Instructor
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Rob SheppardRob Sheppard has had a long-time and nationally recognized commitment to helping photographers become better photographers, regardless of the equipment and technology. He was the editor of
Outdoor Photographer magazine for 12 years and was the original editor of
PCPhoto (now
Digital Photo). Now he is editor-at-large.
He is also the author/photographer of over thirty photo books, including The Magic of Digital Landscape Photography, The National Geographic Field Guide to Photography - Digital, and Adobe® Photoshop Lightroom for Digital Photographers Only. He writes regularly for Outdoor Photographer and teaches around the country, including workshops for the Palm Beach Photographic Centre and the Light Photographic Workshops. His Web site for workshops, books and photo tips is at www.robshepppardphoto.com, and his blog on nature and photography is at www.natureandphotography.com.
As a photographer, Rob worked for many years in Minnesota (before moving to Los Angeles), including doing work for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Norwest Banks (now Wells Fargo), Pillsbury, 3M, General Mills, Lutheran Brotherhood, Ciba-Geigy, Anderson Windows, and others. His photography has been published in many magazines, ranging from National Geographic to The Farmer to, of course, Outdoor Photographer and PCPhoto.
He and his wife, Vicky (married 30+ years), live in the Los Angeles area. They have a son working on his Ph.D. in youth sports and education, and a daughter studying communications/journalism.
Also see Rob's Nature and Photography blog.
A Couple of Photos by the Instructor
© Rob Sheppard | 
© Rob Sheppard |
Course Outline
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Lesson 1: Let's Be Perfectly Clear
What is composition, anyway? More on clarity. Unity. Distractions.
Assignment: Work for simplicity and clarity in your photographs.
Lesson 2: Attention! Out of the Middle, Everyone!
Now you are going to step into ground that most photographers never reach. Out of the middle! Sure, you might have heard of the rule of thirds, but you are composition boot campers, and soon the rule of thirds will seem like training wheels.
Assignment: Get out of the middle and watch your edges.
Lesson 3: Choices - Distance and Angle Make a Difference
We're going to step into the realm of choices affected by distance and angle in this lesson, and you know how tricky choices can sometimes be. So step lively and keep close.
Assignment: Try out a series of images that work the subject from wide shot to medium shot close shot.
Lesson 4: Extreme Composition for Impact
Learn to make good decisions about composition in order to get more from your photography.
Assignment: Look for compositions with visual impact.
© Rob Sheppard | 
© Rob Sheppard |
FAQ
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What level of photographer is this course designed for?
This class is intended for everyone from the "serious hobbyist" to the advanced amateur or aspiring pro. However, it is a little different than other classes with its
boot camp emphasis. Be prepared to be challenged to become a better photographer!
Do I need to have a digital camera?
It is not a necessity. You can shoot film and gain from these lessons. However, the lessons will be oriented toward digital SLR camera users.
Does my digital camera need to be expensive - a professional model?
No, as long as your camera allows you to control aperture and shutter speed and use a variety of focal lengths - those are important things. A digital SLR is ideal, however, an advanced compact digital camera would also work fine. However, without the creative options of exposure control plus a range of focal lengths, you will find the camera insufficient for this course.
Do I need anything else?
Yes. A tripod will help, along with an attitude that learning composition can be fun!
We will also cover topics and do assignments that would require the following. While you do not need all of these functions and tools, the more you have will have a direct relationship on how much you enjoy the class:
- LCD monitor.
- The ability to shoot in JPEG, RAW, TIFF and/or other file formats.
- The ability to lock your exposure as well as your focus.
- Exposure compensation.
- The ability to view a histogram in your LCD monitor.
- At least one zoom lens.
- The ability to control white balance settings.
Remember, you do not need all of these... a few would be enough. But the more, the merrier.
Are you going to teach things you can do in Photoshop in this photo course?
Not really. We will touch on a few topics such as how technology can aid in striving for better pictures but, overall, this course is not about Photoshop or digital image-editing software.
© Rob Sheppard | 
© Rob Sheppard |
Do I have to be online at any specific time?
No, you do not need to be online at any specific time. The lessons are sent to your email and you are also provided the Campus Square - where you interact with your classmates and instructor. This is also where you upload your photos to be critiqued by your instructor. The instructors are very punctual and respond quickly.
Will I have access to the instructor to ask questions during the photo course?
Absolutely! Students can ask questions in the special Q&A forum set up in the course's Campus Square, or can ask the instructor via email.
Do you offer a money back guarantee?
Yes. We are confident that you will fully enjoy our courses. All the same, for our 8-week classes, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee before the Wednesday that Lesson #3 is sent out. If for any reason, you are not satisfied and let us know that you would like to withdraw before the Wednesday that Lesson #3 is sent, you will be promptly refunded.
For our 4-week courses, we offer a 100% money back guarantee before the Wednesday that Lesson #2 is sent out from BetterPhoto. If for any reason you are not satisfied and you let the ordering department know that you would like to withdraw before the Wednesday that Lesson #2 is sent, you will be refunded within 7 days. After the second lesson has been sent out, no refunds will be given.
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