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þ                 Customized Classes & Private Lessons

þ                 Student Testimonials

þ                 *new*Photo Tips from our eNewsletter Archive

þ                 Upcoming Classes and Workshops

·         January 7, 2012 High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography at the Franciscan Monastery, Washington DC *Saturday workshop*

·         January 14-15, 2012 Introduction to Digital Photography (weekend immersion format) Brambleton (Ashburn), VA

·         January 21, 2012 Abstract Light Painting Photography Workshop,
Herndon, VA *Saturday afternoon workshop*

·         February 11-12, 2012  Introduction to Digital Photography (weekend immersion format) Herndon, VA

·         February 25-26, 2012 Painterly Still Life Photography, Herndon, VA (weekend session)

·         April 30 - May 6, 2012 Travel Photography on the French Riviera (week-long workshop)

·         October 28 - November 3, 2012 Fall Color in California's Wine Country (week-long workshop)

 

Customized Classes

Customized Private Lessons Available year-round


Sample Rates:

$65 per hour, 2 hour minimum

2 hours (one person) $130

2 hours (two people) $170

Discount Packages:

5 hours (one person) $240

5 hours (two people) $330

10 hours (one person) $450

10 hours (two people) $600

Packages can be used over time over the course of a one year period. 
Typical suggested session length is 2 to 2.5 hours in duration.

Click here to purchase private lessons now (Note a new window will open)

Please note private lesson availability is greatest weekdays during business hours.
Some night sessions may be available, but weekend sessions are
very limited due to our show and workshop schedule.

If you are interested in customized classes or field trips for your group,
please contact us at (571) 594-2390 to discuss your requirements.
Customized classes can be conducted at our studio in Northern Virginia,
at your home or office, or at an agreed 3rd party location.
If not at our studio, a travel fee of 75 cents per mile plus tolls and parking applies.

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Student Testimonials

Here is some of the feedback we’re received about our classes:

  • “Mary Louise has incredible knowledge and delivers it clearly, concisely and in a manner that’s easy to understand.” – Esther H.
  • “Examples were focused and illustrated technical info nicely.” – Kerry C.
  • “Well presented for understanding.” – Sharon S.
  • “Instructor was personable and enthusiastic” – Kerry C.
  • “Dispels a lot of mysteries” – Anne B.
  • “Very informative, I learned a lot about my digital camera” – Carolyn L.
  • “Mary Louise could talk based on extensive experience as a professional photographer.” – David B.
  • “One of my concerns was that a good photographer might not necessarily be a good teacher.  Not a concern here!! – Zoe S.
  • “Loved it! She makes it exciting and fun.” – Esther H.
  • “Mary Louise was well prepared, informative and willing to make sure you understood” – Joyce C.
  • “Each week I discovered something new about my camera that I didn’t know about before” – Kim R.
  • “Mary Louise shares her experience and tips” – Michelle M.

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Archive of Photo Tips from our eNewsletter

Here are some of our photo tips from our past eNewsletters.  Click on the links below to view each tip in a new window.

 

      Gearing up for cold weather photography (from the January 2010 eNewsletter)

      Getting better flash photography results (from the December 2011 eNewsletter)

      Gifts for the photography hobbyist (from the December 2009 eNewsletter)

      Photo gear for the savvy traveler (from the January 2011 eNewsletter)

      When is the "golden time" to photograph (from the June 2010 eNewsletter)

      Getting your colors right (Part 1) (from the May 2010 eNewsletter)

      Keeping gear dry in the rain (from the April 2010 eNewsletter)

      Using Teleconverters to stretch the reach of your lens, and wallet! (from the November 2009 eNewsletter)

      When and how to use a Circular Polarizing Fillter (from the October 2009 eNewsletter)

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Abstract Light Painting Photography
with instructor Mary Louise Ravese

Date: Saturday January 21, 2012

Time: 1:00 – 5:00 pm

Tuition:
Early Bird Discount: $89 if registered by January 7, 2012, arly Bird Discount:  $125 if registered after January 7, 2012
 

Location: ArtSpace, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA Participants meet on site. 
Located 30 min west of
Washington DC and 10 min east of Dulles Airport (IAD).

Click here to see location on map


Workshop Description:

Photo by student Allen Hart

Are you ready to take your photography to the next level? Some creative photography techniques may be just what you need to unleash your inner artist.

