A grade for the class is available if requested. 

This course will give students a solid understanding of photography including how a camera works, how to create a strong image, and the different types of photography.  After the first class, we will dedicate the part of class to a new topic, often looking at images to help solidify the concept.  The second part of the class will be used for feedback on student images for that week's assignment.  

The class may be taken with any type of camera, including an iPhone or even a disposable camera, however certain assignments will only be possible to complete if a student has a camera that can both freeze and blur motion and can also blur the background when a subject is in the foreground (and in focus).  Students who do not possess such a camera will have the option of an alternate assignment instead for those weeks.  

Please note that while we will try to adhere to strict time standards for the feedback of each student's work, in the event that we are not able to cover a student's work during class, that student will receive written feedback from the teacher (and any students who wish to participate) and that student will be placed at the start of the queue for the following week.  

CLASS 1: The Language of Photography
We’ll talk about what makes a good photograph and how the camera is different from your eye.  We’ll also talk about the different types of photography and the different types of shots one can take as well as focal points.  

CLASS 2: Elements of Design
In this class we’ll discuss design elements that can be used to strengthen an image: the rule of thirds, repetition, lines, contrast, color, symmetry, and textures.  We’ll also discuss how to critique work constructively before taking a look at the assignments from Week 1.

CLASS 3: How a Camera Works
We’ll take a look at the three elements that determine proper exposure: ISO, F-stops, and shutter speeds.  We’ll define what each is and then see how they work together.

CLASS 4: Focus and Depth of Field
We’ll take a look at how photographers can direct the viewer’s eye to subject matter by using focus and depth of field and we’ll discuss what influences the depth of field.

CLASS 5: Motion
We’ll take a look at freezing motion, blurring motion, and pans and discuss how to create these effects and when and why you may want to use them.  

CLASS 6: Lighting
We’ll compare hard light versus soft light and examine key lights and fill lights.  We’ll also discuss the color of light and natural light versus artificial light.

CLASS 7: Portraiture
In this class we’ll talk about tricks and tips for making portraits of people, pets, and inanimate objects.  

CLASS 8: Candid Shots
We’ll take a look at street photography, unposed shots, and “the decisive moment” of when to push the shutter to take the best possible photo.  

CLASS 9: Storytelling
We’ll examine how photographers use images to tell a story through point of view and composition.  We’ll take a look at editorial photographs and photojournalism.  

CLASS 10: Creating a Style
In this class we’ll discuss how to start creating a distinctive style as a photographer.  Students will emulate the work of a famous photographer as an exercise in developing style.  

CLASS 11 – Editing and Image Manipulation
With digital it’s easy to end up with many, many shots.  Which ones should you choose to show people?  How do you manipulate the photos that you've taken so that they communicate the message that you intend.  We'll take a look at how editing and image manipulation are part of the process that a photographer takes.  

CLASS 12 – Final Project Presentations
For the final class we’ll take a look at the final project presentations that the students have created and then discuss some pointers for progressing in the different fields of photography.