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Introduction to Digital Photography
Taught by Joe Makarski
Duration: 6 Weeks Schedule:
Weekly Sundays beginning 2/16/2025, 2p-4p
Level: Beginner
Objective: To equip students with the foundational skills and knowledge to capture stunning digital photographs using their digital camera.
Course Outline
Week 1: Understanding Your Camera •
Topics: ◦ Overview of digital camera types (DSLR, mirrorless) ◦ Key camera components: lens, sensor, shutter, and viewfinder ◦ Introduction to camera settings: manual mode, aperture, shutter speed, ISO • Hands-On Activity: ◦ Practice manual camera mode and light metering. ◦ Experiment with auto vs. manual focus.
Week 2: Mastering Exposure •
Topics: ◦ The Exposure Triangle: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO ◦ How light affects exposure ◦ Introduction to metering modes • Hands-On Activity: ◦ Capture three photos of the same subject, adjusting each component of the exposure triangle to see the effects.
Week 3: Composition Techniques •
Topics: ◦ Rule of thirds ◦ Leading lines and framing ◦ Balance and symmetry in a photograph ◦ Using negative space effectively • Hands-On Activity: ◦ Take photos using various composition techniques to tell a story.
Week 4: Light and Color •
Topics: ◦ Understanding natural vs. artificial lighting ◦ Golden hour, blue hour, and harsh light considerations ◦ White balance. • Hands-On Activity: ◦ Capture photos using different lighting scenarios (indoors and outdoors). ◦ Adjust white balance settings for creative effects.
Week 5: Introduction to Editing •
Topics: ◦ Basics of photo editing software (e.g., Lightroom, Photoshop, or free alternatives) ◦ Adjusting brightness, contrast, and color balance ◦ Cropping and straightening for better composition • Hands-On Activity: ◦ Edit 2-3 images using basic editing tools.
Week 6: Telling a Story Through Photography •
Topics: ◦ How to create a photo series or mini portfolio ◦ Tips for capturing emotions and moments ◦ Review of concepts learned throughout the course • Final Project: ◦ Photography Show/Presentation of a 5-photo series on a chosen theme (e.g., nature, cityscape, or portraits). ◦ Group critique and discussion. Materials Needed • A digital camera that has manual mode. • Notebook and pen • Access to a computer with basic editing software (optional but recommended)
Course Deliverables • A foundational understanding of digital photography concepts • A mini portfolio of edited photographs • Confidence in using your camera and editing tools.
*If you would like to borrow equipment for this class please contact Joe.makarski@gmail.com.
Fly Fishing Workshop
Chris Derkas, retired Park Ranger and avid fly fisherman. Has taught beginners the art of fly casting and fishing for over 12 seasons at the Burlington County Parks System, in Eastampton, NJ. Chris instructs the basic mechanics and techniques necessary for people to have a base foundation to be able begun their fly-fishing adventure. Areas covered in class will include equipment needed. Flys needed to use and when to use them, how and why to use them. The forward cast, the back cast and importance of both. Casting from the banks of a creek using a roll cast will be demonstrated. There will be time to use equipment and get a good foundation for getting on the water. Please bring your own equipment if you have it, there is limited number of rods and reels for use during class. Explore the fun of fishing and being on the water.
New dates coming Spring 2025
Next Level Fly Fishing Workshop
Chris Derkas, retired Park Ranger and avid fly fisherman. Has taught beginners and next level fisherman the art of fly casting and fishing for over 12 seasons at the Burlington County Parks System, in Eastampton, NJ. In this workshop Chris will remediate the basics from his previous workshops, then expand the instruction to reading water, additional casting techniques, and additional intensive on fly selection and technique. Sure to be fun day where you can work on your individual needs.
New dates coming Spring 2025