Redeeming Your Groupon Code

Posted on May 30, 2012 by | Leave a comment

In October of 2011 we offered a Groupon. Since that initial offering, we have changed our registration process.

If you purchased a Groupon, first locate your code(s) then follow the steps below. (The  codes were sent in an email after your purchase.)

How to redeem your code:
1. You are eligible to pick any introductory course (valued at $29.95) from our course listing at samys.com/edu. View or select the course by clicking on the course title or the orange Attend button.

Some eligible courses currently on our schedule are:
- Introduction to Your Canon DSLR with Mike Monezis
- Understanding Your Nikon DLSR with Art Ramirez
- Understanding Your Digital Camera with Art Ramirez
- Nikon 1 System with Paul Van Allen
- Introduction to On Camera Flash with George Simian (Los Angeles stores only)
- Introduction to Flash Photography with Joe Barnet (Santa Ana Store only)
- Introduction to DSLR Video with Michael Britt or Mike Walker
(suggestions on which course to pick is located in the FAQ section below)

2. Click the “Enter Promotional Code” link in the Ticket Information area of your selected course.
3. Enter the code, then click Apply. If the code is entered correctly, an additional Groupon option will appear.
4. Select your Quantity (Quantity is limited to 1 seat per code)
5. Proceed with your order by clicking the Register button
6. Enter the required information and click the green button at the bottom of the screen to complete your order.
7. Once your order is complete you will receive an email confirmation from Eventbrite with your ticket(s) and details about the course.

Frequently Asked Questions:

My code is not working.
Please email edu@samys.com if the code does not unlock the $0.00 Groupon ticket. (Note: the code will only work on courses valued at $29.95.)

What is a DSLR camera?
DSLR stands for Digital Single-Lens Reflex. DSLR models typically offer interchangeable lenses, full manual controls, external flash units, and through-the-lens (TTL) viewfinders. They are usually large models and they closely resemble 35mm film cameras with handgrips and large lens housings.

What class should I take?
We usually recommend that beginner or new camera owners start by taking the introductory course that corresponds to their camera brand. These classes cover the menus and functions of your camera and are usually offered every month unless otherwise stated.
-Canon DSLR Cameras – Introduction to Canon DSLR with Mike Monezis
-Nikon DSLR Cameras – Understanding your Nikon DSLR with Art Ramirez
-Sony DSLR Cameras – Sony Alpha School with Todd Tieman (offered once a quarter)
-Nikon 1 Cameras – Nikon 1 system course with Paul Van Allen (offered once a quarter)
-All other cameras – Understanding your Digital Camera with Art Ramirez

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Shoot LA Event

Posted on April 25, 2012 by | Leave a comment

This event, originally established in NYC, is an exciting and informative forum based on the premise of building a photographic community. In addition to a wide range of free professional photography seminars, industry leaders Broncolor and Hasselblad will help you learn how to harness and integrate the market’s most advanced photographic tools into your business, improving both your photography and your bottom line. Top industry professionals will host workshops and hands-on seminars in an array of subjects, whether you’re interested in fashion, portraiture, commercial, stock or repro. This event is ideal for professional photographers, photo assistants, advanced students, or any imaging professional that would like to learn about the latest products and techniques being used in the digital capture market. Event will be held at: SMASHBOX STUDIO, 1011 N Fuller Ave Los Angeles, CA 90046 on April 28th, 2012, from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.  For more information, go to www.Shoot-LA.com.

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Posted in Announcement, Events, Workshops

Amazing Photo Workshop with a Free Black Rapid Camera Sling

Posted on April 13, 2012 by | Leave a comment

****Workshop Change****

Due to scheduling conflicts we are changing this workshop to a one day event on Sunday April 29th.  Because of this last minute change, Black Rapid is covering the cost of the workshop.  This event is now free!  The giveaway has changed as well.  The first 10 people who sign up get a free Black Rapid Strap.  There might be other prizes during the workshop but making it free is the new student benefit.

Ron Henry from Black Rapid is coming to Samy’s  for a two day one day shooting workshop Saturday April 28th and Sunday the 29th.  The workshop is priced at $75 free and includes a free Black Rapid camera sling (value $60).   That means this two one day workshop only costs around $15 is free!  Where else can you get professional instruction from inspiring instructors for that price! Continue reading →

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Posted in Announcement, Workshops

This Week At Samy’s EDU March 12-18 2012

Posted on March 12, 2012 by | Leave a comment

I start this weeks classes off with Intro to DSLR Video – March 14th 2012 at Samy’s Camera in Los Angeles.  Learn how to get the most from your HDSLR camera including how to stabilize and accessorize your shooting rig for a successful outcome. Canon 5D MKII menu set up will be covered in a step by step fashion after which each student will have the opportunity to shoot a model with a Redrock Micro Field Cinema rig on a Manfrotto Fluid tripod head as well as a hand-held shoulder configuration.  This intro class is for any photographer who doesn’t want to get left behind during this small camera video revolution.  Register here.

