Photography Courses

Beginning Photography

Instructor: Sam Effinger, Clint Smith

This class is aimed at photographers who are new to taking pictures for a school publication. Students will receive one-on-one help with the functions of their cameras. Featured topics include learning basic camera and exposure controls, effective composition, basic Photoshop skills, use of a basic flash and strategies for covering a variety of school assignments.

SUPPLIES: An SLR digital camera with an f2 or faster lens that the student will be using for assignments at school. Students should also bring the camera owner’s manual. If the original camera guide is not available, the manufacturer’s website provides free downloadable PDFs. Additional supplies: empty memory card (4 to 16 GB), extra camera batteries and/or battery charger, a detachable electronic flash (if available), pens and spiral notebook. Strongly suggested: USB thumb drive (16 to 64 GB) and compatible card reader. Access to a laptop with Photoshop would be very helpful, but is not required.

Intermediate Photography

Instructor: Mitchell Franz, Jeff Tuttle

Intermediate Photography is designed for the photographer who has publications experience. Instruction will be focused towards understanding camera operations metering, learning the rules of composition, improving shooting skills, making the most of everyday assignments and working on a publication. Students should have a good working knowledge of their digital cameras. The class will take workshop-provided transportation on a field trip to shoot photo stories.

SUPPLIES: An SLR digital camera with an f2 or faster lens that the student will be using for assignments at school. Students should also bring the camera owner’s manual. If the original camera guide is not available, the manufacturer’s website provides free downloadable PDFs. Additional supplies: empty memory card (4 to 16 GB), extra camera batteries and/or battery charger, a detachable electronic flash (if available), pens and spiral notebook. Strongly suggested: USB thumb drive (16 to 64 GB) and compatible card reader. Access to a laptop with Photoshop would be very helpful, but is not required.

Advanced Photography

Instructors: Wade Kennedy, Mike McLean

This class is geared to the experienced student who has worked as a photographer for their publication for a year or more. This class will emphasize traditional storytelling skills, and visual strategy. Students will be exposed to using a digital camera meter in difficult lighting situations, advanced compositional guidelines, developing effective photo assignments, covering assignment strategies, and image selection skills. Students will also learn flash techniques and will be participating in a group demonstration on using wireless flash trigger to cover high school assignments. Students will also take part in a Photoshop ethical discussions and learn Photoshop tools and guidelines used by professional photojournalists set forth by NPPA. The class will take workshop-provided transportation on a field trip to shoot photo stories.

SUPPLIES: An SLR digital camera with an f2 or faster lens that the student will be using for assignments at school. Students should also bring the camera owner’s manual. If the original camera guide is not available, the manufacturer’s website provides free downloadable PDFs. For the advanced class its helpful for the students to bring flashes/strobes/remote triggers. Also bring any photography equipment the student is unfamiliar with. Additional supplies: empty memory card (4 to 16 GB), extra camera batteries and/or battery charger, a detachable electronic flash (if available), pens and spiral notebook. Strongly suggested: USB thumb drive (16 to 64 GB) and compatible card reader. Access to a laptop with Photoshop would be very helpful, but is not required.