It’s already mid May, the weather is getting much warmer (almost feels like we’ve gone straight into summer!) and it’s time to start thinking about those summer time plans! Living in Virginia Beach, there is always plenty to do, but make sure you check out the summer photography classes at Virginia MOCA (enrollment starts today!!). With four amazing instructors, there is sure to be something to cater to everyone’s interests! Here’s a quick list of classes that I will be teaching!

summer photography classesSummer Photography Classes at MOCA

Intro to Digital Photography

This class presents a solid foundation of digital SLR camera use through in-class demonstrations and lectures as well as hands on classwork and homework. Lectures and assignments cover manual shooting modes, image storage capabilities, file types, menus, exposure, light, shutter effects, and the resulting creative possibilities. A digital SLR camera is preferable but a point and shoot camera with manual capabilities will work as well for this class. No previous camera knowledge or experience is required. Photo editing skills will not be covered in this class. Please bring the manual that came with your camera to the first class. The book Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera by Bryan Peterson is required.

Members $115, Nonmembers $130
July 8 to August 12
Tuesday, 6:30-8:30pm

Virginia Beach photography classesIntro to Digital Photography II

This course is a continuation of the Introduction to Digital Photography class. Students will learn how to be more creative with their digital photographs by further exploring light and composition as well as custom camera settings and shooting in black and white. The emphasis of the of this class is shooting photographs, and the class will meet off site at designated locations. Students will be given shooting assignments during class to help them learn new techniques. Students must have taken the Intro to Digital Photography class or have permission from the instructor to take this class. Knowledge of photo editing software is helpful but not required. The book Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision by David DuChemin is required.

Members $115, Nonmembers $130
July 9 to August 13
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm

Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is an essential software for both amateur and professional photographers wanting manage and edit their photographs. The focus of this class will be on learning to download, organize, manage, develop, and present your photography, ensuring a smooth transition to a managed photography workflow. Students will need to bring a laptop computer to class loaded with the latest version of Lightroom as well as the book The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom (current version) Book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby.

Members $115, Nonmembers $130
July 10 to August 14
Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm 

summer photography classesPeople Pictures

Over the course of this class we will look at 30 photographic exercises to renew your passion for capturing the people in your world. The goal is not flattery, but connection and depth. With inspirational introductions and step-by-step instructions, you will explore street, lifestyle, candid, and environmental shots using natural light. The projects in this course are structured to help you build a strong foundation, tell a story, connect with your subjects, and stretch your abilities to discover your own style. Each one is meant to change how you see and the pictures that you make. 
A digital SLR camera is required and students must be familiar with basic manual camera settings. The book People Pictures: 30 Exercises for Creating Authentic Photographs by Chris Orwig is required.

Members $115, Nonmembers $130
July 10 to August 14
Thursdays, 9:30-11:30am 

Photography Bootcamp

Instructors: Jacqueline Poutasse, Judith Chauvette, Lauren Keim & Kim Barnett
This two day intensive photography workshop is designed to expand your creative horizons and give you an in-depth understanding of the fundamental elements of photography as well as practical knowledge of a variety of subjects. The workshop is especially designed for the beginner to intermediate photographer who is looking for an intense and immersive photography course as well as anyone that is ready to take their photography to the next level.
This workshop consists of four two-hour informative hands-on sessions. We will start off our days with a group session to refresh students on the basics, after which we will break into four groups. Each group will participate in a morning and an afternoon session on both days. Sessions include Posing for Portraits, Food Photography, Off Camera Flash photography and Capturing Your Everyday. Please bring a bag lunch and drink both days. We will have group discussions during the lunch hour.
Supply list will be sent after registration.

Members $160, Non-Members $175
Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26
9:30am-4pm both days

Ready to Register?!

For more information or to sign up for one of these awesome summer photography classes, please contact the education department at 425.0000 x. 29 or email Amanda@virginiaMOCA.org.