In this evening workshop we will explore making long exposure photographs using a variety of moving light sources as our subject matter.  The resulting images are abstract, glowing wonders, each one a unique piece of artwork.

This class is ideal for the intermediate photographer, graduates of an “Intro to Digital Photography”  class, or those with equivalent experience who are comfortable with adjusting the settings on their camera.

Since images require a certain amount of trial and error experimentation, a digital camera (dSLR or point-n-shoot) is best suited for this class.  Students should also have a tripod.  Suggested equipment list will be provided upon registration. 

Escape the mundane, having fun is guaranteed!

 

 

To register  Click here to register online (will open registration form in a new window)

Questions? Please call Mary Louise at (571) 594-2390, or
email the  instructor
Mary Louise Ravese

If you are interested in this workshop, but can’t make the date/time, please email us.  We will add you to our mailing list for future sessions of this class.

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High Dynamic Range HDR Photography
at the Franciscan Monastery
with instructor Mary Louise Ravese

Date: Saturday, January 7, 2012

Time: 9:30 am - 4 pm

Tuition:
Early Bird Discount: $159 if registered by 12/17/2011, arly Bird Discount:  $189 if registered after 12/17/2011
 

Location: 1400 Quincy Street Northeast Washington, DC 20017 Participants meet on site. 
 Click here to see location on map


Workshop Description:

While the capabilities of digital cameras have greatly improved since their first arrival in the market, they still do not have the dynamic range of the human eye to see detail in both shadows and highlights at the same time. High Dynamic Range aka HDR Photography technique involves a combination of in camera and in computer image processing to produce a single image that has a greater dynamic range of tones from dark to light than could otherwise be made in a single frame using digital cameras available today. So, using HDR techniques a photographer can use multiple camera frames to create an image that is a better representation of what we see with our eyes. Of course, this technique also can be used beyond the bounds of reality to create other worldly images often called the grunge look, but that is not my aim in this workshop.

HDR is a fundamental technique that all intermediate photographers should know to be able to achieve better photographs in situations where there is a broad scene brightness range e.g. interior spaces with windows, mid-day photographs outdoors, canyons, night scenes with artificial lights, etc.

In this workshop I will teach participants how to create a series of differently exposed images of the scene in their camera. For subject matter we will use the beautiful Byzantine architecture of the Memorial Church of the Holy Sepulchre and cloister at the Franciscan Monastery in Northeast Washington DC.  The Monastery was designated as a National Historic Site in 1991 and offers wonderful opportunities to capture interesting architectural details.

·         View of the alter and ceiling

·         View of the exterior cloister

As part of the workshop I will demonstrate how multiple images can be merged and tone mapped using the leading HDR software package, Photomatix. Students will have the opportunity to process their own HDR images on their own laptops with my help and guidance.

Students are not required to purchase the Photomatix software, but it is recommended they download a free trial for processing their images during the workshop. If they decide they would like to purchase the software they can do so with a 15% discount.

 

This class is ideal for the intermediate photographer, graduates of an “Intro to Digital Photography”  class, or those with equivalent experience who are comfortable with adjusting the settings on their camera. Students should already be familiar with shooting in Aperture Priority Mode on their camera. Tripods are required, cable release / shutter remote controls are recommended. Students should have a laptop in order to process their own images during the workshop (otherwise they can take notes for processing on their desktops at home)

Students can bring a bagged lunch to eat in the classroom. Additional suggested equipment list and directions to the classroom location to be furnished upon registration.

To register  Click here to register online (will open registration form in a new window)

Questions? Please call Mary Louise at (571) 594-2390, or
email the  instructor
Mary Louise Ravese

If you are interested in this workshop, but can’t make the date/time, please email us.  We will add you to our mailing list for future sessions of this class.

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Introduction to Digital Photography
(weekend immersion format)
with instructor Mary Louise Ravese

Date: Saturday January 14 and Sunday January 15, 2012
Time:
9:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday (includes working lunch break, lunch not included (bring lunch or purchase at nearby eatery)

1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Sunday


Tuition:

Early Bird Discount: $199 if registered by Jan 4, 2012 arly Bird Discount: Januotography$245 if registered after Jan 4, 2012
Multiple participants registering at the same time qualify for a discount: $150 per additional participant if registered by Jan 4, 2012, $195 if registered after Jan 4, 2012
Student Rate (age 16+): $179 (please send copy of valid student id with registration form)
Additional $10 discount available for previous Bella Vista Photography students

Does not include lodging or transportation. Participants meet on site. Lodging recommendations and suggested equipment list will be provided upon registration.

