Balanced Exposure

I attended a private class here so that I could get some one on one knowledge with Russ regarding some particular questions I had. He was absolutely great! He was very informative, and had a way of explaining things about the camera that I hadn’t comprehended prior. My 2 hour class was well worth the investment.

I attended the Photo Essentials class on 2÷2÷13, and it was exactly what I had hoped. If you have a DSLR camera and are using it only on automatic, you will learn what you need to venture into the manual modes. Russ was good at sharing his knowledge and experience, and made the class interactive — and an environment in which we felt comfortable asking questions. I will definitely be back to take more classes, once I have practiced and mastered all that I was taught on Saturday!

I attended the Photo Essentials class and was very satisfied with the entire 4 hours. Russ obviously knows his stuff and is able to break down the basics and give a solid foundation for manual shooting with a DSLR (Nikon D5100 in my case).
I knew some basics going into the class but he explains everything really well and gives everyone plenty of practice to get it down. –adjusting FStop, shutter speed etc. He even gives lots of tips on how to make your photos better with some of the programs out there.
I highly recommend to anyone who wants to get some solid hands on experience and learning with their DSLR in manual. No more auto mode for me!

I took the Photography 101 class for my DSLR and I thought that it was well worth the time. Russ is a great teacher and made the class very enjoyable. I’m glad that I now can shoot without my camera being on the auto function. I plan on taking more classes from there in the future.

Took this class after getting a deal on Groupon. Will I go back-​probably not. Found the teacher kind of condescending. Spent the first 5 minutes complaing to the class about people who cancelled at the last minute, not very professional. I guess I was looking for something a bit more personal. He did hit on all of the important basics though so if you know nothing about your camera, this may be the class for you. I guess I feel that I got my $ 40 worth.

Went to the «DSLR Photo Essentials» class and ended up purchasing 3 more classes after that. Russ was great and had a lot of patience. I look forward to the future classes with him! Classes are very reasonably priced for those that choose to return and take more classes!..
The only downfall was that two guys brought non-​SLR camera’s to this class. (This took Russ’s attention away here and there to try and figure out their cameras and how and where to find certain settings within their camera’s menu system.) Make sure you read the directions before signing up! It CLEARLY says that you MUST have a DSLR and instruction manual for this class to attend!..
Other than that, nothing bad to say about the guy or the class! He was very knowledgeable and professional and held our attention the entire class.
If you want to understand or better understand F-​Stops/​ISO/​Shutter Speed, sign up! He also has an advanced DSLR class that you may be interested in if your beyond that!

I took a beginner point and shoot class with a groupon. Russ seemed disinterested in the subject matter. For a 6 hour class, there wasn’t much content. He seemed irritated if you asked a question. Seemed more interested in signing people up for the next (more expensive) class.

I bought a groupon for the Boot Photography Class, it was 3 hour class. I learned so much from Russ and he did it in such a way that it was very enjoyable. One thing I really liked was his patience when he would come over and show you where certain things are on your camera. You can tell he really enjoys teaching because he does such a great job. I would go back and take other photography courses with him.
BabyBoomer Woman

I bought the groupon and attended the 101 class with a co-​worker in July. To be fair, I had set the bar high and had hoped to pick up some tips, tricks, techniques, lighting, etc. So I am going to place my disappointment with the class on me. It was an introductory course, pretty much for people who know nothing about their camera or photography, so I didn’t get much out of it. Russ was knowledgeable and did an adequate job explaining the manual modes, aperture, lens basics etc. And it’s not relevant, but some of the work samples framed in the classroom are pretty blatant model on green screen shots. Not what I’d expect out of a professional wedding photographers portfolio, lets update those bad boys Russ. The HDR one rocks though. Which reminds me, the 5 min spent discussing HDR was the highlight of my day. It was the «new trick» I was looking for.
I guess my tepid review comes with a suggestion. I’m not sure if Russ does it or not, but if you really want to about your camera, I would forgo the class and get some one on one instruction. The drawback of the class setting is that there are 15 – 20 people, all with different experience levels, different camera models, and varying goals (but mostly it seemed like soccer moms who want to take better kid pics, kudos ladies). I’m going to say you can accomplish as much in 1 hour of personal instruction as you can in 4 hours of class work.

