Frequently Asked Questions regarding Adult Education Classes

Q: I have purchased a class online and have not received a confirmation. How do I know if I am in the class?
A: If you registered online and received a confirmation email from PayPal you are in our system. We will contact you via email one week prior to class to confirm the course and provide all necessary information about the course. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Director of Education or the Associate Director of Education.

Q: Where do I park when I come to take a class at The Light Factory?
A: You may park at Spirit Square after purchase of a $6 token. You may also park at the street meters, 7th Street Parking Garage, and any other lots downtown. 7th Street and the TransAmerica lots are the closest to our building.  Note: since The Light Factory does not own or operate these lots and garages, this information is subject to change without notice.

Q: For what age group are the courses you offer at night?
A: All of our courses listed outside of the Teen/Youth/Camp page are for adults. Youth ages 16 and up are welcomed to take the course knowing the dynamic of the class will be professional adults of all ages.

Q: If I cannot take the class I want to take this month, will it be offered again?
A: Yes. All of our classes are offered every one to three months depending on their length. New dates will be posted for the next round of courses once they are confirmed with our instructors.

Q: If I am a student at The Light Factory, do I qualify for a student membership?
A: No. This discount is for students grades k-12 or those who are enrolled in a college or university.

Q: If I am a member, is it free to use the darkroom?
A: No. We rent out the darkroom to members daily, weekly, and monthly. Please click here for information on our darkroom rentals. Link to Darkroom Info.

Q: Can I bring my class or group of students for a tour at The Light Factory.
A: Yes. We have a minimum of 10 students for a guided tour. Click here for more information on tours. Link to Tours

Q: I have some old photography and/or filmmaking equipment I’d like to donate to the education department. How do I go about doing this?
A: Please give the education department a call and describe what you have to donate. You can also send a detailed email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. If we do not have a place for the items here, we will either assist in a school donation or a camera store donation. Thank you! We appreciate your support!
Click here for equipment the education department is currently seeking. Link to Wish List

Q: I want to take an introductory course to learn how to use my camera. I have never taken a photography course before, which course should I take?
A: The type of camera you own will determine the course you should take. The Intro to Digital SLR course is great for those students who have a Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera (with manual settings and removable lenses). The Intro to Digital Point and Shoot course will teach you how to get the most out of your basic Digital Point and Shoot camera.

Q: I’m not sure what class to take. How do I know which one to sign up for?
A: Take time to read the course descriptions and then contact the Director of Education or the Associate Director of Education. We will talk with you about your goals for the class and make sure you enroll in the correct course.

Q: Buying a Camera and not sure which one to choose?
A: Ask the camera experts at Biggs Camera on how to know which camera is right for you.  Biggs Camera: www.biggscamera.com, 805 S Kings Dr. Charlotte, NC 28204-3049, (704) 347-3501.

The Light Factory also recommends the following websites for camera purchasing and research.
o www.bhphotovideo.com
o www.adorama.com
o www.usa.canon.com
o www.nikonusa.com  
o slrgear.com
o www.kenrockwell.com