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| FAQs
- frequently asked questions
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Q: What is Cloud Dome?
| Cloud
Dome is a light diffusing device in the shape of a dome
that works with any camera. The dome is made of lightweight,
high impact, non-yellowing, crack-resistant Plexiglas.
The Cloud Dome eliminates reflection, hot-spots and glare. |
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We
feature the Cloud Dome because it is ideal for taking pictures
of small and hard-to-photograph items like jewelry (watches,
gems, pendants, necklaces, beads, etc.), collectors cards,
coins, fishing flies, and more.
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Q:
What will I learn at the seminar?
Lots. We like working
with small classes so that we can answer all of your questions,
and make sure you get lots of hands-on time with photography
tools. Here is what we cover at the seminar:
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computer terminology relevant to digital photography
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minimum technology requirements for your needs
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a
review and explanation of your digital camera's settings
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a
hands-on tutorial of how to take perfect pictures with
the Cloud Dome
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how
to process your digital pictures and not lose image quality
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how
to use Photoshop and other editors to enhance your work
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other
useful information
Q:
What should I bring to the Cloud Dome seminar?
Please bring anything you want to photograph. Attendees
normally bring a digital camera and their most difficult-to-photograph
jewelry, fishing flies, collector's cards, etc. If you don't
have a digital camera, or a Cloud Dome, don't worry. We
provide enough Cloud Domes and at least half of the seminar
attendees typically have a digital camera. You are sure to
get hands-on experience with both a Cloud Dome and a digital
camera.
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Q:
What if I don't even own a computer? Can I still learn?
While Cloud Dome Productions seminars covers computer
basics and digital photography basics, you will also get hands-on
training using photo-editing software. This requires at least
a rudimentary level of skill using a computer. We have found
that attendees who have no knowledge about a computer have
a difficult time keeping up with the class. However, we do
provide a handout and other reference materials that can be
helpful for reviewing what we covered after the seminar.
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Q:
I already know how to take pictures, but I don't own a Cloud
Dome? Will your seminars be useful to me?
Both our experience and the feedback received from
attendees tell us that the seminar teaches new and useful
information. However, Cloud Dome Productions seminars are
not intended for people who use Adobe Photoshop or a competing
software on a regular basis, are professional photographers
and/or are heavily involved in graphic design. We provide
greater value to those who are beginners or amateurs interested
in having greater control over capturing high quality images
for their craft or business.
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Q:
Do I need to buy a Cloud Dome before coming to your seminar?
No. Cloud Domes are available both for hands-on training
and for sale. Furthermore, all seminar attendees can buy Cloud
Domes at a discount.
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Q:
What kind of software do you use?
We have found that Adobe Photoshop Elements is a
powerful yet inexpensive tool for editing images. Elements
is a scaled-down version of the parent version, Adobe Photoshop
Professional. We use this software in the class to edit images.
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Q:
Does the Cloud Dome come with a digital camera?
No. The reason for not selling digital cameras with
the Cloud Dome is fairly simple: people tend to have a preference
for one brand or another. Instead of carrying tens of cameras
from each major manufacturer, and supporting each unit, we
leave it to you to select a camera that is best for your needs.
You'll be happy to know that any camera can fit on the Cloud
Dome - including 35MM and larger SLR cameras.
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Q:
What kind of camera should I buy, and from whom?
Cloud Dome Productions does not sell cameras. However,
we recommend that you buy the best camera you can afford for
your needs. A common misperception is that you must buy the
latest and greatest camera on the market. We suggest that
you buy a camera that works well for how you use it. For example,
if you plan only to take pictures of say, your jewelry, for
your web site, then a 3 megapixel camera will likely suite
your needs. If, for example, you plan to take pictures for
printing pictures of say, your fishing flies, for sending
a sales catalogue out to your customers, then you should invest
in a camera with at least 5 megapixels. Megapixels translates
to resolution: high megapixels = high resolution. For camera
specific questions, we suggest consulting B&H
Photo-Video-Pro Audio.
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Q:
Do I need to pre-register for the seminar?
Seminars fill up very quickly, and we set the cap
at 35 people. You can always contact us before the seminar
to find out if it has been filled, but we recommend that you
register early. There is pre-registration
discount, which you will find listed for each seminar on our
calendar.
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