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Clases at the Light Factory
Please Note: Classes are subject to change,
please continue to check the website for the latest information on our classes

PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS SCHEDULE
(Scroll down or use tab for Filmmaking Classes)

INTRODUCTORY LEVELS

Intro to Photography (Film & Digital SLR):
(SLR means “Single Lens Reflex” These cameras have manual settings and removable lenses.)
Intro to Photography (Film & Digital SLR):
Session A May Dates: Tuesdays: May 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17
Session B May Dates: Wednesdays May 14, 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18
Times: 6 – 9pm
Instructor: Emilie Knight
Location: 3rd Floor Studio Classroom
Costs: $250/members, $315/non-members

Exposure, Metering, Electronic Flash, and Filters for color corrections/ creative effects are all covered within this course. Understanding basic compositional principles will push your images to the next level. This class is hands-on and will include shooting assignments in downtown Charlotte and elsewhere. You will supply a 35mm film or digital camera (with manual controls), the instruction booklet for the camera, and a roll of slide film (either 200 or 400 ISO) and we’ll supply the rest! Class size is limited to 12 students.


Intro to Digital Photography (Point & Shoot Camera):
Session B: Wednesdays, May 14, 21, 28
Session C: Mondays, June 16, 23, 30
Times: 6 – 9pm
Instructor: Steve Pepper
Location: Galleries
Costs: $125/members, $160/non-members

Learn to maximize your point and shoot digital cameras with this three session basic digital course. Students will learn the basic functionality and features of their point and shoot digital camera. The instructor will also give students an overview of f-stops and shutter speed, file types and demonstrate how to download images into image manipulation software such as Photoshop. Students will also be given tips on how to improve their images through color balancing for different lighting situations. Students are required to bring their point and shoot digital cameras, manuals and all accessories to each class.

Intro to B&W Photography:
Course Dates: Tuesdays, June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8
Times: 6 – 9pm
Instructor: Mike Howard
Location: TLF Darkroom/Classroo
Costs: $150/members, $195/non-members

Uptown Charlotte is the studio for this introductory course where you will learn how to shoot black and white photographs on the streets. In addition to learning the principals of design for shooting, you will also process your own negatives and create photographic prints in the The Light Factory’s darkroom! Bring your camera, 3 rolls of true black and white film (not b & w C-41), and any lenses or flashes that you want to understand. In class we'll tell you what type of black and white printing paper to purchase.

Intro to Photoshop Elements (Getting Started):
Course Dates: Thursdays, June 5, 12, 19, 26 July 10
Times: 6 – 9pm
Instructor: Geoff Love
Location: TLF Darkroom/Classroom
Costs:$225/members, $280/non-members

This introductory course will start you on your way to editing and manipulating your own digital pictures using the popular image editing program, Adobe Photoshop Elements. You will learn how to use powerful editing tools to color correct photos, apply filter techniques, and crop pictures to print at home or to send to your favorite digital photo lab. Come to class with some digital images ready to fix-up or manipulate! This class uses Macintosh desktops and seats are limited to 7.

 
INTERMEDIATE LEVELS

Creative Black and White Photography
Pre-requesites: Intro to Black and White Photography or equivalent experience.
Course Dates: Saturdays, May 17, 24, 31 June 7, 14
Times: 1-4:00pm
Instructor: Ryan Easter
Location: TLF darkroom/classroom
Costs: $195 members, $225 non-members

This course will explore more creative aspects of traditional photography. You will learn new ways of printing, developing, and thinking about black and white photography. In class we will make our own photo paper, learn how to
develop film in drastically different ways, make photograms and cyanotypes. Among
many other creative photographic approaches, burning and scratching negatives, solarization, painting with developer and high contrast printing will enhance your print’s ability to express an emotion. The class will also introduce you to many different types and formats of cameras beyond 35mm.


Creative Digital Photography and Photoshop

Pre-requisites: Intro to Film/Digital SLR or Intro to Point and Shoot/equivalent exp.
Course Dates: Thursdays, May 15, 22, 29 and June 5, 12
Times: 6-9 pm
Instructor: Jen Crickenberger
Location: TLF Darkroom/Classroom
Costs: $195/members, $225/non-members

Students will concentrate on adding concept and mood to their images through use of creative shooting techniques and Photoshop manipulations. Viewing master works and completing conceptual, personal assignments will assist in pushing your images to the next level. After you’ve taken pictures, editing techniques will be used to visually communicate the intended mood or concept of the images. Color alterations, Levels, Modes, Curves, Image Filtration, Masks, Selections, and all Photoshop tools will be introduced. You will also learn how to collage and layer multiple images, adjust opacity levels, create an image layout, and add text to your multi-image collages. This class will assist the fine art photographer in the creation of compelling photographs and emotional collages but those interested in the lighter subject matter of portraits of friends and family, greeting cards and/or digital scrapbooks are welcome! The same tools and rules apply! Class size is limited.