We have two great classes on Saturday starting with Sony Alpha School – March 17th at Samy’s Camera in Los Angeles.  Transform your snapshots into photographs with this informative and inspiring class presented by Sony digital imaging expert Todd Tieman. During this two hour course you’ll learn digital photography essentials, the basics of your Sony DSLR camera, and how to utilize compositional techniques that make a photograph memorable. Come take this first step to getting the most from your Sony DSLR investment.  Register here.

Also on Saturday is Understanding Your Nikon DSLR with Joe Barnet – March 17th at Samy’s Camera in Santa Ana.  In this course we will discuss the very basic operation of Nikon DSLR cameras, such as setting your cameras resolution, basic flash operation, basic menu functions, memory cards, storage and more.  This class will cover Nikon DSLR cameras, so whether you purchased the camera for yourself, or received it as a gift, this is the class to get all of your questions answered!  Register here.

On Sunday we are launching Macro Photography Workshop – March 18th at Samy’s Camera in Los Angeles.  Enter the world of macro photography with instructor Art Ramirez as your guide.  Learn how to capture close up images with macro lenses, filters, special flash systems and tripods using macro attachments.  Whether you use a macro lens, close-up filters or simply move in as close as you can, you will learn the tools necessary to capture details hat you didn’t know were possible.  This is a hands-on shooting class with practical setups using available light and strobe.  Register here.

Another Sunday class is Fine Art Travel Photography with Mark Edward Harris – March 18th 2012 at Samy’s Los Angeles.  This workshop explores how to create fine art travel photography – images that go far beyond the “I was here” photograph. Photographers working in either digital or film will learn how to create beautiful landscapes and townscapes, as well as powerful environmental portraits and photo essays – pictures that tell a story. After a presentation of travel images by award-winning photographer Mark Edward Harris, students will put ideas into practice with technical aspects such as the use of “fast” lenses, filters and the creative use of flash on location. Furthermore, participants will learn how to approach newspapers and magazines with travel story ideas and how to bring individual projects into fruition. Open to all levels of photographers with an interest in travel photography.  Register here.  Note:  This class is also being offered in Santa Barbara for the first time on March 31st.  Santa Barbara is a great location for travel photography!

Rounding up the weekend Sunday is Introduction to Canon DSLRs – March 18th at Samy’s Camera in Santa Ana.  This is one of Samy’s most popular classes.  Canon rep Mike Monezis walks attendees through the various Canon DSLR menus and shows you how to get the most from your Canon DSLR.  Seminar covers Canon DSLR features, menus, and software.  Cameras covered as a group include Rebels, 60D, 7D, and 5D Mark II.

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Posted in This Week At Samy's, Weekly Roundup

This Week At Samy’s EDU Feb 20-26 2012

Posted on February 21, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Adobe Lightroom is the first class up this week and as usual it is sold out.  Lightroom has quickly become our most popular digital imaging class so sign up early if you want to learn how to manage and process your images from our in-house expert Natasha Calzatti.

Saturday Paul Van Allen will be leading his traveling Wireless Flash Workshop workshop Getting More from the Nikon Wireless Flash System.  Paul will walk you through the settings to make your Nikon a lean mean wireless flash machine. The fun really gets going as you practice what you just learned… With YOUR cameras! That’s right, you are going to shoot pictures… Amazing pictures! By the end of this very unique hands-on workshop, Flash… Wireless Flash WILL be your style!  The class takes place at the EDU classroom at the Fairfax location.  Register here.

Also on Saturday is Beginning Portrait Lighting with Keith Payson at Samy’s Camera in Culver City.  Not only does Keith work in the Pro Department at the Culver City store but he also teaches lighting and portraiture in the Culver EDU classroom.  Keith will guide you through the general principles of basic lighting and then show you how to use your newfound knowledge and techniques to take great portraits of your family and friends. Whether you are using sunlight or strobe-light, on-camera flash or constant light, you can learn what seeing lighting is all about and immediately start to take better pictures.  Register here.

Santa Ana has Photoshop CS5 Level One with Art Ramirez on Saturday.  This is a three hour course which includes lecture, hands-on training and demonstration of Adobe Photoshop CS3. Art will supply images, or you are welcome to bring your own files to work on. Photoshop terminology, organizing files, file corrections, basic photo restoration, usage of some of the Photoshop tools, and cropping and resizing images are some of the topics discussed in this class.  Register here.

Pasadena will host Photographing Children in Natural Light with George Simian on Saturday Feb 25th.  This is one of our most popular classes.  George goes over example photos and portraiture techniques in the classroom then the class heads outside to photograph children in natural light settings using reflectors.  Parents can not only learn to shoot great images of their kids but they get an amazing portrait out of the deal too since many of the shots will look like professional portraits.  Register here.

