Testimonials
"Class and instructor were outstanding. Keep offering this class and others by Ray Pfortner, as he is the BEST photography instructor I have ever had. His classes have helped me become a much better photographer over the years."
"You can't improve on perfection."
Class Overview
The camera does not make the photograph, it takes the photograph. Only the person behind the camera makes the photograph -- deciding where to point the camera, what to include and what not to, and when to press the shutter button.
Knowing the many principles of design in all visual art, from painting to photography, makes the difference between simply a technically sound photograph and one that is compelling and evocative.
Learn to improve your photography experience and results by practicing with guidance from a professional. You'll have the opportunity to explore what makes compelling composition and great design in images.
Gain experience through photography assignments and experience a session shooting photo out "on location," when possible. You'll benefit from sharing your results with the class and receiving new perspectives on your images through group feedback.
We'll also look at how to adjust your camera settings to get the results you want or to experiment with creative techniques.
To start, please bring five of your own photographs on a flash drive or as small prints to the first class to share as part of your introduction.
Supplies Needed
- Any digital camera, ideally a point and shoot, digital SLR or mirrorless camera. A smart phone can work, too, either as a supplemental or primary camera.
- You will also need a flash drive for bringing photographs to class for in-person classes -- or the ability to share your photos for online classes, such as Flickr.
Learning Objectives
- The principles of evocative design from painting and photography
- Basic camera handling and settings
- Creative camera settings and techniques
- A higher visual literacy
- Composing images
Who Might Enjoy This Class?
- Anyone with a passion for photography, young and old
- People who use photography to capture travel or local experiences for sharing, showing, or selling
- Everyone who uses photography as an artistic reference to render later in the medium of their choice, from painting to drawing to printmaking, or for elements in collage and mixed media