Location: Brambleton Community Center, Brambleton (Ashburn), VA


To register:
Click here to REGISTER ONLINE NOW (note a new window will open)

Questions? Please call Mary Louise at (571) 594-2390, or
email the instructor
Mary Louise Ravese

If you are interested in this workshop, but can’t make the date/time, please email us. We will add you to our mailing list for future sessions of this class.

Workshop Description:

In this weekend immersion class participants will learn how to take greater control of their photography and expand their skills beyond the use of their cameras' automatic/program modes to realize their creative vision.

Key topics address photography core concepts as well as knowledge of the digital camera and related equipment, including:

 

  • Exposure components: aperture (f/stop), shutter speed, ISO
    • How each component works
    • Image impact from changing each component
    • The interrelationship between the components
  • Using camera feedback mechanisms to determine appropriate image exposure
    • Metering modes, interpreting light meter readings
    • Histogram analysis
    • Setting exposure compensation
  • The step-by-step how-to involved in taking digital photographs
  • “Depth of field” – what it is and the multiple factors that impact it
  • Photographing moving subjects
  • Image Noise – what causes it, and how to minimize noise
  • File format pros/cons e.g. when to use RAW versus jpeg
  • Understanding the difference between digital media options and what to choose for your purpose
  • Camera menu settings, what to set and when
  • “White balance” – what it is and how to set it to get appropriate picture color
  • Lens focal length – what lens is needed to achieve different looks
  • Understanding what equipment and accessories are “must have”s and “nice to have”s for a variety of popular types of subject matter including nature, wildlife, and travel, as well as what features to look for when purchasing these items
  • Traveling with photography equipment

In addition to classroom learning, participants will have the opportunity to practice what they've learned by photographing indoors.

While many of the features and concepts discussed are relevant to all digital cameras including point-and-shoot cameras, more advanced subjects will be applicable only to digital
SLR cameras.

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Introduction to Digital Photography
(weekend immersion format)
with instructor Mary Louise Ravese

Date: Saturday February 11 and Sunday February 12, 2012
Time:
9:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday (includes working lunch break, lunch not included (bring lunch or purchase at nearby eatery)

1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Sunday


Tuition:

Early Bird Discount: $199 if registered by Jan 30, 2012, arly Bird Discount: Januotography$245 if registered after Jan 30, 2012
Student Rate (age 16+): $179 (please send copy of valid student id with registration form)
Additional $10 discount available for previous Bella Vista Photography students

Does not include lodging or transportation. Participants meet on site. Lodging recommendations and suggested equipment list will be provided upon registration.

Location: ArtSpace, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA


To register:
Click here to REGISTER ONLINE NOW (note a new window will open)

Questions? Please call Mary Louise at (571) 594-2390, or
email the instructor
Mary Louise Ravese

If you are interested in this workshop, but can’t make the date/time, please email us. We will add you to our mailing list for future sessions of this class.

Workshop Description:

In this weekend immersion class participants will learn how to take greater control of their photography and expand their skills beyond the use of their cameras' automatic/program modes to realize their creative vision.

Key topics address photography core concepts as well as knowledge of the digital camera and related equipment, including:

 

  • Exposure components: aperture (f/stop), shutter speed, ISO
    • How each component works
    • Image impact from changing each component
    • The interrelationship between the components
  • Using camera feedback mechanisms to determine appropriate image exposure
    • Metering modes, interpreting light meter readings
    • Histogram analysis
    • Setting exposure compensation
  • The step-by-step how-to involved in taking digital photographs
  • “Depth of field” – what it is and the multiple factors that impact it
  • Photographing moving subjects
  • Image Noise – what causes it, and how to minimize noise
  • File format pros/cons e.g. when to use RAW versus jpeg
  • Understanding the difference between digital media options and what to choose for your purpose
  • Camera menu settings, what to set and when
  • “White balance” – what it is and how to set it to get appropriate picture color
  • Lens focal length – what lens is needed to achieve different looks
  • Understanding what equipment and accessories are “must have”s and “nice to have”s for a variety of popular types of subject matter including nature, wildlife, and travel, as well as what features to look for when purchasing these items
  • Traveling with photography equipment

In addition to classroom learning, participants will have the opportunity to practice what they've learned by photographing indoors.