Sunday in Santa Ana we have Fine Art Travel Photography with Mark Edward Harris.  Mark is a working travel and fine art photographer who has published some amazing books.  You don’t often get to learn from someone like Mark who is at the top of his game and working constantly.  Mark will share how to shoot images that go far beyond the “I was here” photograph. Photographers will learn how to create beautiful landscapes and townscapes, as well as powerful environmental portraits and photo essays – pictures that tell a story. After a presentation of travel images by award-winning photographer Mark Edward Harris, students will put ideas into practice with technical aspects such as the use of “fast” lenses, filters and the creative use of flash on location. Furthermore, participants will learn how to approach newspapers and magazines with travel story ideas and how to bring individual projects into fruition.  Register here.

It’s the last Sunday of the month so that means that the very popular Introduction to Canon DSLRs is happening again.  If you own a Canon DSLR you owe it to yourself to attend this seminar.  Canon rep Mike Monezis really knows his stuff and he will walk you through the complex camera menus to get you up and running in no time.  Take this class and skip reading the manual!  Register here.

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Posted in Announcement, Weekly Roundup

Phase Conference At Siren Studios March 22

Posted on February 15, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Last year Samy’s hosted the Phase IQ launch party at Siren Studios and it was an amazing event.  This year it’s even better.  During the day there will be training classes and opportunities to shoot with the IQ system and in the evening there will be a joint reception/open house for Phase, Samy’s Camera and Siren Studios.  If that’s not enough incentive to get you to join us, there will be several great prizes given away throughout the day including a one week rental of a phase camera package.  All that combined with how great the party was last year makes this an event not to miss.  Sign up online at the Phase One site and use the coupon code IQSamysEDU for a $20 ticket (half off).

Thursday March 22, 2012, 12-7 Multiple learning events, Reception starts at 7PM.  Siren Studios 6063 West Sunset Blvd. LA, CA.

 

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Posted in Announcement, Events

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This Week At Samy’s EDU Feb 13-19 2012

Posted on February 13, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Back by popular demand the Nikon D7000 Class with Paul Van Allen Wednesday February 15th at Samy’s Camera in Los Angeles.  Paul will show you the features for Nikon’s D7000 including an overview of the HD video capabilities of this exciting camera. Don’t miss this opportunity to see this camera in action.  Register here.

Thursday we have a great intro to on camera flash surprisingly called:  Intro to On Camera Flash Photography – February 16th at Samy’s Los Angeles.  This is only the second time we’ve run this class and last time we had over 50 people.  This 2 hour seminar is designed to get you up and running with your portable on-camera flash. You will learn how to get the most from your portable flash – hint, it usually means moving it off your cameras hotshot.  Register here.

We are doubling down and raising one with Gregg Cobarr classes this week.  On Saturday Gregg starts off in the morning at the Fairfax location and then drives down to Santa Ana teaching Better Photos Now at both locations in one day.

We raise him one by adding Better Photos Now 2 on Sunday Feb 19th.  That class didn’t make it onto the new website but it’s almost filled up with students from Gregg’s previous classes.  There are only 2 seats left so email us if you want to grab one of the remaining spots.

Paul Van Allen will also be putting some miles on his car this week to teach Nikon D7000 Class on February 18th at Samy’s Camera in Santa Barbara.  Join Paul in beautiful Santa Barbara to learn the in’s and out’s of your Nikon D7000 including an overview of the HD video capabilities of this exciting camera. Don’t miss this opportunity to see this camera in action or to visit the Santa Barbara Samy’s Camera.  Register here.

Also in Santa Barbara on Saturday is Paul’s Getting More from the Nikon Wireless Flash System – February 18th 2012.  Get ready for some real fun! Paul will walk you through the settings to make your Nikon a lean mean wireless flash machine. The the fun really gets going as you practice what you just learned… With YOUR cameras! That’s right, you are going to shoot pictures… Amazing pictures! By the end of this very unique hands-on workshop, Flash… Wireless Flash WILL be your style!  Participants will need a CLS compatible camera D40 / D40x / D50 / D60 / D70 / D70s / D3000 / D5000 / D3100 /D2x / D2xs / D2h / D2hs / D3 / D3s / D3x PLUS any one of these three items SB-700, SB-800, SB-900 or SU-800.  Register here.

On Sunday we have Introduction to Canon DSLRs – February 19th at Samy’s Camera in Santa Ana.  This is one of our most popular classes so don’t wait to register or you will miss out.  Instructor Mike Monezis covers all features, menus, and software for Canon DSLRs. Cameras covered as a group include Rebels, 60D, 7D, and 5D Mark II.   Register here.

Last but not least is George Simian’s 2 day studio lighting class Pro Lighting Fundamentals – February 19th and 26th, 2012.  This hands-on shooting workshop takes place at Smashbox studios.  Students learn about the fundamentals of lighting including how to set up and light with Profoto strobes.  Students will learn to use light modifiers including soft boxes and reflectors to shoot models.  There isn’t a better lighting workshop around.  Students will bring their own cameras and are required to understand how to use them in manual settings.  A basic understanding of digital workflow is also recommended.  Register here.

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Posted in Weekly Roundup