Photography I: Composition and Content
Pre-requisites: Intro to Film/Digital SLR or Intro to Point and Shoot/equivalent exp.

Session A Course Dates: Mondays, May 12, 19 and June 2, 9, 16
Session B Course Dates: July 16, 23, 30 and Aug.6, 13
Times: 6 – 9pm
Instructor: Ryan
Location: TLF Darkroom/Classroom
Costs: $195 members, $225 non-members

This course is based on conceptual assignments that will push you to consider how composition and content function in photography. Exploring your vision and choice of subject matter will assist in developing your personal style. Students will shoot assignments outside of class and bring in prints weekly to be viewed and critiqued. Before each shoot, we will examine master photographic works in slide shows that exemplify different photographic approaches. The class will conclude with a final critique in which students will have a five print series printed and mounted.


Digital Photography I (SLR):
Prerequisites: Intro to Photography (Film and Digital SLR)/equivalent exp.
Session A Dates: Tuesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 and June 3, 10
Times: 6 – 9pm
Instructor: David Iannarelli & Steve Peppers
Location: TLF Classroom/Darkroom
Costs: $250/members, $315/non-members

Explore the new frontier of Digital Photography beginning with an overview of F-stops and shutter speeds and how to apply them to your digital camera. You will learn how to evaluate an exposure with the histogram feature, modify the camera meter’s exposure and set proper color balance. David will walk you though the features of your digital camera. He will also help you choose the best file formats and resolution settings to use. You will touch on flash uses, file management and best file setup procedures for printing at your favorite photo lab. You only need your digital SLR camera and the desire to improve your photographic skills. This course will include weekly out-of-class shooting assignments.

Portraiture (I & II):

Prerequisites: Intro to Photography (Film & Digital SLR)/Equivalent Experience
March Dates: Thursdays: March 20, 27 and April 3, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15
June Dates: Thursdays: June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 10, 17, 24, 31
Times: 6 – 9pm
Instructor: Emilie Knight
Location: 3rd Floor Studio Classroom
Costs:$275/members, $344/non-members

In this extensive 8-week course, you will learn the important elements of creating a successful portrait. This course will include hands-on training in posing your subject, camera angle, composition, and lighting (both natural and studio.) After this course, you will know how to control these various lighting situations for desired effect on portraits. Class size is limited to 10 students.

B&W Photography & Printing I:
Course Dates: Tuesdays, Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26
Times: 6 – 9pm
Instructor: Mike Howard
Location: TLF Darkroom/Classroom
Costs: $180 members/$225 non-members

This class is the next step after the introductory course to Black & White Photography. Your photography and processing skills will increase with classes in "Push Processing Film", Sepia toning black and white photographs, Using larger format cameras on special outdoor field trips (camera will be provided), Composition and Shooting To Sell. Class size is limited.

Photoshop I:
Pre-requesite: Basic computer skills
Session A: Mondays, March 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14
Times: 6 – 9pm
Instructor Session A: Shane Baskin
Instructor Session B: Peter Godshall
Location: TLF Darkroom/Classroom
Costs: $250/members, $315/non-members

In this course, you will learn how to use Photoshop CS2 for editing, resolution, basic re-touching, levels, re-sizing and saving images. We will also include basic workflow methods and techniques to simplify your process. This course is designed for photographers with basic computer experience who are ready to go digital by learning the basics of imaging software and digital techniques. Students in the class will work on Macintosh computers. The class size is limited to 5-7 students. Students are welcomed to bring their own laptops (Mac or PC) loaded with the software to class. The textbook for the class is Photoshop CS2 for Digital Photographers by Colin Smith. You may purchase the book online or at a local bookstore.

 

 
ADVANCED LEVELS

Portraiture III:
Prerequisites: Intro to Photography (Film & Digital SLR)/Equivalent Experience
TBD
Times: 6 – 9pm
Instructor: Ryan Easter
Location: 3rd Floor Paint Studio
Costs: $195 members/ $250 non-members

This course will explore advanced concepts about portrait photography. Through slide shows, we will examine portraiture from the early days of photography up to the contemporary and recent trends. Conceptual assignments will also be given each week and critiqued in class. The course is designed to make you feel comfortable with the fine art of portraiture and its creative possibilities, enabling you to develop your personal style. The course will culminate in a final critique of a successful body of work.