While many of the features and concepts discussed are relevant to all digital cameras including point-and-shoot cameras, more advanced subjects will be applicable only to digital
SLR cameras.

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“Painterly” Still Life Photography Workshop
with instructor Mary Louise Ravese and guest speaker Trisha Adams

Date: Saturday February 25 and Sunday February 26, 2012


Time:
9:00 am – 4:00 pm each day (includes working lunch break, lunch not included (bring lunch or purchase at nearby eatery)

Location: ArtSpace, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA.  Students meet on location.


Tuition:
$285 (register by February 10, 2012), or $315 (register after February 10, 2012, registrations accepted until full)

Registration

Click here to register (New window will open)

Questions? Please call Mary Louise at (571) 594-2390, or
email the instructor
Mary Louise Ravese

If you are interested in this workshop, but can’t make the date/time, please email us. We will add you to our mailing list for future sessions of this class.

Workshop Description:

This workshop is an abbreviated version of our "Painterly" Flower Photography workshop.

Still Life at Flower Camp by Mary Louise RaveseIn this workshop I will teach a variety of techniques for capturing the look of paintings in both style and composition with your camera, not your computer. A unique aspect of this workshop is that we will have a painter as guest speaker. On Saturday contemporary impressionist painter, Trisha Adams will discuss how she approaches and stages still life compositions. With Trisha’s guidance we will be staging and photographing different still life setups. This brings a different perspective that is beneficial to developing a “photographer’s eye” for composition, lighting and use of color and props.

On Saturday students will pair up in teams of 2 to create still life setups using a combination of props provided by the instructors and supplied by the students.

On Sunday we will continue photographing using other techniques that yield painterly results. This time working with the reflection of different subjects in textured glass, mirror and flexible mylar sheets.

Finally we will wrap up with Mary Louise leading a review and feedback session on a sampling of student images photographed over the two days.

This workshop is suited to the intermediate photographer or graduates of our “Introduction to Digital Photography” workshop or similar programs. Digital SLR cameras and tripods are strongly recommended.

Travel

Herndon, VA is approximately a 40 min. drive from Washington DC

For those who choose not to drive from out of state, the closest airport is:

  • Dulles International Airport (IAD) a 10 min drive away

 

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"Travel Photography on the French Riviera" Photography Workshop
with instructor Mary Louise Ravese and assistant Trisha Adams

Dates: Monday April 30 - Sunday May 6, 2012

Location: La Napoule (west of Cannes), France


$2,675
based on double occupancy (Early Registration by February 14, 2012)
Pay in full by January 15, 2012 and save an extra $50: $2,625 based on double occupancy

$2,895 based on double occupancy (Registration after February 14, 2012)

$1,795 Travel companions who are not participating in the photography program. Companions share a room with the photography participant.

Some Single Rooms are available for an additional $300 charge.

A non-refundable $500 deposit check is due at the time of registration. The remaining balance is due by March 1, 2012.

Click here to Register (opens in a new window)

Workshop Description:

Click here to download the workshop color brochure (opens in a new window)

Come explore the French Riviera with acclaimed photographer Mary Louise Ravese.  A resident of Nice for five years, Mary Louise takes you on the insider's tour of the Côte d’Azur, the blue coast.

It's no wonder this exciting region of France has been popular with aristocracy and artists alike.  Journey to the places that inspired such masters as Monet, Renoir, Matisse, Chagall, Picasso and more. Cannes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Éze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Nice and Monaco are some of the stunning locations you may explore.

During the workshop, Mary Louise will help you capture the distinctiveness and vitality of these locations with your camera. Learn how to shoot like a travel photographer capturing the grand vistas, the quiet back street scenes, the glamour of the nightlife and the sweet moments of real life that collectively convey a sense of this beautiful corner of the world.

A variety of photographic opportunities await you:

      magnificent views overlooking the sea

      colorful fishing boats adorning the turquoise blue waters

      medieval perched villages cascading with red tile roofs

      narrow cobblestone streets flanked by colorful buildings and charming storefronts

      lively street markets with fruits, vegetables and flowers from the local farms

      grand castles with exquisite gardens

      chic boulevards lined with designer boutiques 

Expand your photographic knowledge and skill through insightful classroom lectures, daily hands-on photo shoots on location and supportive image feedback sessions enabling you to improve your picture-making throughout the week. 

