposure. Learn the skills of working with models and using flash and reflectors in the day. Watch as Karl gives you his top tips for action shots and gives you an insight into essential pro equipment for Macro, Remote Capture and much, much more.
Explore techniques like:
- Painting With Light
- Macro Photography
- Nightscapes & Light Trails
- Outdoor Natural Portraits
- Essential Gear For Amateurs & Pros
Plus, in addition to the three DVD set, you’ll also get a FREE 14 lesson Photography Tips Micro Course AND 13 video tutorials delivered right to your inbox.
Sample Images
Conclusion
As I stated at the top of the review, I’ve seen a lot of training DVD’s and Karl Taylor’s Photography Masterclass is definitely very near the top. The wide variety of topics and techniques in this 3 DVD set are not only inspiring, but are explained thoroughly and are easily applicable either in the studio or on location. The material is presented in a way that is not intimidating for the beginner or novice user, while also offering tips and insights for the more experienced photographer. Add to that the additional FREE Micro Course and the bonus video tutorials and you’ve got a set of tools whose benefits far and away exceed the cost of entry (less than $100 for all 3 DVD’s). I have no doubt that virtually anyone who watches these DVD’s and applies what they learn in their own photography will see a dramatic improvement in the quality of their photographs, both technically and artistically.
WIN THE SET!
Take a look at the previews above and let us know what you think. Leave a comment by midnight, August 15, 2010 for a chance to win the entire 3 DVD Karl Taylor Photography Masterclass. Our lawyer says you must live in the US or Canada to win.
LINKS
Karl Taylor Photography Masterclass
