This studio arts class is also available on:
This non-darkroom class is designed for beginners who want to learn how to use their digital or film-based camera as a creative tool. The goal is to gain skill in technical aspects of photography so that they can concentrate on composing beautiful images.
Students work digitally or with color-slide film, and topics include aperture, shutter speed, metering, exposure, ISO/ASA, composition, film selection, special effects, and flash photography. The instructor gives weekly assignments and reviews them in subsequent classes.
Students should bring to the first class a camera (digital or film-based SLR) with manual or override capabilities. Color-slide film to purchase is discussed at that time. Students working in film process it commercially outside of class. Students working digitally must bring images for review on a flash drive or CD or in print. Point-and-shoot digital cameras are not appropriate for this course.
Marty Kaplan studied with renowned portrait photographer Arnold Newman and operated his own studio for over 20 years.
6 sessions, 3 hours each
Smithsonian Connections
In preparation for class, students may view the online exhibit American Photographs: The First Century, created by the Smithsonian American Art Museum to familiarize themselves with the variety of techniques and styles present in American photography.
