Photography Techniques

Learn how to take professional-looking pictures with your digital camera.  In this five-week class, NASA photographer Bill Stafford, will introduce you to the proper techniques needed to take great digital photos. You will learn the art of focus, composition, exposure, and basic lighting techniques. After following the techniques you are taught in these easy and fun classes, you will be well on your way to taking better pictures in no time.

Class Information:

• 5 Week Class
• Tuesdays, January 14 – February 18, 2025 (no class on 1/28)
• 6:00 – 7:30 PM
• Location: the Gilruth Center’s Discovery Room
• Class Size – 10 (minimum) – 20 total
• Digital Cameral with Full Manual Setting Required
• $100 until January 3rd
• $120 January 4th-14th

Prerequisites:

• Digital camera that can be set to full manual settings
• Access to a computer
• Familiarity with Adobe Bridge or other photographer programs encouraged, but not required

What to bring to class:

• Digital camera
• Memory cards
• Charged batteries
• Owner’s manual for camera

Register Here

What to Expect:

Week 1

• Introduction to Class Plan – what we will do for the next 5 weeks.
• Getting the “eye” for photography – what makes up a photograph?  Composition, Exposure, Focus, etc.
• Review examples of photos and discuss ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture.
• Get in groups and practice composition, exposure, and focus technique
• Homework: take several pictures of the same thing but change the ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture and will critique next class

Week 2

• Visual Psychology – what is it and how this affects your photos?
• What is Composition and how does it affect your photos?
• Review images from students for ~30 mins
• Homework: Use Composition elements to make photos for critique.

Week 3

• Lighting
• Color Psychology – what it is and how it affects your photos
• Natural lighting and how to use it.
• Review images from students
• Homework:  Take several photos with emphasis on Lighting and Color

Week 4

• Tips, Tricks, and Techniques
• Sports, Long exposures, Moving objects
• Review images from students
• Homework:  Portfolio Prep, get ready to showcase your best work!

Week 5

• PORTFOLIO DAY
• Review of the class
• Show best of …
• Class critique