Below you will find valuable resources and course materials for my digital photography classes. Please contact me if you have any questions. Please make note of the location of my classes as I sometimes teach in different cities.

 

Upcoming Classes & Workshops 

Beginning Photography Workshop for Point & Shoot Cameras
Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland
May 25th (10am - 3pm)
Cost: $35 Members, $50 Non-Members
Learn to take better looking photos and get the most out of your point & shoot camera. Learn principles of composition, how to pose your subject and how to avoid common mistakes. These techniques also apply to taking pictures with your phone. We will also cover how to do basic photo editing and how to organize your photos. Students are encouraged to bring examples of their pictures that did not turn out well, so we can discuss how to correct those mistakes. Students should bring their camera, camera manual and, optionally, a laptop for the photo editing discussion. Topics covered will include:

  • Composition and how to move beyond snapshots
  • Choosing a new camera
  • Basic photography gear
  • Common settings and buttons on most cameras
  • Setting up your camera to get the best photos
  • Shooting techniques
  • Importing your photos into the computer
  • Introduction to photo organizational and editing software

To register for the class click HERE or call the Polk Museum of Art Education office at (863) 688-5423.

Beginning to Intermediate Photography
Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland
June 1st – July 6th (Saturdays), 9:30am – 12:30pm
Skill Level: Beginning to Intermediate
Cost: $100 Members, $115 Non-Members
Move beyond a point-and-shoot camera. This class will teach you the technical skill to use your interchangeable lens camera such as a Digital SLR camera (Nikon D3100, Canon EOS Rebel, etc.) or one of the new style of mirrorless cameras (Sony NEX or other Micro Four Thirds systems). Students should own or be planning to purchase a Digital SLR or mirrorless camera during the first few weeks of the class.
During this class you will learn exposure controls such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO. We will also cover composition and other ways to improve your photography. Topics include:

  • Composition
  • Tips for photographing people, landscapes, pets, fireworks, etc.
  • Controlling exposure
  • Buttons and features of most digital cameras
  • Choosing a camera and photo gear
  • Introduction to using a flash
  • Photo editing and photo organizing software

A tripod is highly recommended, but wait until after the first class to purchase one if you do not already own one. The final class will be for both this class and the first class of the Intermediate to Advanced class and will be a special all day photo shoot of wounded veterans.
To register for the class click HERE or call the Polk Museum of Art Education office at (863) 688-5423.

Intermediate to Advanced Photography
Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland
July 6th – August 10th (Saturdays), 9:30am - 12:30pm
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Cost: $100 Members, $115 Non-Members
This class picks up where the Beginning to Intermediate class leaves off. For this class students should know how to adjust their aperture and shutter speed in full manual mode, though it not necessary to be comfortable doing this. By the end of the class you will be very comfortable with most of the settings on your camera. The goal of this class is for you to be able to make good exposures in any situation and to be able to previsualize the photo before you take it. We also will stress the creation of images instead of taking “snapshots” like everyone else.
Topics include:

  • Flash and off camera lighting
  • Portraits and animals
  • Getting tack sharp images with the best exposure possible
  • Macro photography
  • HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Panoramas
  • Levitation photography and other photographic tricks
  • Shooting video with your DSLR

The first class will be both the start of this class and last class of the Beginning to Intermediate Class and will be a special all day photo shoot of wounded veterans.
To register for the class click HERE or call the Polk Museum of Art Education office at (863) 688-5423.

 

 

Handouts

These are the handouts and course materials I use in my classes. All handouts and photos therein are copy written by Gregory Mills

 

Helpful Websites

These website will prove useful as you study photography

 

Articles

Tutorials and photo techniques to help you become a better photographer