Photography, Film & Video   

Class Overview

Are you interested in learning how to write a book but need more information and support to get it done and make it a success? Learn the art of publishing your own book, from writing, to editing, design and final publication. This class will include two parts. In Part 1, focus on writing your book and consider all of the questions needed to create excellent content. What is the story you want to tell and how do you tell it? Who is your audience and how do you approach your audience and readers?
 
Learn about storytelling, refining your topics, the editing process, and all of the steps and considerations for writing your book. How do you want the final product to look and feel when it is complete and being held and read? Consider the visual aspects of your book, including layout, illustration, design and your book's cover.
 
In part two, work towards final publication, including choosing a publishing house, book promotion and online retail selling. You can publish your book in your native language, whether it is English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Mandarin, Hindi, Farsi and Amharic. Instructor Georgetta Gancarz, explains, "I want students to express themselves in their identity and culture. For me as an artist, freedom of self-expression, including cultural, is necessary to be true and creative."  She has written and published 20 books to date, and also teaches multiple art classes for Continuing Education.

What You Will Need

Students must have access to a laptop or computer and internet access for this class. You will need to install some free writing programs on your device.  

Learning Objectives

• Understand the steps needed to write a book
• Gain skills in thinking about your audience and future readers
• Acquire knowledge in executing your book, including topics such as: storyline, creating chapters, choosing a title, referencing and documenting sources, and editing
• Gain knowledge in creating the visual aspect of a book, including design, layout, illustrations

Who Might Enjoy This Class

• Anyone interested in publishing a book.
   

Class Overview

Are you perplexed by your digital camera and all the settings and buttons? Do you wish your photographs looked better? Learn how to get much more out of your camera in this rewarding hands-on class.

Explore what the automatic settings can do for your photographs - and what they can’t. Learn how to go far beyond “automatic” and make your photographs more memorable and evocative. We will explore the different settings, giving you time to practice and share your results.

This hybrid (online and in person) class will meet in person to photograph together, and to allow one-on-one tutorials on location with your own camera. If you are beginning your photography journey with a digital camera, get ready for a fun learning experience with your camera.

Supplies Needed

• A digital camera, anything from point-and-shoot, to digital SLR, to mirrorless.
• A computer so you can attend online classes via Zoom, and post your photographs to the internet using flickr.com for sharing and for feedback.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the foundation of photography
• Demystify most of the settings on your camera, including Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual Exposure
• Know when to use automatic, and when not to
• Have a comfort level working with a variety of the settings on your camera
• Understand white balance and histograms and why they matter
• Adopt a primary setting for the bulk of your future photography
• Create better photographs
• Better capture the photo opportunities in front of your lens

Who Might Enjoy This Class

Anyone who wants to get more out of their digital camera - whether a brand-new camera or one that you have owned but don’t understand well

Class Overview

Would you like to explore new techniques, perspectives and images in your photography? Macro photography can help you gain exciting new perspectives that will transform your photos and activate your imagination and passion for photography.

Macro photography is extreme close-up photography, usually of very small subjects and living organisms like insects, in which the size of the subject in the photograph appears larger than life size. Skills for macro photography can be acquired with practice. In this class you we will explore what defines macro photography, how to find subjects, factors such as texture, color and contrast, and best practices for setting up your shots. We will also review equipment and technical considerations such as depth of field, aperture and light.

By taking this class, you will visualize the photos that you can take differently and can determine what level of precision you are striving for and how to achieve it. Learn to see light and images in a new way, as you never have before. Make your photos artistic and creative, qualifying as fine art or abstract images.

Learning Objectives

• Define macro photography 
• Understand best practices of how-to setup a macro shot
• Find subject matters (textures, colors, contrast) 
• Be familiar with the equipment and how close each piece of equipment can get you of your subject
• Understand depth of field, understand which aperture is the best to capture the feeling of the image 
• Know how to used light, in a close-up scenario: Were you position your light, what type of light is critical for macro photography

Who Might Enjoy This Class?

• Anyone interested in textures and color in photography 
• Abstract art enthusiasts 
• Basic photographers looking to understand the limitation of your lenses / camera 
• People seeking a new creative challenge and perspective that captures your imagination
• All levels in photography are welcome thought it is helpful that you have a basic knowledge of your camera 

Class Overview

Between now and New Year’s Day, you’ll probably take a lot of photos. These special holiday photos of parties and gatherings with family and friends often come with two special challenges: insufficient light and large groups of people.

