Photography Classes

Western Montana’s natural beauty inspires many people to photograph the landscape. In this course you find out how to make your scenic pictures as inspiring as the vistas you see. We talk about how lighting, vantage points, and specific camera controls can improve your results. We also discuss easy special effects and camera accessories that help turn your snapshots into photographs. And we use Adobe Lightroom Classic to enhance your favorite frames and assemble HDR images and panoramas. Two Saturday sunset field shoots give you the chance to apply what you learned. Knowledge of your camera’s controls and access to a tripod are recommended. Familiarity with Adobe Lightroom Classic is suggested but not required.

Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 PM

May 4 - 25, 2021

Saturdays, 7:30-9:30 PM 

May 8 - 15, 2021

Tuition: $83

Discover the power of your advanced digital camera in this introductory course. Learn about different exposure modes and when to use them for better focus and exposure in your pictures. Understand the various auto focus settings available and when to use them or switch to manual focus. Find out about megapixels, histograms and JPEG versus raw file formats. You'll walk away with the skills to make the most of your advanced digital camera.  NOTE: To get the most from this class, your camera must have Program, Shutter Priority and Aperture Priority exposure modes. Check your manual  to see if these features are listed. 

Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 PM 

May 6 - June 10, 2021

Tuition: $83

Montana’s spring wildflowers entice us to capture their beauty with the camera. In this class you learn techniques for making sharp, colorful images of the blooms in the field as well as close-ups of details. You explore ways to manage lighting, color and backgrounds to show off the blossoms. And you discover how to bring out the best in your images using Adobe Lightroom Classic. A Saturday morning field trip gives you the chance to practice what you learn in class. Knowledge of your camera’s controls and access to a tripod are recommended. Familiarity with Adobe Lightroom Classic is suggested but not required.

Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 PM

June 1-15, 2021

Saturday, 7:30-9:30 AM

June 5, 2021

Tuition: $57

Too often we take just one shot of a subject and move on. Or we think that if we create one good photo from an afternoon of shooting, we are “done.” This approach often leaves a story or idea incomplete. Nearly every photographic situation has more than one right photographic answer. In this class you explore a variety of topics and share multiple images illustrating them instead of just one. Challenge yourself to explore more photo compositions of your chosen subject and see what you can create. Included is a demonstration of ways to combine related photos into diptychs, triptychs and grids for sharing online or displaying on a wall.

Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 PM 

July 6-27, 2021

Tuition: $57

Take charge of your pictures by learning to set the exposure controls yourself. In this advanced class, you learn to master manual exposure using the camera’s built-in light meter and the shutter, aperture and ISO controls. Learning to use manual exposure gives you complete creative control over the appearance of your images under any lighting conditions. A Saturday field trip gives you the chance to practice what you learn in class with help from the instructor. NOTE: To get the most from this course, you need an interchangeable lens camera with manual controls for shutter speed, aperture and ISO and a floor-standing tripod with a quick release attachment.

Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 PM

June 24 - July 29, 2021

Saturday, 8:00-10:00 AM

July 10, 2021

Tuition: $96

Have fun making photographs at the Western Montana Fair. In class we will explore creative night photography techniques for capturing spinning carnival lights. We will also learn tips and techniques for making photographs in low light conditions such as inside exhibit halls or barns as well as early evening outside. Then we will meet at the fair on two evenings to practice. Students are welcome to spend more time at the fair as their time allows. We will wrap up in the classroom by sharing our favorite photos from the event. To get the most from this class, you should be familiar with aperture, shutter speed, ISO and white balance controls on your camera and have access to a tripod.

Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 PM

August 11-18, 2021

Thursday, 8:30-10:30 PM

August 12, 2021

Friday, 6:00-8:00 PM

August 13, 2021

Tuition: $57

If none of these classes meets your needs or interests, consider  scheduling a private session. Topics can include using your digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless), editing photos with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic, Adobe Photoshop, or Adobe Photoshop Elements, and printing pictures using inkjet printers. 

Sessions are available for individuals or small groups. Contact me for availability and pricing.

Note: During the coronavirus pandemic, sessions are held outside at a safe distance or online with Zoom.