Friday December 07, 2018
11:00 - 12:00; 60 min. -
Photography:
Email -
Will turned in his homework. He wanted to know how to email photos, so I showed him how to reduce the size of his photos, and prepare them to be emailed. Will practiced by sending his homework photos to my email, and some other images to his aunt. We examined his recently repaired telephoto lens. I instructed Will to use the lens to get full frame pictures of his schoolmates. Homework: photograph the Holiday party.

Friday November 30, 2018
11:00 - 12:00; 60 min. -
Photography:
Manual focus -
Will was tested on how to use manual focus. Will demonstrated how to set the camera to the correct configuration for working without an autofocus. We worked on using the manual focus, using found objects around the school. We created manual focus sets; two objects, set at different distances from the camera, alternate being the subject. This results in two photos. We discussed when it might be beneficial to utilize this process. Homework: submit 5 manual focus sets (10 photos).

Friday November 16, 2018
11:00 - 12:00; 60 min. -
Photography:
Manual focus -
After discussing what Will learned from the video homework. We started to examine the menu options on his camera. We started with motor drive which allow Will to take multiple shots when capturing a moving object. We also worked on how to shoot in manual mode. This requires setting up the camera and the lens so that Will can manage the focus on his own (without auto focus).

Friday November 9, 2018
11:00 - 12:00; 60 min. -
Photography:
New modes -
Will and I viewed a portion of a video about his camera. On the video we were introduced to five new mode settings pre-prepared for specific situations. First was the “pet” mode - for taking portraits of a fast moving subject; the sunset - set for warm tones at low light; twilight - for capturing the subtle colors after (or before) the sun set/rises; Beach/snow - for taking photos when there is a lot of glare and light. Homework: Will is to watch the entire video.

Friday November 2, 2018
11:00 - 12:00; 60 min. -
Photography:
Portfolio photos -
Will and I investigated how Will could get his telephoto lens repaired. We found a Nikon supported camera store that repairs lenses. We sent a request for an estimate to repair Will’s lens. We researched the price of the faulty lens, and discussed how much would be smart to spend in repairing the lens, and at what point would it be smarter to purchase a new lens.

Friday October 26, 2018
11:00 - 12:00; 60 min. -
Photography:
Portfolio photos -
Will and I examined his portfolio photos. We then worked to get a portrait of Will, to accompany his application to college.

Had foundational conversation with Alexa. Discussed her interest/goal with photography. Determined she wishes to approach it from artistic perspective to enhance her love of art. Reviewed what she knows about photography and her current equipment (both I phone and DSLR). We discussed traditional learning of photography vs. creative awareness and she opted to do creative learning and learn technical details as we go. Brief discussion about having back-up hard or SSD drive for all photos taken from this point on. Talked about visual elements such as light and framing. Will continue at next session.

Friday October 12, 2018
11:00 - 12:00; 60 min. -
Photography:
Portfolio photos -
Will shared with me his opinions of the colleges he visited during his recent tour. As part of his application process, Will needs to create a portfolio of his best work. We used the class to examine his photos from his trip to California, to select a representative few to include in the portfolio. Homework: Create a desktop folder for portfolio, and then review your photos from Florida, and select the very best. Drag any selections into the folder, to create a copy.

Friday October 5, 2018
11:00 - 12:00; 60 min. -
Photography:
None -
Will was not available for class today.

Discussion with Abby re: camera... Suggested lens kit for iphone... Giving her wish list re: camera, tripod, memory card, software for her MAC, and external hard drive... Abby and I discussed homework re: ad re: lighting, subject, indoor/outdoor location use of available light... Talked about frame of mind,first thoughts... Reviewed Frame, Light, Moment, Tonality, and subject... Abby understand and is performing on intermediate level to advanced. Had her shoot for 10 minutes then reviewed together... Had her shoot again... Break for lunch. Then afternoon practical shooting, then review, shooting then review, plus editing in computer to see final outcome... Talked about project for semester... Shooting multiple subjects and telling a story... Also discussed shooting from the hip and not being overly dependent on viewfinder... Excellent two sessions... Abby continued to show desire and willingness to take on whatever it takes to improve.