This 4-session course is designed to teach adult students how to get the most out of their cameras and how to photograph a variety of subjects. Instruction includes discussions of camera settings, equipment choices and composition.

Participants will apply what they’ve learned through hands-on sessions in portraiture, macro photography (flowers, small products, etc.) and low-light/long-exposure shooting. This course also covers sports, event, flash, landscape, wildlife, candid, lightning, firework and night-sky photography as well as “painting with light” techniques.

Bring your camera, camera manual and a thumb drive. You have the flexibility of registering for the classes that suit your learning needs. A discount is given for signing up for all 4 sessions.

All sessions will be held the Next Us Workspace.

Session 1 - Camera Basics and Composition:

In this class you will learn about basic camera settings, auto focus, equipment choices, composition and how to start thinking like a photographer to make better photos. Half the session will concentrate on compositional elements and techniques. Bring 5-10 photos on a thumb drive for a critique of your work (if time allows). This session is open to anyone regardless of the type of camera you own.

Session 2 - Advanced Shooting Modes and Camera Functions:

This session covers advanced camera settings, including shooting in manual, aperture-priority and shutter-priority modes. You will learn how to use the camera's meter, focus modes/points, white balance and the histogram, and there will be time to practice these skills.. You should attend this class if you have a more advanced point-and-shoot camera or a DSLR. Bring 5-10 photos on a thumb drive for a critique of your work (if time allows).

Session 3 - People/Portraits and Studio 101:

This class concentrates on techniques for photographing people, whether it's while covering an event such as a concert or sporting match or if you're creating portraits. There will be a hands-on demonstration to teach you how to use studio lights with a model. Please bring an extra $10 as a modeling fee. It's best that you have a camera with a hot shoe attachment in order to get the most out of this demonstration.

Session 4 - Subject Matter (Nature, Wildlife, Low-Light and Macro Photography):

This session includes tips and techniques on a variety of subjects, including nature/landscape, wildlife, low-light (lightning, fireworks, night sky, painting with light) and macro (flowers, small objects, textures) photography. There will be hands-on macro and low-light demonstrations. Please bring some small items such as candies, coins, jewelry, etc. to photograph and a tripod.