With each step, from image capture, through post production, to presentation, I'm all about teaching photography fundamentals and best practices. - Gary Ray Rush
NEW WORKSHOP ~ "HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR ARTWORK"
Transform your portfolio and showcase your creations exactly as they were meant to be seen with a masterclass presented by Gary Ray Rush. Designed specifically for visual artists, this step-by-step course eliminates the guesswork of art documentation by teaching you how to master correct exposure, true-to-life colours, and perfect perspective using either your smartphone or a digital camera.
Four - one on one, 2 hour classes
You’ll develop a standardized, repeatable workflow that you can use each and every time you photograph your artwork—giving you the confidence to create consistent, professional-quality images of your work.
CLASS 1 — LIGHTING YOUR ARTWORK
Learn how to set up a suitable space and correctly light artwork for photography. Discover techniques for controlling reflections, shadows and uneven illumination, and learn how to capture accurate, true-to-life colours.
CLASS 2 — CAMERA & PHONE TECHNIQUES
Learn how to take control of your camera or smartphone to produce consistent, high-quality photographs of your artwork. Master exposure, white balance, focus and perspective, then put your skills into practice by photographing multiple artworks.
CLASS 3 — LIGHTROOM WORKFLOW
Learn how to import your photographs into Adobe Lightroom and make precise adjustments to, exposure, colour, contrast and other important image characteristics. Develop a repeatable post-production workflow for preparing your artwork photographs.
CLASS 4 — FILES, EXPORT & COPYRIGHT
Learn the correct file formats, colour settings and export options for prints, publications, websites and screen viewing. Discover how to properly export and rename files, organize your images, and add appropriate copyright and creator information to your photographs.
Classes conducted at my studio or with Zoom meetings or your studio in the GTA.
FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY INTRODUCTION LESSON
One On One, 2 hour class, (Location: 23 Prince Arthur Ave., Yorkville, Toronto, or through a Zoom meeting)
This is a unique opportunity to go over your photographs with photographer, art professional and educator Gary Ray Rush. Your photos are reviewed, your interests, and goals are discussed and then a critique and instruction begins in order to give you the skills you need, to take your photography to the next level.
City Workers by Gary Ray Rush
CAMERA OPERATION Six - one on one, 2 hour classes,((Location: 23 Prince Arthur Ave., Yorkville, )
Camera's can overwhelm you with options and settings that are not easily understood. I will guide you step by step through the important settings and functions of your camera. All the stuff you need to know is covered. You will learn how to control your camera so that you are comfortable and confident using it. I teach DSLRs to Mirrorless to Medium Format, Film Cameras and the latest and greatest cell phone cameras.
Olympus Pen & Colour Chart by Gary Ray Rush
ADOBE LIGHTROOM
Part One: Six - one on one, 2 hour classes,
Part Two: Six - one on one, 2 hour classes,
(Location: 23 Prince Arthur Ave., Yorkville, or through a Zoom meeting)
Adobe Lightroom is a powerful, photographer friendly, all-in-one software, laid out in front of you in an elegant, clean interface. Each Module in Lightroom provides all the tools you need to achieve each task. From organizing your photos in "Library" to improving your images in "Develop" tracking your photographs in "Map", creating a coffee-table Photo Book of your adventures in "Book", setting up a presentation in "Slide Show", or printing anything from post cards to large scale fine-art prints with "Print" its all here.
Part One: focuses on organization your photo files, developing and maximizing the impact of your photos and exporting and printing your photos.
Part Two: focuses on visualizing your photos on a map, utilizing GPS coordinates, presenting themed photos with a slides show, and organizing, writing, designing and publishing a photo-book.
FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY WORKFLOW ADOBE PHOTOSHOP Six - one on one, 2 hour classes, (Location: 23 Prince Arthur Ave., Yorkville, or through a Zoom meeting)
Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard in digital imaging, it's an environment of endless creative possibilities. I teach a workflow that is non-destructive, protecting the information in your digital negative so that your prints can be truly outstanding. Once learnt this workflow is simple and repeatable. I wean photographers off of plug ins, presets and auto settings all of which in the end rob photographers of controlling their creative process and often deteriorate their image files.
Whether you are relatively new to Photoshop or you want to quickly expand your expertise; these one on one lessons teach you what you need to know to achieve your goals with your fine art practice. In order to use Photoshop effectively you must be instructed along the lines of your creative interests.
ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY FROM CAPTURE TO PRINT
Part 1 CAPTURING OUTSTANDING ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHS Six - 2 hour classes, (Location: Toronto)
This workshop provides instruction and demonstration on the skills required to successful capture outstanding architectural photographs of building exteriors and interiors.
I bring thirty years of experience as a professional photographer to these classes.
Subjects include:
- Photo Equipment
- Camera Operation
- Composition
- High Dynamic Range Photography
- Long Exposure Photography
- Architectural Panoramas
You will need a digital camera, tripod, wide angle lens, polarizing filter and neutral density filters. Contact me to go over specific equipment requirements.
Part 2 POST PRODUCTION AND PRINTING OF FINE ART QUALITY ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHS Six - 2 hour classes, (Location: 23 Prince Arthur Ave., Yorkville, Toronto)
This workshop provides instruction and demonstration of the skills needed in post production to produce and print outstanding architectural photographs of building exteriors and interiors. I bring thirty years of experience as a professional photographer to these classes.
