I teach photography lessons in Wilmington, Delaware, primarily at the Delaware Art Museum but also privately.
Private Lessons
Subject matter is up to the student. Usually students just want to know how to operate their cameras, but some are interested in how to take better photos, how to keep track of all their photos, or how to do post-processing with Lightroom or Photoshop software.
In general, lessons are here in Arden, Delaware. We can meet elsewhere, but I usually charge for my travel time unless we meet close by, say at a library or coffee shop. Click here to contact me. My rates are $45/hour, for one person or many. Most students come for one session and a few students return more often. Sometimes people give my photography lessons as gifts. Once a student signed up for ten lessons and got their employer to pay for the training.
Visit the Delaware Art Museum website to learn more about the classes and workshops I teach there. I am scheduled to teach a 10-week photography course at the Delaware Art Museum on Tuesday evenings, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., beginning September 13, 2022.
For details and to register for classes at the Delaware Art Museum, visit the museum’s website or call the museum at 302 571-9590.
Samples of my students’ work, 2012 to present
COVID-19 UPDATE: Fully-vaccinated and boosted, I am once again teaching in-person classes at the Delaware Art Museum and privately. I also offer private lessons via video. Contact me to learn more!
Course Description
The photo course taught by Danny Schweers focuses on camera mechanics and photographic aesthetics. That is, students learn how to set the camera’s many shooting options and how to create engaging images.
One goal of the course is to put the student in control of the camera instead of shooting in automatic modes. Homework assignments are given out, and part of every class includes a review of student images.
In particular, students will learn how to vary their camera’s sensitivity to light, shutter speed, aperture, and white balance. They will learn how to control where the camera focuses. In the process, they will learn how to control noise in their images, motion blur, focus blur, and color cast. As well, students will be taught basic camera setup so that their cameras produce the highest quality images.
At the conclusion of this course, students will be better able to use the camera as an extension of their eyes, so what they see or want to express can be preserved and shared as photographs.
Class Requirements
Camera, Spare Battery
Students should have a good digital SLR camera or mirrorless camera. Camera phones and point-and-shoot cameras are not good enough for this class. Students need cameras that allow them to easily change ISO, shutter speed, aperture, focus, and white balance. Students should have an extra battery or arrive at class with their one battery fully charged. Click here to see some acceptable yet affordable cameras as of 2022.
Homework
Students leave class with the expectation they will practice what they have learned for at least half an hour before the next class, where their homework photos will be reviews.
Delaware Art Museum
Typical Class
Digital Photography
Tuesdays
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Beginning/Beyond Beginner
(10 students, max)
Students will develop fundamental technical skills for digital cameras. Basics such as how to determine a proper exposure, use of depth of field, and what goes into a well-composed image will be covered.
Supplies: A good SLR or mirrorless digital camera. No smart phones or point-and-shoot cameras, please. If in doubt, please contact me. See below for details on recommended affordable cameras.
Recommended Affordable Cameras
To see all Danny’s posts about taking better photos, click here.