Tomas Mendoza Photography

I just completed Tomas’ photography workshop and I can’t say enough GREAT things about him and his class. He gave me a better understanding of how to use setting on my camera such as f-stop, shutter speed and ISO and in turn the pictures that I am taking of my family have been a million times better. I would recommend that anyone who wants to learn more about their camera and how to improve their pictures take this class! Tomas is a great teacher and you can tell he has a passion for what he is doing. Thanks Tomas!

Kelli Merrill

I’ve been into photography as long as I can remember. Nothing special, just regular point and shoot stuff. I never entirely did it with a sense of art, but mostly just to capture the moments. Eventually I noticed and had comments that my shots were great and were very artful. I eventually started trying more from the artist prospective. I bought my Nikon D80 in 2007 planning on trying to be a tad more “professional” with my photography. I unfortunately didn’t use the camera all that much and still preffered my Canon powershot as it was easier and more compact. About mid-year 2008 I started playing around with my D80 much more and trying to figure out all the settings. I took it with me everywhere on my work travels for opportunities to capture landscapes and people. I could not figure out how to use anything, but full Auto mode. I tried reading some books, but just did not grasp the concept of everything working together (aperture, shutter and ISO). I did some searching for photography classes in the DFW area and got in contact with Tomas Mendoza who had a six-week workshop close to my home. I wasn’t expecting much, but to learn the basics. Tomas astonished me with his knowledge and techniques. I immediately started to understand how the triad (A, S, ISO) each worked and what they specifically did. Ever since taking Tomas’ workshop I have worked pretty much in Manual mode since now understand how to bring everything together for my conception of the perfect shots.

I highly recommend Tomas’ workshop to beginners and even some advanced persons interested in photography. It is a GREAT benefit!

Ryan “Dre” Ondrey

Certainly you are taking the time to research and decide on a camera that will meet your photographic needs for a long time. I mean, we are not getting a new camera every week. Are we?

Here is my suggested check list when buying a digital camera:

• Research a model that meets your needs and that you can grow with. If you have lenses and other accessories, make sure you can use them with the new camera
• Buy from a reputable place (online or otherwise) where you can return or exchange if defective. Some places might even let you return it for store credit and get a different camera model
• Save receipts and print their return policy. If possible, scan the receipts and any E-mails confirming any agreements. If a salesperson promises or ‘gives you his word’, ask him to write it down. If not, send him an E-mail asking for confirmation and save the E-mail
• Download the manual and any additional materials from the manufacturer’s website
• Make sure your photo editing software (Photoshop or other) will support your camera or download additional files from Adobe or the Manufacturer
• Research specific testing tasks for your camera model
• Upon arrival, let the package acclimate before opening to avoid drastic temperature change and condensation (hey, in Texas is hot outside and cold inside)
• Since you read the materials online, by now you should know what to expect in the box. If not, look for the quick start guide or the manual which will list the package contents
• Charge the battery
• While the battery charges, READ THE MANUAL
• Install the battery (after fully charged)
• Set the date and time (I use time.gov). This way multiple cameras, computers, laptops and other devices are all synchronized which is good shooting weddings
• Set picture quality to highest; if the files are too large you can save ‘down’ later but you can never ‘add’ what was not there to begin with
• Configure the camera ‘Shoot without CF’ to Off. I wonder the engineer’s reasoning but most cameras, by default, will allow you to take pictures even if there is no card inserted
• Insert the card (CF, SD, etc) and format it using the camera itself and never the computer
• Install the strap
• Make sure all your existing accessories (flash, lens, cables, etc) are compatible, will not void the warranty or damage the camera
• Take some shots in full automatic, then P-Mode, AV, TV and Manual. Make sure you can take pictures in every single shooting mode and test all the dials, knobs, buttons, etc
• Register the camera to enjoy whatever the manufacturer has to offer and to ensure you got the full warranty (serial numbers are unique, otherwise the someone is lying and need to clarify this while you can still return the item)

The most challenging part is to learn the camera settings, what they mean and how to modify them. The more you know your camera, the more comfortable you will be using it and the quality of your photography will definitively improve. So, my best advice is to have fun and take a Digital Photography Workshop

I would suggest that anyone who would like to improve their photographs and better understand their camera take this class.
I now understand f-stop, shutter speed and ISO and I am able to take pictures that look great. My friends and family cannot believe that I am the person taking the pictures because they have a professional quality to them now.
Thomas is a great teacher who is very personable and has a sincere desire to share his love of photography with others. 
You will not be disappointed!
-Lauren

Picture taken by Lauren

One of the most precious things in our country is the Freedom we have.  We can get together and celebrate our Nation’s Independence beginning with a Flag Ceremony in Justin Texas (Denton County), enjoy a nice breakfast, go to the movies, watch the fireworks (Tarrant County) and, my favorite, take pictures

Picture taken @ Justin Park

Picture taken @ Justin Park.  Can you guess the State?

Picture taken over Southlake