Photography

Understanding Photo Composition

ONLINE: This online course is for those who want to elevate their photography skills and learn how to turn an ordinary snapshot into a striking image worthy of framing. Students will explore the concepts of photographic composition from basics, such as the rule of thirds, to more advanced topics, such as the way the eye travels through a photo. Topics include composition fundamentals, including balance and point of view; the importance of geometry, light, and color in composition; and how composition can be improved with photo-editing software. Students will have an opportunity to share their photographs and participate in critiquing others’ images. Come along and take a chance to move outside your comfort zone and take better photographs. • Facilitated discussion. Please note: Both digital camera and smartphone photographers are welcome. John Sehon is a lifelong photographer. He has taught over 60 courses at OLLI since retiring to North Carolina in 2001. John experimented with early digital cameras in the 1990s and made a complete transition to digital from film in 2000. His teaching style encourages sharing and class participation. • 10 Mon, Jan 24-Mar 28, 1:30-3:00pm • Online via Zoom • Maximum: 14; Fee: $100; Course ID: 2480

Smartphone Storytelling

ONLINE: Learn, in this online course, to use your mobile device to tell engaging stories and produce content that informs an online audience about a business, hobby, or project. This could be on your own website or any social media page (e.g., Instagram, Facebook or TikTok). Smartphones are capable of capturing professional quality video, and we’ll cover the fundamentals of shooting video content for those new to it. We’ll then explore popular social media platforms and learn how to create work that resonates with the audience on each one. Learn how to shoot, edit, design, and publish this content using inexpensive and/or free software. The instructor will give weekly assignments and provide notes (via individual emails) on all submitted projects. This course is perfect for anyone who wants to produce video stories for social media, or to save and share in other ways, quickly and creatively, using just the smartphone in their hand! • Active Skill Learning. Please note: Participants should have either an iPhone or Android smartphone in class, with the FiLMiC Pro software installed. The instructor will introduce other free software applications as the weeks progress. There are no prerequisites. Previous attendees of the Smartphone Filmmaking course will find that this builds on the skills they previously acquired. Required supplies/fee: Students will purchase and install the smartphone camera app Filmic Pro prior to class at a cost of $15. It is available on the Apple and Google app stores. Stephen Knifton is a Toronto-born video producer and brand journalist. He began in network television news, working as a senior producer for the CBC in Toronto and News Corp in New York City. He produced multiple live and breaking news events and has produced US election coverage and news specials. Following his TV news career, he started an online video production company, went on to produce digital content and brand journalism for a wide variety of clients, and now teaches extensively. • 10 Wed, Jan 26-Mar 30, 11:00am-12:30pm • Online via Zoom • Maximum: 30; Fee: $100; Course ID: 3357

Visit our Online Learning website for helpful hints and tips for Zoom: www.olliatduke.online