In this class, learn how to get the best results possible when photographing difficult holiday environments so you can take photos that you will treasure. Gain information that will help you be successful in a variety of lighting situations, such as candlelight, a dark background, or a sunny day in the snow. Learn how to assess the light and know how to respond.

We will also discuss and practice posing individuals, or a group of people, to get great photos. You will be able to use your new skills to capture and share fun memories for all holidays and get-togethers in the future.

Supplies Needed

• Cameras: Any digital camera will create good holiday pictures. A phone camera will work fine about half of the time until you face low light and larger groups.
• Flashes: The pop flash on a camera will work okay; however, if you want better quality images, an external flash if recommended.

Learning Objectives

• Take images in low light inside and outside
• Understand the difference between pictures and snapshots
• Determine the depth of field in group photography
• Assess ambient light of a room and outside and know how to respond
• Compose people on a group situation
• Pose one person or a group of people

Who Might Enjoy This Class

• Anyone who is interested in taking wonderful images of the holidays to created memories with loved ones
• People who would like to capture better images with large groups of people
• Anyone who would like to improve their ability to take photos in low and difficult lighting
• No experience needed; all levels are welcome, and all cameras are welcome (cellphones are okay if that’s what you have!)

Class Overview

Have you ever had a friend or family member say you should do more with your art? Have you ever imagined doing business with your art? Explore one of the simplest, least expensive, safest ways to honor - and sustain - that encouragement and make some return on your investment of time and money in your art: turning your art into greeting cards. 
Learn what makes the best greeting cards from 2d and 3d art and how to assemble a greeting card - what you need and where to buy it. Explore the power of going beyond just originals.  Discuss how to photograph your artwork, if it is not already photography, to prepare it and duplicate it.
In this class we will explore pricing, selling online, working with stores and even licensing your art to third parties. The emphasis will be on removing hurdles so you can be making your own cards by the second session. This class is timed to prepare you in plenty of time for the best time of year for greeting cards, the holiday season. Your design will work for all art mediums, 2d and 3d, from painting to photography, ceramics to wood working.

Format: Hybrid

• Day #1 meets in person at Wood Technology Center (2310 S. Lane St, Seattle, WA 98144)
• Day #2 meets on Zoom.

Bring the following items to class

• [Do this before you come to the class] Email 5 photographs of examples of your art as candidates for use on your greeting cards by 10/27 to your instructor to share for feedback in the first class
• 10 samples of your art (not originals!) as small photographic prints, 5x7 inches or smaller, (ideally mat or pearl finish, not glossy)
• 10 scored, blank sheets of card stock (A7, A6 or A2 sized)
• 2-sided tape applicator (Tombo or similar)
• 10 matching or contrasting envelopes (sized to fit your folded card stock and available where you buy your card stock
• 10 clear plastic, self-sealing enclosures (sized to fit your folded card stock and envelope)
• 10 adhesive labels printed with © your name and contact information (email or website) or a rubber stamp

*** The materials we will use to assemble your own greeting cards can be purchased from most craft stores. If you have any question about the materials, please contact your instructor before you make the purchase.

Learning Objectives

• Better select the pieces of your art that are the most suitable for greeting cards
• Make a finished greeting card with your art
• Set an appropriate price for your greeting cards
• Sell your own greeting card directly
• Contact a local store to have them sell your greeting cards
• Understand the ins and outs of selling greeting cards online

Who Might Enjoy This Class

• Anyone making art in any medium, 2d and 3d, painting to photography, woodworking to ceramics
• Artists who want to make some return on their investment of time and money in their art
• Anyone who wants to share their art with friends or loved ones
• Artists who love seeing their art out in the world, being enjoyed by and having an impact on others
   

Class Overview

Put your voice to work doing voice overs! Learn how you can use your own speaking voice for commercials, films, videos, and other presentations. In this introductory class, find out how to break into the creative, fulfilling, and potentially lucrative voice over industry. 

Develop some beginner voice techniques that you can use for a variety of outlets. Learn about the business side of doing voice overs, and how to market yourself. Become familiar with the equipment needed and how to set up a studio in your own home. You will also get a chance to explore demos and practice recording your voice during class.

A career doing voice overs can be managed on your own terms, on your own turf, in your own time, and with minimal overhead. Whether you choose to pursue voice overs part time or full time, this class will get you started doing voice overs in a unique and successful way.

Learning Objectives

• Understand how to get into the voice over business
• Use some beginner voice techniques
• Understand how to set up a home studio
• Use your voice for TV, commercials, and other outlets

Who Might Enjoy This Class 

• Anyone interested in a career or a side gig doing voice overs
• People who have a role doing voice overs and would like guidance on how to be more successful