photography class: Help, I"m trying to decide just what to include in a beginner photography class for adults. I don't know what type of cameras they will have but assume simple point...

diannarucker Loc: Iowa

Help, I"m trying to decide just what to include in a beginner photography class for adults. I don't know what type of cameras they will have but assume simple point and shoots or they wouldn't be taking the class. I have taught children the past couple summers but not adults. This will be 8 weeks and two hours once a week. I am just trying to decide where to start??

kstan Loc: Utah

Maybe just start with the basics of how digital cameras work and what they are capable of? Tell them not to be afraid of being creative or different. Adults can sometimes be worried about not understanding technology, or not taking as good a picture as the guy next to him/her.
From there...composition, basic problems of lighting, what are ISO, aperature and shutter settings.
Tell them the object of the class is to have fun!

RiverNan Loc: Eastern Pa

Hmmmm maybe best to ask at first class what it is they hope to learn.
They might not know anything at all....
I would consider composition as primary as I would bet most will stick with Auto settings. Then how to use the auto settings, macro and the flash
How to get pics from cameras onto computer, setting up files and printing.
You will learn a lot by what cameras they bring.
You can fill up lots of time by practice shooting.
I would make a list of resources too....where they can learn more...you tube,specific books, websites ect....
And also weekly assignments....to practice
good luck...sounds like fun

diannarucker Loc: Iowa

thanks for the advice, does anyone have some good resources that they think would help me? I like to use the DPS website

diannarucker Loc: Iowa

Does anyone have some good resources for me to use? I like DPS website

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

diannarucker wrote:

Help, I"m trying to decide just what to include in a beginner photography class for adults. I don't know what type of cameras they will have but assume simple point and shoots or they wouldn't be taking the class. I have taught children the past couple summers but not adults. This will be 8 weeks and two hours once a week. I am just trying to decide where to start??

I teach an adult school class in photography. I have been teaching this class for about 5 years. The most important thing that I can teach my students is to not be an equipment junky and that thing growing on top of your shoulders is more important then any camera. Let the students give you ideas as to what they want to learn. Dont be a know it all, some of the students will know quite a bit. Let the students be a part of the class and listen to what they say. I learn more from my students then they learn from me. Learning goes both ways.

diannarucker Loc: Iowa

I hear you. I'm just afraid I"ll get there and leave it too open and not be prepared. I do like the idea of and definitely see the need to first see what everyone is interested in finding out more. Maybe I could make out some kind of interest inventory for them to fill out? Can you tell I teach middle school??? I would also like to have some kind of assignment to give them a project to work on each week. Do you have some ideas for me for that? thanks much

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

diannarucker wrote:

I hear you. I'm just afraid I"ll get there and leave it too open and not be prepared. I do like the idea of and definitely see the need to first see what everyone is interested in finding out more. Maybe I could make out some kind of interest inventory for them to fill out? Can you tell I teach middle school??? I would also like to have some kind of assignment to give them a project to work on each week. Do you have some ideas for me for that? thanks much

The first class will be a little strange until people know who they are. One thing that I do is in every class session I have people bring in a print or two and everybody gathers around a table and looks at the prints,one at a time, and they are free to make comments about the work. The only thing that I ask is that all comments be in a positive way and if some one does not like a print they have to be able to say why. I do this in every class and people respond to this in a very positive way. People always like to show their work and they like to get feedback about it. I dont tolerate negativity in any way, people have to be able to explain their views not just make offhand comments. There is so much that can be done in a class. Remember the people are looking to you to create an interesting environment. Challenge them to look beyond the obvious. I hope that this helps.

RiverNan Loc: Eastern Pa

just in case the group doesnt have pics to bring...you could bring picture magazines and have them look at those to determine what makes a good pic.

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

rivernan wrote:

just in case the group doesnt have pics to bring...you could bring picture magazines and have them look at those to determine what makes a good pic.

The first class will be a little awkward but it will be fun. In my first class a lot of times I have a discussion about photographers rights in public places when photographing. There are downloads that are very interesting on this subject. Also cameras and lenses can be discussed. Explain which lens does what from wide angle to long telephoto lenses and macro lenses. Prime lenses vs zoom lenses make a very interesting discussion. Ask what the students think about things, they will have a lot of opinions and this can start a good discussion.

diannarucker Loc: Iowa

thanks thanks, you are making me think. The class starts in about 3 weeks and I'm starting to panic. I'm not a professional, just someone who takes a LOT of photos. I've been hired to do many senior photos, family photos the past couple of years. I take lots of sports photos, football, xcountry track, basketball and baseball for my community. My students are my subjects. Because of this I have been asked to teach this class. I certainly am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination but I love learning about photography. Lighting indoors has really been hard for me. I would love to learn more about it. Again thanks so much for your suggestions, I really appreciate the help.

RiverNan Loc: Eastern Pa

#1 DONT PANIC
you probably know more than most of the folks who will attend.....
#2 dont be afraid to say I dont know....if indoor lighting is a weakness for you...be sure to have some sort of handout about it available.
Finally...I often wonder about people who post questions get answers and never come back and say thanks.
So it is nice to see someone show some appreciation.
GOOD LUCK and most of all HAVE FUN!!!!!

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

diannarucker wrote:

thanks thanks, you are making me think. The class ... (show quote)

Just have a good time and relax. Your students will set the pace of the class. Many times I dont know what I will be talking about until I walk into the class. My students are very good at taking up the ball once I throw it. Of you have students that know a lot lean on them a little bit and make them a big paret of the class. If you have any questions I will be more then happy to help you. You can IM me if you want.