Photography is about capturing a moment in time; seeing something through a lens that may change or be gone in an instant.

Cuba is unique. Here is a place where time, in essence, has stood still. Cuba has always been on my bucket list for some time. My goal was to see it before it changed. I was fortunate enough to travel there in December, 2014 and amazingly, while I was there, the US & Cuba committed to reestablish diplomatic ties. Timing is everything and photographing Cuba at this time is a perfect example.

Cuba is a myriad of artistic, social and sensual pleasures. The people are warm, the environment amazing and the architecture is stunning. The photographic opportunities in Cuba are unparalleled. The challenge in Cuba was deciding what not to photograph!

My photos of Cuba come from walking the streets. Photographing Cuba was truly a walk back in time, where the clock has stood still, relative to all that we know and experience here in the U.S. From ballet to boxing, I had the opportunity to photograph the arts, not in a performance setting but, in their practice venues.

Cuba is truly an area that is a gift to photographers and I am thankful that I was there at this point in time before much of it will change.

Olympus Trailblazer Frank T. Smith is a self-taught photographer whose love for the craft goes back to a very early age. Decades later, Frank’s passion for photography has yet to fade as his skills continue to evolve.

A native Northeasterner, Frank often focuses his lens on regional and local scenery including the Pocono Moun- tains and the historical sites of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. His raw travel and philanthropic photojournalism covers global themes, shedding light on cultural issues such as regional corruption in areas including South Sudan and Haiti.

“The image quality from Olympus interchangeable lens cameras is second to none. The technology is brilliant, and the size and weight of the equipment provides for ease of portability without sacrificing image quality.”

Frank is dedicated to Olympus interchangeable lens cam- eras, using the OM-D EM-1 for work and reaching for the OM-D EM-5 for travel and family events.

Frank’s work has been featured in print, in exhibits, and in philanthropic venues including Glow Artworks, a North American-based consortium of 30 photographers’ healing art that encourages the well-being of patients, visitors and workers in healthcare centers and other spaces.

Website: www.franksmithphotos.com/  |  Blog: franktsmith.wordpress.com/

Unique University® is the highly acclaimed education component of Unique Photo®, NJ’s only camera and video superstore. There is over 2000 sq. ft. of learning space, including our start-of-the art, 1000 sq. ft. main presentation hall. Unique University’s mission is to help our visitors “Create Better Pictures” by providing photography education for beginners to pros. With events daily, it is the place where photography groups such as local camera clubs, ASMP, PPA and others meet. We have a full curriculum of classes and seminars from world famous speakers such as Art Wolfe, Rick Sammon, Michael Yamashita, Tyler Stableford, Lindsay Adler, and Will Crockett. We offer photography experiences to such places as the Prudential Center for Seton Hall Men's Basketball, Meadowlands Horse Racetrack, Lakota Wolf Preserve, NJ Jackals Baseball, Rutgers Football, Botanical Gardens, Festival of Ballooning, and much more. Our technical classes include such topics as basic D-SLR photography, lighting techniques, Adobe Photoshop, Elements, and Lightroom, macro photographhy, composition, editing and printing, wedding photography, HDR photography, working with speedlites, how to use social media, digital organization, one-on-one instruction, and much more. 

FAQ UNIVERSITY

Where are classes held? 
Unless stated otherwise, classes are held in the Unique University classroom within the Unique Photo SuperStore (123 US Highway 46 West, Fairfield, NJ 07004). 

What should I bring to class? 
You're encouraged to bring your camera and a notebook and pen to most classes. Some classes will require additional equipment, so please check the class descriptions. 

Will lunch or refreshments be included? 
Lunch and refreshments are not provided for any classes under 6 hours unless noted. 

How do I register for a class? 
You can register online, in-store at the concierge, or by phone at either 973-377-6454 or 973-377-2007. Please note that you will need to provide payment information. 

Can I register at the door? 
For most classes, you're free to register at the concierge desk prior to the start of the class. Please note that there are some classes that offer "Early Bird Special" rates and others that have limited seating, so it would be in your best interest to register prior to the dates of such classes. 

I wanted to register for ______ class, but it is now sold out. Is there a waiting list? 
Please contact Pamela at 973-377-6454 or email [email protected] with the following information: your name, phone number, email address, and the class name and date. 

My question has not been addressed here. Is there someone I can contact? 
Please contact Pamela at 973-377-6454 or email [email protected] with any additional inquiries.

Unique University Class Cancellation Policy
Classes costing less than $99 may be canceled up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund. For classes costing $100 or more, advanced notice of seven days before the class is necessary for a full refund.
Requests for cancellation made after these deadlines will be awarded store credit in the amount paid for registration towards a future Unique University seminar or workshop.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of the beginning of a class will not be honored and no refund or credit will be given.
Cancellations of any class utilizing models will be subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the purchased price (up to $100).