I purchased a groupon for the Photography 101 class in July and finally attended the class last week. It was a six hour class from 9 – 4 with an hour lunch break. I thought I would get antsy sitting in the same room for such a long class but boy did the class fly by. The instructor and owner of the company, Russ was very informative while sliding in some entertaining stories between topics. One can tell Russ loves to teach (and talk) which makes the experience more pleasant. I learned a lot about my SLR camera and wish I had more time to take another class. He offers a bunch of different classes including flash photography, an advanced SLR class, and photo editing classes. Although I have only sat in one of Russ’s classes, I would not hesitate to ask for his advice before purchasing anything camera related in the future. If you have the time, interest, and money I would not hesitate to email Russ and find the photography class for you.

Great information and beginning point for all learning their DSLR cameras. I can’t wait to go for flash class and advanced DSLR class in 2012. Lots to learn in a laid back atmosphere with lots of time to ask questions, get advice and hear from a pro.

This was the best basic photography class I have taken. I finally get how to use my dslr beyond the «auto» button. I have signed up for another class based on Russ’s expertise and his teaching style. He is dedicated and answers all questions and makes sure you understand the answer. I have been taking pictures for alot of years but now feel that I will be able to take photographs worthy of display. Russ is a great teacher and I can’t wait for my next class. I highly recommend this class to anyone that wants to get to know how to use their camera for all it’s worth. Thanks Russ, see you soon.
–vicki woodman

Groupon offered a discount on Russ’ Photography 101 course at Balanced Exposure. I have been shooting for many years, starting out on a 35 mm Canon AE1. I love taking pictures and now, it is part of my job. I moved from 35 mm to digital about seven years ago and now moved up to a far more sophisticated digital camera. Russ has an extensive knowledge of many makes and models and patiently works with his students. I just shot my first show since the class and there is already a marked improvement in my pictures. I HIGHLY recommend Russ and his Photography 101 and look forward to taking one of his advanced courses very soon!

Russell is great. I took the photography 101 class on the 16^th of July and it taught me a lot about my camera which I never knew. His method of training including learning the basics of aperture, shutter speed and ISO was very good and gave me a understanding of how to set up my camera. I got into the class through Groupon and following the Groupon model Russell provided all of us with major discounts for the next level of advanced classes. However I would add that the classes could have been even better if he had taught more about photographing in different situations and locations. Overall it was a great experience and I would recommend it to everyone who wants to be able to use their SLR cameras.

I took the photography 101 class and highly recommend it. I learned so much great information and really appreciated the opportunity to ask Russ questions. Russ is a great teacher and has so much experience to share.

I love working with Russ from Balanced Exposure! I started taking photography lessons from him in Sept 2009 and although I’ve only taken a three lessons from him, I’ve learned tons! Prior to even taking my first lesson I was already learning things. I contacted him to learn more about what he offered in his lessons and he started sharing tips with me looking at some of my images to help me improve my skills!
Prior to each lesson he checks with me to make sure he knows exactly what I want to work on so we can fit in as much as possible. There aren’t many breaks, unless you, the student, want them. This is to benefit you so you can get the most out of each lesson. After every lesson I’ve had he’s sent follow up emails to clarify things he knew I didn’t quite get, or provide extra details he wanted to mention. I’ve learned how to use two DSLR cameras, three different lenses, my external flash, & a Photoshop program so far, and I intend on taking more lessons.
His office is nice and professional, not to mention easy to find. It’s pretty hard to miss the Zurich towers in Schaumburg. :-) A studio is now set up in the building as well, so you can take lessons on how to use lighting equipment and techniques. He also rents the studio & equipment for those of us who don’t have the space or the money to have our own studio.
Whether it’s advice on picking a new lens, finding the best program for editing, or just to send your latest image that you’re proud of he’s always there for you. That’s the best part about the relationship that develops through taking lessons with Russ. You don’t feel like you’re going to school, you feel like you’re gaining a friend that is sharing his knowledge with you and treats you as an equal.