Starting from Scratch: Learning Photography

A complete introduction to photography practices. 

This adult continuing education course is digital and film photography for absolute beginners.  Designed for the person who has never picked up a camera (or phone!) for more than snapshots, to the person who is picking up a camera after many years, to the person who wants a photography refresher! Students will gain confidence in their practices, build a foundation and understanding of the basics. 

In this comprehensive class, we will begin each session with basic elements of using a camera, learn about different photographers and their photography styles.  The majority of the class will be spent on hands-on practices as the instructor shares short lecture and prompts to practice perspective, natural lighting work, color, line, texture, and other principles of art and design.  We will have lessons in both film and digital work, but the majority of the work in this particular course will be in digital. 

Students will be asked to send their photos from class (and/or additional photos they take) to the instructor via email so we can discuss them in class.  We will support students with the best and easiest way to share these photos.  

Note: this course is three weeks long due to spring break.

Course Outcomes - 

• You will learn basic understanding of using both film and digital cameras, including parts of the camera and recommended practices
• You will learn 2-3 photographers each session, and gain language and confidence in both understanding photography, but also explaining why you like or dislike different works
• You will gain skills in understanding light, perspective, moving your body and the camera to achieve dynamic compositions, and many more elements of photography
• You will finish with a small collection of photos that you'll be proud of! 
  
  Requirements - 
  A curious and interested mind, absolutely zero art experience is necessary for this course.  
  
  Materials - 
  All course materials are included, though students may receive lists of supplies if they would like to practice at home after the course ends.