Photography

 Please refer to the most current Continuing Education semester schedule under "Non-Credit Courses" for the most up-to-date course information.

 Digital Photography Basics I

Do you own a digital camera, but are not getting the quality images you want?  Or maybe you are getting great images, but don’t know why.  Here is the course for you whether you have a basic point-and-shoot or a more complex camera.  All of the basics will be covered, including setting the aperture, shutter speed, and ASA; working with depth-of-field; selecting lenses; focusing the image; backing-up, editing, and cataloging your images.  The specific controls on your camera that mystify most beginners will be explained thoroughly.  You will learn to properly hold your camera and discover the advantages of using a tripod or monopod.  You’ll be shown techniques to creatively light and compose your image, be it portrait, nature, landscape, still object, documentary, or abstract.  Finally, there will be time available in class for taking pictures and looking at each other’s images.  Bring:  Your digital camera and instruction manual and any photos you would like to use.

Digital Photography Basics II

Now that you have a basic understanding of what digital photography is about, it is time to take the next step.  We will start with a brief review of the beginning photography concepts using them as a foundation for this course, then move on to some new and exciting topics. We will delve deeper into the various controls on your camera, including those defined as ”custom.” You’ll learn the many advantages of shooting “RAW”, as compared to “jpg.” More advanced lighting methods, including creatively using a handheld flash, will be demonstrated.  You’ll learn more adventurous composing ideas and have the opportunity to apply them while shooting pictures in class.  You’ll discover the wonderful world of digital imaging, using either PhotoShop or PS Elements, where images can be fixed-up, enhanced, or completely changed. Prerequisite: Digital Photography Basics, Part 1 (or an equivalent course). Bring:  Your digital camera and instruction manual and any photos you would like to use.

Mobile Movie Making With a Smartphone

This may be the only existing course in this topic! Smartphones like the iPhone are mobile movie-making “studios” that can be used to shoot, edit, and broadcast high-quality videos to the world.  In this class, You’ll learn the tips and tricks to shoot more professional video with the iPhone/iPad/iPod touch.   The focus will be on shooting short news/marketing/blog videos that tell a story for the web.  You’ll also learn how to stream live video, edit video on the device. then upload them to the web.  The class includes handouts and will demonstrate and discuss all the gadgets, connectors, and apps that can help you get more professional sound and images from the device.  Bring: Your iPhone (3gs, 4, and 4S)/iPad 2/ iPod touch and the device’s USB cable.

 Intro to Movie Making
Do you shoot skateboard or other movies with your friends in your backyard? Have you ever wanted to learn how to make better home movies?  You will learn the five steps of filmmaking – Development, Pre-Production, Production, Post Production and Distribution. You’ll receive hands-on learning opportunities in production and post-production throughout the course while we create a mini-movie. You’ll also learn techniques of storyboarding, shooting, and editing.  Bring: (if you have one) Small video camera and the desire to be the next great filmmaker!