Though we all have digital cameras, even the simplest of them full of amazing capabilities, we often get so caught up in the idea of using our photographs in some other art work like our collages, scrapbooks etc. that we forget about the fact that photography is an art form in and of itself.

The art of photography is as exciting and fulfilling as any other art genre, and rife with creative possibility. However, as in any other art endeavor, you have to learn the ropes, and then practice to become a good or a great photographer. Buying a digital camera does not a photographer make, any more than buying a paint brush makes an artist.

In this 10 week, online workshop, we will concentrate on learning to use our digital cameras to take good and great pictures, by learning the basics of the art of photography, and the features of digital cameras. Emphasis will be on learning the techniques to create the best photos we can in the camera, instead of shooting haphazardly with the intention to “fix” things later in the computer.

Toward the end of the workshop, we will learn all about file formats and resolution, so you can use your photographs in different ways.

This is the first in a series of online workshops, which will build in complexity and scope.

This workshop will be conducted in an interactive manner using a private, unlisted Yahoo Group - which you can join only by being invited. Upon payment of your tuition, you will receive an invitation to join the Group. If you do not already belong to any Yahoo Group, you will be required to create a Yahoo User Name and Password.

Every Friday, for 10 weeks, students will be provided with an illustrated PDF booklet (downloadable) which will contain the photo assignment for that week, and tutorial material to teach you whatever you need to know to get it done.

Each student will have their own Folder, in the Photos section of the Group, where they will upload the results of each assignment - for sharing with the instructor and the other students. (Complete instructions for getting your photos from your camera to the Yahoo Group Photos section are included in the first week's booklet.)

Discussions will be encouraged about your experiences completing the assignments, and questions and comments that may come up along the way.

The instructor will be checking the Group message board several times per day to answer questions and add comments.

No experience or skill level required.

You must have access to the following:

A Digital Camera (No special bells and whistles required. You will probably define during the workshop, just what features you do want or need in a digital camera). If your camera has no settings at all, you may find you want to borrow one from a friend for a couple of the assignments, but this is not required.
Note: You can use a film camera to complete this course, but you must have a scanner and know how to use it to create digital files of your photos. No instruction on scanning will be included in this course.

Access to your camera's manual. Most printed manuals have very little information. The PDF Manual that came with your camera (on a CD more than likely) is a better bet - and searchable too. You will use the manual to look up where certain settings are located, and since all cameras are a little different, the instructor won't be able to tell you. If you have lost the manual, Google your make and model and you will probably find a downloadable manual available online.

Image Editing Software. Our preference is PhotoShop or Elements (any version), but PaintShop Pro or any program that allows basic editing, resizing, and resampling is ok.

Mobility. You must be able to go outside and move around.

Click here to learn about my love affair with photography.

Tuition. . .

Total cost for the 10 week workshop is $65.

Yes, we know that is dirt cheap and much less than other comparable online workshops, but part of our incentive is to share the joy of fine art photography - and to have some fun.
That's worth something too.

Sign Up. . .

Click here to sign up for this workshop.

Don't try to stare down this squirrel. He will win every time!