Digital Photography

Welcome to our 6-week Photography Class at the duCret Center of Art—a hands-on, immersive experience designed to cover photography fundamentals while touching on the dynamic world of photojournalism. Over 2.5 hours per week, you’ll learn everything from essential camera functions and digital darkroom techniques to composition, lighting, and specialized genres like portrait, nature, and sports photography. With in-class shooting sessions and immediate feedback, you’ll have the opportunity to see your progress as you work on your craft, all while mastering basic Photoshop skills for quick and effective editing.

Week 1: Camera Essentials & Digital Darkroom

• Introduction to camera functions and settings (suitable for digital or cell phone cameras)
• Overview of the digital darkroom and basic Photoshop techniques (cropping, lightening, darkening)
• In-class shooting to put these fundamentals into practice

Week 2: Composition & Lighting

• Review images from Week 1
• Introduction to the principles of composition through guided in-class shooting
• Explore basic lighting techniques to enhance your photography

Week 3: Portraits & Pictorial Techniques

• Review and critique of images focusing on composition and lighting
• Introduction to portrait photography: capturing personality and mood
• Dive into pictorial photography to add an artistic flair to your work

Week 4: Nature Photography

• Image review from portrait and pictorial sessions
• Learn techniques for capturing the beauty of nature in various settings
• In-class shooting focused on outdoor environments

Week 5: Sports & Action Photography

• Review images from nature photography
• Introduction to capturing fast-paced sports and action shots with dynamic composition
• Practice sessions to apply these techniques in a live, action-packed setting

Week 6: Final Review & Portfolio Showcase

• A comprehensive review of all images taken throughout the course
• The final in-class session where you’ll refine selected works using Photoshop
• An opportunity to present your portfolio, receive personalized feedback, and celebrate your progress

Join us to learn the technical and creative aspects of photography and experience the excitement of creating art that tells your unique story—right from the moment you shoot to the instant gratification of digital feedback.