Exploring the art and craft of photography is an excellent creative outlet that anyone can enjoy. Learn the basic functions of a camera – even the one on your own phone!
Discover techniques that draw the viewer’s eye and give emotion and depth to the two-dimensional. Learn to see like a photographer and choose the best way to capture your subject. What gives an image its impact? How do great photographers make their pictures stand out? How do you want to tell your story?
Photography classes help students to see their surroundings differently and encourage exploration of seemingly familiar places. Learning new ways to look at things can also help to gain a new perspective on life.
All programs are available in-person or by video
All programs can also be done outdoors in nice weather or with overhead cover
Photography Projects
- Cyanotypes (Sun Prints) – The word ‘photography’ means ‘writing with light’. In this class we use the light of the sun to create an image on light-sensitive paper that the student can keep. Students will create an image/layout with found objects and transparencies, and then watch as the light makes its mark on the paper. Development takes place within minutes and students see their own image preserved. This class touches on photography fundamentals, silhouettes and basic development procedure (using only water) and demonstrates the limitless potential of the art using readily available objects. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials) Note: If the day is cloudy we will do an inside “Point of View Photo Walk” instead (see below)
- Self-Portrait – We will learn about some famous self-portrait examples, then think about and discuss how the students will portray themselves in their own self-portrait. Props will be provided. If time allows, students may select their favorite image to project and/or print and discuss with the class. Practice getting creative and explore photography as a tool to express what’s within! (1 hour class plus $1 per person for materials) Please let us know if you would like us to provide the cameras, or if the students will use their own digital or cellphone cameras.
- Point of View Photo Walks – Point of View is a component of photography that can be used as a technique of self-expression or creativity. We will have a short discussion of one or more photographic concepts and then guide students to examine their own point of view and explore new ones. What does the carpet or the bark of a tree look like up close? How about a potted plant from underneath? Students are encouraged to reexamine their surroundings and find new ways to look at potential subjects. We will then discuss anything interesting in the images or things discovered along the way. Can be done indoors or outdoors. (1 hour class plus $1 per person for materials) Please let us know if you would like us to provide the cameras, or if the students will use their own digital or cellphone cameras.
- Photo Scavenger Hunt – Similar to the Point of View Photo Walks, this class adds a challenge to seek out specific subjects to capture. This class is more goal-driven than the open-ended photo walk and encourages critical thinking. The group will view and discuss photographs from famous artists, with an emphasis on picking out elements within the image. Prompts for scavenger items can include certain shapes or subjects, styles of composition or emotions elicited, depending on the topic of discussion and the group’s interests. Students will take photos of their “finds” and choose one to print at the end of class. (1 hour class plus $1 per person for materials) Please let us know if you would like us to provide the cameras, or if the students will use their own digital or cellphone cameras.
- Nametags/Instant Photo Portraits – Create a unique nametag that showcases the individual. This class is an excellent introduction to get to know the instructor, learn more about fellow participants, as well as beginners in photography to get more comfortable around a camera. We begin with making an instant photo portrait of each participant, in which they will work with the photographer to capture the image that suits them. Instant photos will develop in just a couple minutes and participants can watch their photo appear – this is usually a very fun and satisfying moment. Then we personalize their portraits by putting decorative paper on the back of the image and getting creative with a variety of other materials. Finally, we attach a lanyard for participants to wear their nametag art and hang at home. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials) We supply the instant camera for this class.
- Photo Greeting Cards – A hands-on, crafty class centered around a photo. Students will take an image with an instant camera, or take it with their cellphones and we will print it. The cards can have a seasonal theme, be for a friend’s birthday, or they may simply choose to make a greeting card to wish someone well. Blank cards will be provided along with a variety of decorative paper, drawing utensils, etc. Students will have plenty of opportunity for creative expression and will then take their cards home to give to their intended recipient. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials) We will supply an instant camera, or students can use their cellphones if they choose.
- Forced Perspective and Reflections – Students will learn about forced perspective – techniques in photography that create optical illusions using depth perception to make objects appear larger or smaller than they really are. We will view some interesting – and often funny – examples before trying it out themselves. Working in pairs is encouraged so that students can practice directing and taking photos while also having a chance to appear posing in some photos. Mirrors will be available to aid in making photos that look like optical illusions. The majority of this class will be spent taking photos, as well as gathering to view everyone’s work and push ourselves to be creative in sharing our perspectives. Students will choose one of their photos to print at the end of class. (1 hour class plus $1 per person for materials) Please let us know if you would like us to provide the cameras, or if the students will use their own digital or cellphone cameras.
Click on the categories below for a full program list
