Beginner Photography: Foundations of Seeing
This introductory course explores the art and craft of photography through a relaxed, studio-style environment that encourages both experimentation and personal vision. Over five weeks, students will learn to work with light, composition, and timing to create intentional, expressive photographs.
Through instructor demonstrations and hands-on practice, we’ll cover the essentials — including exposure, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and composition — while discussing how color, contrast, and framing affect mood and storytelling. Each week, students will complete short exercises leading toward an individual photographic project.
This self-paced approach allows for one-on-one guidance and plenty of time for exploration, helping you develop your own visual style while building technical skill. Instruction will include critiques, basic editing, and discussions on how to see creatively through the lens.
This class is designed for beginners. Please bring a digital camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or smartphone). A laptop with Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, or another photo editing program is optional but recommended for editing demonstrations and project refinement.
Skills Acquired:
- Confident camera operation and manual control.
- Understanding of lighting and exposure.
- Awareness of composition and color relationships.
- Development of personal visual style.
- Constructive critique and project planning.
Classes will not meet the week of Thanksgiving (11/24 – 11/30).
Prerequisites: None