Subjects include:
- Working non-destructively in Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop and Adobe Camera Raw
- Architecture Perspective Adjustments
- Adobe Lightroom and Camera Raw Masking
- AI Tools and best practices
- High Dynamic Range Post Production Workflow
- Architectural Panorama Post Production Workflow
- Working with Smart Objects and Layers in Photoshop
- Retouching
- Monitor and Printer Calibration
- Printing Best Practices
You will need an up-to-date computer with the newest versions of Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop and Camera Raw installed.
LONG EXPOSURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKFLOW Two - one on one, 2 hour classes, (This is an outdoor class, held at various Toronto locations)
This workshop provides one on one instruction, demonstration and explanation on the skills required to successful created long exposure photographs. I bring over twenty years of experience as a professional studio photographer. You will need your DSLR camera, wide angle lens and neutral density filters. Contract me to go over more specific equipment requirements.
STUDIO LIGHTING WORKFLOW Six - one on one classes,(Location: 23 Prince Arthur Ave., Yorkville, Toronto)
This workshop provides one on one instruction, demonstration and explanation of the skills required to create compelling photographs in a studio setting. Topics covered include: backdrops, studio lights and modifiers, portrait setups and still-life setups. I bring over twenty years of experience as a professional studio photographer. You will need your DSLR camera and lenses.
Ajay Ramnarine, Karate Black Belt by Gary Ray Rush
NEW WORKSHOP
"The Art of Photographing Dancers"
In this workshop you will be Photographing Internationally Renowned Ballet/Modern Dancers, in a studio setting, using studio lighting. Clear instructions on studio lighting and correct camera settings are provided to the group and then to each individual as needed. You will photograph jumps, actions and poses. All the guidance you will need to successfully capture these world class dancers is provided.
The dancers movements, leading up to each jump, action or pose will be recorded with video by my studio assistant and shared with you.
Date: TBA
Location: TBA
What you need: A DSLR or Mirrorless Camera and a Portrait Lens.
Space: Limited to 4 people. You get lots of attention.
Provided: Wireless transmitters to connect your camera to the studio lights.
Provided: Lunch and refreshments.
CONTACT ME for more info, or to enrol.
TESTIMONIALS
Great class, I learned so much. Wonderful instruction! - Jeff Morris
Thanks again for your help. I enjoy working with you. You have a calm, clear and knowledge based teaching style. Jodi C.
I want to thank you for releasing me into a more creative sphere. The pacing of what you are teaching me is helping me absorb the lessons and put them to use with confidence. Linda Dobbs
"As an instructor for Photographic Fine Art Workflow, Gary is relaxed, personable and knowledgeable. As a photographer with experience in camera function, working in Lightroom & Photoshop and printing photographs, I enjoyed the flexibility he offers with online one-on-one tutoring sessions. There was a structure to the overall 6 week course, but if I had specific questions about my current work, projects and interests we focused on that. There is so much to learn and master in Lightroom and Photoshop. Gary really helped me improve and practice those skills so that I can focus on CREATING. “ - Corin Forrester
Dear Mr. Rush,
"I would like to thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with students like myself. It is not often that a novice gets a chance to learn about the different aspects of photography- language, techniques - from an industry professional in his work environment. By combining theory and practice, using audio-visual aids, and most importantly, creating a student - centred learning environment, you have given me the base from which I can grow as an amateur photographer. I highly recommend these classes to anyone who wishes to learn the basics or improve their skills. Once again, Thank You." Yours truly, Ana A..
"I would like to thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with students like myself. It is not often that a novice gets a chance to learn about the different aspects of photography- language, techniques - from an industry professional in his work environment. By combining theory and practice, using audio-visual aids, and most importantly, creating a student - centred learning environment, you have given me the base from which I can grow as an amateur photographer. I highly recommend these classes to anyone who wishes to learn the basics or improve their skills. Once again, Thank You." Yours truly, Ana A..
"I wish to express my thanks for such an informative and rewarding class. I'm very glad that I chose the one-on-one instruction and I am amazed by your sound knowledge and refined instructive methodology. Without making any assumptions of my understanding, you clearly and precisely defined the language of photography while ensuring that any misconceptions were cleared up and any questions that I had were answered. You married the theoretical with the practical so perfectly, that I am confident that I walked away with the hands-on knowledge and the foundation to immediately apply to my photography needs. I would not hesitate to recommend you and your school to anyone desiring to learn the foundation and application of the art." Regards, S. P. Photographer for an Architectural firm
"Thank you Gary for your ability to remove unnecessary complexities sometimes associated with photography and communicating to us simplistically and yet skillfully the fundamentals of optics and exposure. What I tried to learn in a formal organization in 3 months without success, I learned from you in a 2 hour class. Nothing else needs to be said except Thank You." - E.C.
"You are a maestro of lighting and portrait photography and I was delighted to be able to absorb at least a thin veneer of your knowledge" - D.C.
Great class! Thank you Gary! You are a wonderful teacher! So patient, kind and knowledgable! Thank you! - Bea
"I thought the training sessions were excellent. I know you had to simplify the material to suit my level and what I was trying to achieve, and I really appreciated that. I learned a lot. I'm now able to photograph my work using the grey card to get an accurate starting point and then make any fine adjustments in Lightroom if needed. I've also learned how to properly set up my phone and my lights, which is especially valuable because I'm working out of two locations and need to be able to move my setup. Overall, the training gave me exactly what I needed to confidently photograph my artwork, and I really appreciate the time and knowledge you shared." Renu B
