The most important component to taking a great photograph is you, the photographer. In this 5-session class you will learn how to take better pictures with your digital camera, the basic fundamentals of how to use a digital camera, and how to start seeing like a photographer.

Photographers with all types of digital SLR and mirrorless cameras are welcome and will benefit from this class. Please note that we will concentrate on how to take pictures in manual exposure mode for the best control of your images. There will be optional shooting homework between sessions. The five 2-hour sessions will consist of in person lectures, as well as photo critiques via video.

Topics include:

o Understanding camera features and functions

o Understanding Exposure

o Understanding Focusing and Depth of Field

o Understanding Composition and Elements of Visual Design

o and learning how to see like a photographer

Basic Digital Photography I Homework Option

The key components to taking great photographs are knowing how to use your camera in manual mode, understanding the principals of composition and the elements of visual design, seeing like a photographer, and practicing taking photographs. This add-on option to the class is designed to help you put into practice all the things that you will learn in class. You will be given shooting assignments each week (4 assignments: weeks 2 – 5) specific to that week’s class material. The instructor will then review your work and provide positive and constructive feedback to help you take your work up another notch.  The critiques are provided via video and are available for reviewing as many times as you like. The instructor will be available to answer questions via email. The best way to improve your photography is to learn from photos that worked well, and from photos that did not work so well.

This course is presented by Nick DePasquale. HIs photographs will be on display in the Art Gallery in May.

This program was funded in part by a grant from the Pepperell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.