Digital Photography II (SLR):

Pre-requisites: Digital Photography I (SLR)
Course Dates: Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 April 1, 8
Times: 6 – 9pm
Instructor: David Iannarelli
Location: TLF Classroom and/or Galleries (TBA)
Costs: $250/members, $315/non-members

This course is the next step for the digital photographer that wants to learn how to become proficient with exposure settings, white balance, fill flash and shooting and processing camera RAW files. You will find out how to set up your camera’s custom functions and menu features to help streamline your shooting methods (workflow). You will start off shooting in your camera’s JPEG file format and move into using your camera's RAW file format. David will show you how to process these JPEG and RAW files using the latest computer applications (Photoshop and Photoshop Elements). You will also explore: black & white conversions, file management, renaming files, archiving procedures, color management using ICC profiles, monitor to print matching, printing solutions and paper types. Bring your digital SLR camera and some basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop CS, CS2, CS3 or Photoshop Elements 4, 5 or 6 photo editing software and the desire to improve your photographic skills. This course will include weekly out-of-class shooting assignments and a final class assignment.

 
FILMMAKING AND VIDEO EDITING CLASSES

INTRODUCTORY LEVELS

Check out the film class link at the top of the page to see our Zombie genre class offerings and Romero movie making contest details!!!!

Making a Short Film: From Concept to Cutting Room

Course Dates: Wednesdays, June 4, 11, 15, 29, July 9
Instructor: Rusty Sheridan
Location: TLF Classroom/Darkroom
Costs: $195/members, $250/non-members

Always thought you had a great idea for a movie? This class will provide you with the basic technical concepts of movie-making using digital video cameras. We’ll touch on the basics of scriptwriting, shooting and even editing. In groups or individually, students will write their own short scripts, then plan and shoot them. Afterward, you will learn how to log and capture your footage into The Light Factory's Final Cut Pro editing systems. We’ll teach you how to splice, manipulate rearrange, layer, and add sound like the pros. In the end, you’ll have your own cohesive short film. Class size is limited. Please note the Saturday class on February 9, 2008 is a hands on shooting class so bring your cameras! (Or you can borrow one from The Light Factory.


Intro to Film Editing
Course Dates: Wednesdays: June 11, 15, 22, 29
Times: 6 – 9pm
Instructor: Rusty Sheridan
Location: TLF Darkroom/Classroom
Costs: $180/members, $225/non-members

This class will introduce you to the basic concepts of video editing using Final Cut Express. Come with your own video footage ready to practice editing. You will learn how to create a cohesive movie using your video clips. In this course, you will learn how to capture and log your footage, slice it, manipulate it, add sound, and more.


Mimicking the Masters: Alfred Hitchcock
Mondays, July 6, 13, 20, 27
Times: 6-9pm
Instructor: Linnea Beyer
Location: TLF Classroom
Costs: $180/members, $225/non-members

One of the most famous directors of the 20th Century, Alfred Hitchcock was a masterful storyteller. Learn how to make films by understanding his unique approach to filmmaking. By studying auteur theory and analyzing the narrative and technical content of Hitchcock’s films, students will write, storyboard, shoot, and edit a short film inspired by a master of cinema. Students will need a camera, camera manual, notebook, and USB or Firewire cord.

Class Registration


GALLERY TOURS AND DARKROOM DEMONSTRATIONS

Any group interested in visiting The Light Factory is welcome to call and schedule a tour and darkroom demonstration. For students, we offer 30-minute gallery talks, which include activities designed to educate and interest young people about the art on view. In addition, The Light Factory offers darkroom demonstrations which are a basic introduction to photography. One adult per 10 children is a requirement.

Student Tours:

-Basic Tour: $5 per student for a 60 – 90 minute tour. This includes a gallery game and darkroom experience where students assist the instructor in creating a different types of photographic prints.

-Enhanced Tour: $10 per student for a 60-90 minute tour. This includes a gallery game and an individual darkroom experience where each student creates their own photographic print to take home with them.

-Outreach-Teaching Artist Programs: Prices for outreach photography and film classes and workshops vary based upon each site and the number of students.


Corporate Tours
:

Darkroom demonstration and gallery activity fees are based number of participants. Tours can be customized to fit your interest. We can incorporate hands-on and lecture style training by Light Factory professionals. Call for more information.

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GIFT CERTIFICATES

Class gift certificates make everybody happy! For the perfect gift, simply type in GIFT CERTIFICATE on the class line of your registration form and where we should mail it.

Gift Certificates are available at $50, $75, $100, and $125 dollars.

Gift certificates are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash or credit. Please see our class registration policy for details.


For questions regarding classes, please contact Charles Thomas at thomas@lightfactory.org.


The Light Factory
Spirit Square, Suite 211
345 North College Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
info@lightfactory.org
704.333.9755