Learn how to structure your shooting to create a coffee table book. Your efforts will result in a collaborative photo book of the French Riviera, a copy of which will be yours as a treasured reminder of our journey together.

Photographers of all skills levels are welcome.  Participants should be familiar with basic camera operation, including the setting of aperture, shutter speed and ISO.  Participants are welcome to bring their laptop with image editing software to facilitate sharing of images for feedback sessions and contributing to the book project.

Companions not participating in the workshop program are welcome to come at a special rate.

Workshop fee includes:

      daily photography sessions

      group instruction and one-on-one guidance and tips

      group critiques and discussion

      group transportation to/from Nice Airport

      transportation for photography participants to shooting locations

      comfortable accommodations

      daily continental breakfast

      Chef-prepared dinners

      one complementary copy of the workshop's photo book for each photographer

      some free time has been scheduled into the itinerary to enable participants to pursue their own interests

Not included:

      airfare

      lunches

      alcoholic beverages

      phone calls

      souvenirs and other incidentals

      refundable room key deposit

      gratuities

Workshop participants stay in the Villa Marguerite, a sunny Belle Époque residence set amongst orange and lemon trees facing the Mediterranean Sea.  The villa is part of the estate of the Chateau de La Napoule, west of Cannes.

Classroom sessions will be held in the Villa and Chateau. 

Please do not book your non-refundable airfare to Nice International Airport until notified by the workshop coordinator.

Questions? Contact Trisha Adams, Workshop Coordinator (540) 454-5922 (EST) or email her

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Fall Color in California's Wine Country Photography Workshop
with instructors Charles Needle and Mary Louise Ravese

Dates: Sunday October 28 - Saturday November 3, 2012

Location: Napa and Sonoma Valleys, California


$1,775
(Early Registration by July 1, 2012)

$1,875 (Registration after July 1, 2012)

A $775 deposit check is due at the time of registration. The remaining balance is due by Sept 28, 2012.

To register, please send a deposit check payable to:

“Charles Needle Photography”

211 Kirkland Ave, Suite 503,

Kirkland, WA 98033

 

When registering, please include your email address.  Prepaid fees are refundable, minus a $295 processing fee.  We apologize, no refunds after September 28, 2012.

 

Lodging, ground transportation, lunch & dinner are not included.  A block of hotel rooms is being held for the group, details upon registration.

Workshop Description:

Click here to download the workshop color brochure

Autumn transforms California’s wine country with the striking pattern of hillsides covered with vineyard rows resplendent in shades of gold and red.  Join acclaimed photographers Charles Needle and Mary Louise Ravese in a weeklong workshop exploring the renowned Napa and Sonoma valleys during this Fall color display.

Excite your senses with an itinerary that will satisfy your visual and creative interests, your appetite for gourmet cuisine and your thirst for some of the best wines in the world.

Your instructors, Charles and Mary Louise, are both professional photographers and experienced instructors who offer lots of practical tips and guidance in the field and classroom. Our low 6:1 student to instructor ratio is ideal for maximizing your learning experience.

Unique shooting opportunities await you:

·         Exclusive access to private vineyards/wineries

·         Peak fall color when vines are golden & red

·         Private "lifestyle" shoot with the stylist for a Food Network celebrity-chef

·         Private hot-air balloon excursion for stunning aerial photography (optional)

·         A wide variety of images are possible - from landscapes and close-ups to architecture, still life and creative images

·         Expand your skills by learning how to create striking abstract, Impressionistic & HDR images

In addition to our time in the field photographing, throughout the week there will be lectures, assignments and supportive image feedback sessions, so you can improve your picture-making along the way.

Who should attend:

All skill levels are welcome.  Participants must be familiar with basic camera operation, including the setting

of aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Some experience with image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop,

Lightroom or Photoshop Elements is advisable. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop running the latest version of their image editing software.

Getting There:

San Francisco (SFO), Oakland  (OAK) and Sacramento (SMF) airports are all approximately 1 hour drive from Napa.

 

Please do not book your non-refundable airfare until after July 30, 2012.

Questions? Contact us at:

·         Charles (West Coast): (425) 968-2884

·         Mary Louise (East Coast): (571) 594-2390

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All images on this web site are owned by Mary Louise Ravese and protected by copyright law.
Use of these images for personal or commercial purposes without
the express written permission of Ms. Ravese is strictly prohibited.

This page last updated 12/6/2011