January - February 2020 Classes Open for Registration

My first 2020 photography classes held at the Lifelong Learning Center in Missoula, Montana, are now open for registration. Below are descriptions of the courses and links to register. Join me in the new year!


  • What Photo Editing Software Is Best?
  • Photoshop Elements Workflow Part 1
  • Getting to Know Your Digital Camera 2
  • Black & White Photography from Start to Finish
  • Winter Nature Photography from Start to Finish



What’s the big deal about photo editing? Why would I need to edit my pictures anyway? Which photo editor is the best? Join this evening demonstration and discussion of various photo editing software applications, their pros and cons, and which one might be best for your needs. Watch the photographer demonstrate editing pictures, creating cards, and sharing images using products that range from simple and free to advanced. Come see what’s possible with your photos and ask questions about a variety of photo editing options. The information applies to both Mac and Windows computers. No prior photography experience or knowledge necessary!
Schedule: Thursday, 6:30-8:30pm, January 16
Prerequisite: None
Textbook: None
Tuition: $18
Click to register.

Photoshop Elements Workflow -- Part 1


In this class you learn to bring out the best in your favorite pictures by following a step-by-step process called an editing workflow. Using Photoshop Elements, you start with organizing your images so you can easily find the best ones. You continue with cropping and changing the brightness, contrast and color to make your pictures stand out. Then you fix common problems such as removing red-eye and spots and straightening horizons and buildings. You finish by properly sizing and sharpening pictures for sharing on social media and in print. NOTE: Photoshop Elements works on both Windows and Mac computers. You do not have to own Photoshop Elements to take the course. All work is done in class with the school’s computers.
Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:30-9pm, January 20-29
Prerequisite: Basic computer skills
Textbook: None
Tuition: $77
Click to register.

Getting to Know Your Digital Camera 2


Apply your photography skills in a variety of common shooting scenarios in this intermediate class. After reviewing exposure, you learn techniques for action, close-up, and low-light photography. You find out about using different lenses and filters when shooting landscapes and portraits. You discover how to adjust the colors the camera records to improve both sunset and indoor shots. And you learn to control the built-in flash for natural-looking photos of people. You’ll leave with the tools to make better pictures in a variety of situations.
Schedule:  Saturday, 8:30am-5pm, January 25 (1 hour lunch break)
Prerequisite: Familiar with shutter speed, aperture and ISO controls on your camera. Your camera must have Program, Shutter Priority and Aperture Priority exposure modes. Check your manual to see if these features are listed.
Textbook: None
Tuition:
$31
Click to register.

Black & White Photography from Start to Finish


The best black and white photographs come from recognizing interesting light, distinctive shapes, and detailed textures in the world around us. By capturing these features in color, we can convert them to dramatic black and white images using photo editing software. In this course, we work in the field to capture the raw material we need to produce monochrome masterpieces. Then we use Adobe Lightroom Classic to adjust exposure and contrast, lighten and darken parts of the image to improve its visual impact, and apply special effects such as sepia toning and traditional borders. These techniques also work in Adobe Photoshop. Experience with the exposure controls on your camera and with Adobe Lightroom Classic are recommended.
Schedule: Thursdays, 6:30-9pm, January 30-February 27
Saturday, 3-5:30pm, February 1
Prerequisite: Experience with the exposure controls on your camera and with Adobe Lightroom Classic are recommended.
Textbook: None
Tuition: $103
Click to register.

Winter Nature Photography from Start to Finish


Explore the photographic possibilities of nature in winter in this class. Discover tips for better photos of the pristine landscape blanketed with snow and plants covered with frost. You learn how to prepare yourself and your camera for the cold. Then move on to adjusting exposure and color for great pictures. We'll take two trips to snowy locations near Missoula so you can practice what you've learned. In addition, you use Adobe Lightroom Classic to adjust exposure and contrast, and modify overall color balance. A camera with controls for aperture, shutter speed and ISO, a tripod, and experience with Adobe Lightroom Classic are recommended.
Schedule: Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm, February 5-19
Saturdays, 3-5:30pm, February 8-15
Prerequisite: Familiar with shutter speed, aperture and ISO controls on your camera, access to a tripod, and familiarity with Adobe Lightroom Classic are recommended.
Textbook: None
Tuition: $82
Click to register.