FAQ's
General FAQ's, Class FAQ's, Private Lesson FAQ's
Does it matter what kind of camera I have?
You can turn “snapshots” into “photographs” with any camera: SLR, dSLR, and Point & Shoot. However, Indy Photo Coach classes focus on dSLR's (digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras). We’ve taught students with cameras from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony and many others. If you own a Point-and-Shoot (P&S) camera, we would be glad to assist you in a private lesson.
The easiest way to tell if your camera is a DSLR or a P&S is interchangable lenses. If your camera has the ability to remove and attach other lenses, it is most likely a DSLR. *Note: there are a few advanced P&S cameras that offer interchangable lenses. If you are uncertain about your camera, please contact us.
Do you have a physical building location?
Nope! Classes are held outside or in unique locations for a number of reasons:
- The best hands-on experience environment is outside!
- Not paying rent on office space keeps our classes so inexpensive
- Overhead-fluorescent lighting is horrible. Period.
- Indianapolis has some of the best city parks in the nation.
- If it rains or it's cold, the alternative is just as good... (see next question...)
What happens if it's cold or rains?
Fortunately, Indianapolis also has some of the best coffee houses & libraries. We have "alliances" set up with many coffee shops and cafes around the city. Students greatly enjoy the coffee shops for their food, drinks and relaxed atmosphere during class. If it looks like rain, a decision will be made and posted on the IPC Homepage's "Class Location Updates" section.
I’m a hands-on learner. Is this going to be another classroom setting with no hands-on experience?
We’re kinesthetic learners too!! Lessons are very interactive and keep you focused on your camera the entire time. It’s a lot easier to learn by doing!
What should I wear?
Casual! A laid-back atmosphere is what we’re all about.
What camera shop do you associate with?
We have been fully endorsed by Robert’s Distributors as their choice for Indianapolis photography classes. Coincidentally, they’re the Indy Photo Coach choice for photography retail equipment.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes. In any amount good toward any class or lesson. Click here for more details.
Do you teach unique groups?
YES! We’ve taught groups of friends and coworkers, dog breeders, high-school yearbook photojournalists, amateur wedding photographers and many others! Contact us and we’ll arrange something for you.
Class Questions:
How long are the class sessions?
Classes are 1 night a week for a month! Each meeting is about 2 hours long. Workshops are often 1-day events for a few hours or all day.
What happens if I can’t make one of the sessions?
We’ll try to meet you for a few minutes before or after the next session to catch up on missed material. We cannot offer refunds for missed sessions.
What if I don’t like the class?
Your satisfaction is the most important aspect of these lessons. If you are not completely satisfied, the cost of any unused sessions will be refunded.
How can I pay for the class?
All registrations are handled online by the Active Network.
How is a typical class structured?
Review of previous week including Q&A
Presentation, critique and discussion of previous week’s “homework” assignment photos
Lesson
Hands-on experience and practice of lesson concepts
On top of instruction, what student benefits come with the classes?
Availability of an instructor between classes for mid-week help via phone or email
A full-color course manual at the 1st class (Fundamentals class only)
Access to future Indy Photo Coach student shoots
What should I bring to class?
A pen, your manual (handed out at 1st class), camera, and water (if it’s hot outside). Please refer to the related Class page for complete information regarding required and suggested items to have with you at class time.
Private Lesson Questions:
How do I schedule a lesson?
Visit our Personal Lesson page and click the "Book Now" icon on the far right of your screen. You then have the option to pick the location, lesson topic, instructor and date/time of your choosing. Or
click here.
How many people can attend a lesson?
We have found that 1 student benefits the most from a personal lesson, but many students like to bring a friend and "split" the cost. For lessons of more than 1 person, please contact us before scheduling.
Where do you hold private lessons?
We hold our private lessons in parks, libraries, coffee shops, restaurants, personal residences, etc. We can accommodate most of the greater Indianapolis area for personal lessons held in mutually convenient locations. If your favorite location is not listed, see the next question.
Your confirmation email will contain specific instructions on where to meet. (i.e.: “Meet at the information desk.”)
What if my favorite shooting spot is not listed as a location?
The locations listed in the
scheduling tool can accommodate most Personal Lesson topics. If you have a request for a new location, please contact us for consideration to have it added.
Which instructor teaches in which locations?
Each instructor covers specific locations. If you would like to schedule a lesson with a specific instructor and he/she does not typically teach in your area, please contact us for consideration to have them meet you in a mutually agreed upon space.
Which instructor teaches which lesson topics?
Each instructor teaches only those lesson topics for which they have expert knowledge. You can select lesson topics in the scheduling tool and those instructors with knowledge on the topic in question will appear.
How soon can I schedule a lesson?
Our scheduling tool will accept lesson requests beginning 72 hours in advance. Click "Book Now" on the far right side of the Private Lesson page.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule a lesson?
Follow the link in your confirmation email to cancel or reschedule your lesson up to 48 hours in advance. We are unable to accept lesson cancellations or rescheduling within 48 hours of the confirmed date/time.
What if I miss my lesson?
The instructor will make several attempts to contact a student if they are late. In the event that a student does not show up, they will be charged 50% of the lesson cost. The remaining balance can be applied to a future lesson or class.
Why? Our instructors teach on an as-needed basis. Their schedules are open until they are booked for a lesson. When they are not teaching, they are shooting, spending time with family, working other jobs, etc. If a student does not show up for an appointment the instructor is still paid for this time.
I’ve enjoyed 4 lessons. How do I claim the “Package Price” discount?
Click here to download the Package Price rebate form.
