Photography Classes for 2012
I will once again be teaching photography classes at the Cass Career Center (Harrisonville, MO) in spring of 2012. Listed below is the class schedule and description of classes I will be teaching. This section will be updated when the costs are available from the CCC:
“Point-and-Shoot Digital Cameras” class: This class is a 4-session class for point-and-shoot digital camera users, scheduled for February 14, February 21, February 28 and March 06. We will cover basic camera controls and settings, how to get better exposures, some basic photo composition tips, traveling with photographic equipment, and how to download images and store them properly. This class is an excellent way for those who have recently purchased or received a new camera, to get familiarized with all the controls and functions on the camera! Each session is 2 hours per night, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. This class is an entry level class with the only requirement being that the student knows the very basics of operating his/her camera (i.e., turning it on/off, etc.). Each student should bring his/her camera and camera manual to each class. There are limited openings for this class. To Enroll, or for more information, contact Marsha Ogden at the Cass Career Center (816) 380-3253, ext 7223 . Class cost: $TBA
“Digital SLR Photography” class: This class is a 4-session class for digital SLR (cameras with interchangeable lenses) users. Sessions are scheduled for February 16, February 23, March 01 and March 08. This class will cover the most useful camera controls and settings, lenses, how to get correct exposures (we will go into detail on this important aspect), some photo composition tips, traveling with photographic equipment, and whatever else we can squeeze in! Each session is 2 hours per night, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The class is an entry level class with the only requirement being that the student knows the very basic operation of his/her camera (turning the camera On or Off, inserting a card, etc.). We will build upon this basic knowledge. Each student should bring his/her camera and camera manual to each class. There are limited openings for this class. To Enroll, or for more information, contact Marsha Ogden at the Cass Career Center (816) 380-3253, ext 7223 . Class cost: $TBA
“Beginning Photoshop for Photographers” class: This 4-session class will cover the basic tools and techniques found in this powerful, photo editing software. We will learn how to crop and re-size images, how to remove dust and scratches, correct exposures and colors, and how to sharpen our photos. After learning how to use these valuable tools, students will be able to work on some of their own images. Class will be held on February 15, February 22, February 29, and March 07, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, and will be held in the computer classroom at the Harrisonville High School (right next doors to the Cass Career Center). There are limited openings for this class. To Enroll, or for more information, contact Marsha Ogden at the Cass Career Center (816) 380-3253, ext 7223 . Class cost: $TBA
“Landscapes & Moonscapes” class: This class is a 1-session class that will cover equipment and techniques for capturing images of landscapes and evening astrophotography (moon, stars, meteors, orbiting International Space Station, etc.). Class will be held on March 05, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm (I will be available to stay later, if more time is needed or if you have questions you wish to talk to me about). I will cover camera controls and settings, lenses, and how to get correct exposures. Since we will be discussing a lot of intermediate to advanced techniques, the student should be well-versed with his/her camera and basic principles behind achieving correct exposures (aperture, shutter speeds, ISO), or be currently enrolled in either the 4-week “Point & Shoot” class or the 4-week “Digital SLR” class. Each student should bring his/her camera and camera manual to class. There are limited openings for this class. To Enroll, or for more information, contact Marsha Ogden at the Cass Career Center (816) 380-3253, ext 7223 . Class cost: $TBA
“Wildlife Photography” class: This class is a 1-session class that will cover equipment and techniques for capturing images of wildlife (also relevant for captive animals (zoos, sanctuaries) and even pets!). Class will be held on February 13, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm (I will be available to stay later, if more time is needed, or if you have questions you wish to discuss with me). We will talk about some of the more advanced aspects of photography, including achieving proper exposure and depth of field. Since we will be discussing intermediate to advanced techniques, the student should be well-versed with his/her camera and basic principles behind achieving correct exposures (aperture, shutter speeds, ISO), or have completed/are currently enrolled in either the 4-week “Digital SLR” class or the 4-week “Point & Shoot” class. To Enroll, or for more information, contact Marsha Ogden at the Cass Career Center (816) 380-3253, ext 7223. Class cost: $TBA
“Butterfly & Wildflower Photography” class: This class is designed for the nature lover! Butterflies and wildflowers are one of my favorite local subjects. I spend a lot of time at some nearby prairies capturing these beauties. In this class, I will teach you the techniques and equipment that will help you to make better images of these subjects, whether you are a prairie lover (like me!) or you just want to make better images in your home garden. This is a 1-session class and will be held on February 27, from 6:30pm to 8:30 pm. Since we will be discussing some intermediate to advanced techniques, the student should be well-versed with his/her camera and basic principles behind achieving correct exposures (aperture, shutter speeds, ISO), or have completed/are currently enrolled in either the 4-week “Digital SLR” class or the 4-week “Point & Shoot” class. To Enroll, or for more information, contact Marsha Ogden at the Cass Career Center (816) 380-3253, ext 7223. Class cost: $TBA
Upcoming Craft/Art Shows:
Having completed my first two Art Festivals in 2011, I am currently in the process of checking out/applying to even more shows in 2012. As soon as 2012 shows become confirmed, I will add them to the website. If anyone has suggestions for shows for me to consider, please let me know!
