Post processing comes with a number of myths deeply ingrained in the minds of many photo-enthusiasts. To debunk them, you need to keep in mind the following:

1. Processing is an integral aspect of photography. Even in the days of film photography, a lot of time and attention was put in to skillfully post process pictures in dark rooms with chemicals. From Ansel Adam to Jerry Uelsman– masters of a bygone era have dodged and burned, sliced and diced to create composites.
2. Please stop considering what your camera captures as – Photography. It’s not. Camera is a device that records data. You should still do as much possible in-camera; However, even the best cameras are nowhere close to offering the dynamic range that a human eye has. This fundamental fact should be enough for you to realize that there are many situations where camera will get fooled by the light.
   

   One question an amateur photographer often asks is—“Why can’t I just point my camera at what I am seeing, shoot that and get the same result?” Understanding exactly why you can’t, is the key to become a better photographer.

3. Our eyes can look at a scene and dynamically adjust our vision based on the subject. The amount of pupil dilation makes sure we get the right amount of light that helps us to see things as they really are. Eyes can compensate as we focus on regions of varying brightness and can look around to get the broader or narrow angle of view or even focus on objects at a variety of distance. Cameras don’t have that ability. Best of the cameras have a Dynamic Range of up to 15, whereas human eyes have a range of up to 25. This should tell you that photography is not what camera records. Image correction, contrast adjustment, color management, white balance, etc. form a part of post-processing.
4. What most amateurs don’t know is that when you shoot an image in “AUTO” mode or select any “SCENE” setting, even camera post-processes that image “in-camera” by deciding to use smart settings. What professional photographers do is—instead of letting camera decide what it should process and how, they shoot in RAW (flat file) format and retain all the relevant details to manually adjust the image later.
5. Processing allows you to create a visual experience which lets you relive your memories. Landscape photography requires the most technical and advanced level of post processing skills. It aims to amaze one in every attempt. It should transport viewers to the place you shot the image at and help them experience the destination without even moving a muscle. It’s the manifestation of what you saw and what a dream is like. A cross over.

Read on and see if this sounds familiar…

You buy a shiny new DSLR with all your hard earned money.

You read free articles and blogs, you watch youtube videos, you read the camera manual.

You attend a workshop to learn the basics of photography. Even post-processing.

You think you’re now ready to click the pictures that will blow everyone’s minds off.

You go out on that wildlife safari, or that exotic location, and you shoot 300 frames.

But when you transfer the pictures onto your laptop—you feel like trashing them all. Results are nothing like what you had thought or visualized. You don’t like the composition, you’ve forgotten all the basics, and you’ve missed the timing because you were struggling with the camera setting.

… Does this sound familiar?

Problem is not in your camera, or the basic course you attended, or the techniques you learned. Challenge really is—how do you put it ALL together when you’re out on the field shooting? How can you create those images that you can be deeply satisfied and proud of?

How do you check the light? What camera settings should you use? What focus system and metering mode do you need for landscape, versus wildlife, versus portraits? Why does a professional photographer get those delicious bokeh and shallow depth of field, and you don’t? If composition is the king, can it be taught or do you have to have an inherent “eye” for it?

Bad results lead to self doubts, it leads to blaming your camera or lens, you blame it on the lack of your understanding of post-processing. And all this leads to falling out of love from a hobby that you were so passionate about. These are the days when you’re distracted and can’t focus. Days when you are one photograph away from announcing that you don’t want to do any photography again. Days when you think of putting your camera and lens on OLX or Quickr 🙂

If this sounds familiar, here’s what we think can help.

Imagine working with a mentor who works with you at a personal level. Someone who commits to understand the mistakes you’re making in photography. Someone who walks you through, and then hand holds you as you start to walk.

We are talking of a controlled environment where you don’t just learn theory in a class or practice the theory you’ve learned in some city park or hotel garden, but you actually get to shoot what you WANT to shoot. We are talking about taking you to a national park near you, a landscape hotspot in your city, or a birding lake within your reach. We are talking about theories (and No, not shutter speed and ISO and Aperture), and we talking about post-processing. And we are talking about doing this over and over, AND over again till you get tired, but have a broad smile of confidence.

Yes we are talking about a BOOT CAMP. And true to the spirit of any boot camp, these programs are designed to strengthen your technical knowledge AND your creativity for stronger composition and execution.

So what boot camp will do for you?

First—It will put everything in perspective. And truly everything. From giving the basic steps, to making things easy, to visualizing, composing and creating—all in live conditions.

Second—focus on SIMPLICITY. Simplicity is the secret. And it works. It will allow you to take a deep breath and give you a sense of focus. Focus in creating awesome photographs. It will ALSO teach you to not be everywhere.

Although boot camp is simple, it delivers results. It’s not just basic. It is basic++. It works on the foundations you already have and then it builds. It has one goal, and one goal only—To make you a better photographer. Holistically. Completely.

Boot camp is for someone who wants to jump on a scale of 0 (Lowest) to 10 (highest), from 2.5 to 6. This is all of the training, support and advice you’ll ever need.

Our boot camps are two day programs with or without accommodation, during which time we aim to provide as much learning as we possibly can in the chosen location. Its not just mastering the hardware and working with software, learning with us is all about how do you start thinking like a master story teller, illuminate those portraits, craft and control the light, visualize in color and perfect every frame.

Fee & Terms

• INR 10,500/- per person
• Includes lunch & coffee/tea
• Includes travel to Lepakshi and back to GoodShotz office
• Does NOT include accommodation in Bangalore
• Does NOT include anything which is not mentioned
• Please carry your camera, eqipment, and laptop loaded with Adobe Photoshop for the practice sessions
• To conduct this workshop, we require at least 8 participants. The boot camp can be rescheduled in case the requirement is not met.
• Fee is inclusive of GST and is the final amount to be paid.

Cancellation and refund

• Full refund if cancellation is made 60 days before the event.
• 50% if cancelled between 30-60 days of the event.
• No refund if cancelled within 30 days of the event.

Please note: The date of written (e-mail) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees