Note: Classes are 2 hour segments except for Photoshop classes, which are taught over multiple 2 hour sessions. Classes can be customized to fit your needs.
Classes
Introduction to the World of Digital Photography
This class introduces the world of digital photography by comparing and contrasting it to the familiar film world. By looking at the differences, new words and concepts are introduced and the ephemeral pixel is demystified. We touch on all aspects of the digital darkroom, from cameras, to scanners and printers. By the end, the student will have a better understanding of the equipment and concepts needed to make an informed decision when purchasing equipment.
Digital Photography Part 1: Learning to Use Your Digital Camera
This class starts with a digital primer covering the basic concepts unique to digital photography including mega pixels, file size, file quality and file formats. After learning about these features we find them on the cameras and set them up based on each student's individual preferences. From here we will continue to explore the basic functions of the camera.
Digital Photography Part 2: Basic Compositional Techniques
This hands-on class discusses the basics of composition and will address techniques for creating pleasing images. We will discuss light, use of flash, photographing friends, family and pets. The first hour will be lecture discussing techniques then participants will practice photographing using what they’ve learned.
Digital Photography Part 3: Techniques for Filing, Editing, Printing and Emailing
This class provides the student with a basic workflow. We start by discussing how to download images from your camera then file and back them up. From here, basic editing techniques are covered as well as suggestions for software to use. Finally, methods and materials for printing and emailing are addressed.
Digital Photography Part 4: Getting the Most Out of Your Digital Camera
This class is for the students interested in exploring the advanced features available on mid to high end digital point and shoot cameras or digital SLR cameras. The creative zone, white balance, exposure compensation and histogram are explored and explained. Students practice making exposures in the various modes and using exposure compensation.
Notes Regarding the Digital Photography Class Series
Digital Photography parts 1-4 can be taught separately or as one class geared to take the student from a complete novice to basic understanding of the camera with its unique digital features to basic techniques organizing, editing, and printing/emailing the pictures on the home computer.
Composition and Critique
Learn to use your digital camera. You have the basics of camera operation down, now let’s make beautiful images! Join me in this 4 week class on photographic composition. In the first class I will address various shooting situations, give tips and show examples of what works compositionally and what doesn’t. Then it’s your turn. The following three weeks will be devoted to critiquing your images. Students will bring 5-10 images to class each week for critique. I will evaluate your images and give you constructive feedback. Show me your great images and your problems. Learn from your experiences as well as those of your classmates. This is a great opportunity to get the most out of your digital camera!
5 Star Travel Photography: Part1
Okay, you're at a Tropical Paradise/Eiffel Tower/Pyramids/Disney World, how do you take a great vacation picture? In Part One of 5 Star Travel Photography, you will learn the ins and outs of travel photography. Topics include: Composition, Light, Subject, the Awe Factor.
5 Star Travel Photography: Part2
In Part Two of 5 Star Travel Photography, you will put techniques learned in Part One to use! The class will travel to a local scenic location (determined by class location, etc) and practice taking pictures. Students will have immediate reinforcement of solid photographic techniques.
Manual Basics
Do you want more control over your pictures? This class introduces how to use your camera in the manual modes. You will learn about shutter speeds, aperture and how to correctly expose an image every time! There are practice exercises both in and out of class. Gain mastery over your camera and your images.
Beginning Photoshop for Photographers
Photoshop and its consumer version Photoshop Elements are powerful digital editing programs. While imposing at first glance, we will demystify Photoshop, making it fun and more intuitive! First, we introduce the concept of a workflow, which is a plan of action to organize your steps so you can quickly import, edit and output your images. Then by addressing each step of the workflow, we will master tools to crop, clean up dust and scratches, eliminate unwanted objects, correct colors, and improve over and under exposure problems. Finally, we will discuss proper downloading, scanning, printing, emailing and storage techniques. By the end, you will be more comfortable working in Photoshop and well on your way to opening up the vast potential this program has to offer!
Intermediate Photoshop Elements for Photographers
This course will build on the beginning class by reinforcing the workflow and adding more options for editing. Elements has several editing tools available, I will show you which ones are useful and which are more trouble than they are worth. We will look at more options under adjustment layers, learn to add text to the image, introduce blending modes, discuss optimizing Photoshop for your computer, introduce color management and learn fun tools like Photomerge, Slideshow, and Picture Package.
Intermediate Photoshop for Photographers
This course will start with optimizing Photoshop for your computer and a discussion on color management. We will then review the workflow used in the first class adding some new tools (healing brush, patch, gradient, and text) along the way. Layers are discussed in more detail and layer masking will also be covered. Finally, the use of channels, paths and actions are introduced.
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