Planned Photographic “shoots” for 2011:
- Yellowstone in Winter – I’m planning on visiting this magical place during the winter. The primary focus of the trip will be to photograph wildlife (wolves, bison, elk) in the snowy confines of the park, as well as photograph some of the outrageous winter scenery found throughout the park.
- Missouri Prairie Chickens (March-April) – I hope to again be one of the guides for accompanying guests to the viewing blind to see the endangered Greater Prairie Chickens at Dunn Ranch, a 3,700 acre prairie land owned by The Nature Conservancy in rural Harrison County, MO. Prairie Chicken viewing is a program that is a cooperative effort between The Nature Conservancy and the Missouri Department of Conservation. Prairie Chicken viewing was cancelled in 2009 and 2010, due to unsuccessful hatchings (result of torrential rains hitting the birds’ nesting grounds) and the loss of many of the adult birds to predators. We are all anxiously waiting to see if the 2010 hatching was successful (early signs indicate it was), which will allow resumption of blind viewing in 2011. During my free time, I will be photographing this endangered bird as the males strut about and “boom” on their mating grounds (“leks”), attracting hens, as well as other prairie wildlife/scenery.
- Missouri’s Wonderful Landscapes (spring) – I’m planning on visiting some new areas to me, the southeastern portion of Missouri. There are many state Conservation Areas located here, including some wooded areas, some prairieland, and some glades. Although a life-long resident, I have never visited this part of the state! I’m really looking forward to learning more about this area and making some images of the wildlife and landscapes there.
- Wild Horses of South Dakota (late spring/summer) – I will be photographing the wild horses of northern South Dakota in late spring. Three separate herds inhabit this area. One of the herds, based on DNA testing and historical evidence, are most likely the last original descendants of horses left behind by the Spaniards as they marched through Arizona in the 1500′s!
- Wildlife of the Great Plains (late spring/summer) – I’m again planning on visiting the wonderfully scenic Wichita Mountains to photograph wildflowers, scenics and the abundant wildlife of the area, including prairie dogs, elk, bison, burrowing owls, and Eastern collared lizards.
- Whales, Bears & Glaciers of Alaska (late summer) – I have been hired as a Photo Leader for a trip along the Inside Passage of Alaska, helping others to photograph whales, bears, eagles, glaciers, and anything else that fills our camera viewfinders! I have been on this trip before and it is a wonderful experience, filled with photo opportunities.
- Grand Teton NP, Yellowstone NP, Rocky Mountain NP (fall) – I am tentatively planning on again traveling this fall to these scenic parks to photograph the wildlife and fall scenery. The 2009 trip was very successful, but I didn’t have quite enough time to visit some of the places on my list. So, hopefully I will be able to return and get them this time!
Projects for 2011:
- Continue my rotating display of prints in area businesses, to help introduce the public to my photography business. I will also be trying to gain some additional businesses to display my work.
- Expanding my line of “Reflections of Nature” note card series.
- Set up an advisory board to assist me in getting my photography business going.
- Write a photography e-book.
- Continue conducting photography classes for Cass Career Center and investigate other area communities for classes.
- Publish 2012 calendar.
- Submit images for magazines, travel brochures, calendars, etc.
- Evaluate website and blog, and make changes to improve content and performance.