Current Offerings

Image Evaluation Workshop
February 7-8, 2025

How to Become a Photographic Artist
Friday night, February 7, 6:00-9:00 pm
Saturday, February 8, 9:00-4:00 pm
Jefferson Baptist Church, French Building
9135 Jefferson Hwy

For beginners in photography, the first criterion is correcting the technical aspects of an image.
o Is it sharp where it needs to be?
o Is it exposed properly (highlights not blown out/ blacks have detail)
o Is the subject in frame (are objects cut off)
o Is there contrast

Correcting this aspect may take years, but it usually happens quickly with modern camera systems.

Stage two of a photographer’s growth usually revolves around “Look, my images are great. I don’t understand why the judge is an idiot.” Comments abound like:

o “They are sharp.”
o “Look at that color.”
o “Does he/she understand how long it took me to get that shot?”
o “Don’t they know how rare that bird is?”
o “I need to teach these judges how to judge.”
o “That judge needs glasses.”

Stage three of a photographer’s growth usually revolves around the understanding that they don’t know anything about the art they thought they knew. I call it the “Ah ha moment,” the moment in time when you as an artist start to study and work at the art when the creation is more important than time. When you happily spend hours working on an image that meets your standards and throw out thousands that don’t.

o We learn the compositional techniques and know when not to use them.
o We study art
o We study light
o We create on a different level
o We understand that the actual value of our art is determined not by us but by those who view it.
o We become a true photographic artist.

This program is designed for photographers of all three levels. By showing the attendees what we look for as judges and how images are judged, you will learn to make better images yourself. We will discuss all the standard criteria for a great image and focus on the subtle but most powerful aspects of truly outstanding images.

You will learn to distinguish the average from the exceptional, the mundane from the thought-provoking, and through understanding these qualities, become a better photographer.

This is not a sit-on-your-hands class; you will be encouraged to actively examine images, express your thoughts, and critique. I will request to see some images from attendees, but no one will be expected to comment on any images from any attendees. We will be exploring a whole new scoring system that may benefit both the region and the creators of your images in the region.

This is an intensive class with over ten hours of instruction and interaction. We will have two options for participation. The first is for those who wish to become judges. At the end, you will be given a test, and if you pass, you will be given a certificate of completion. The second is for those who simply want to learn how judges evaluate your images and use that knowledge to improve your photography and images.

Mark your calendars and sign up now on Visual Pursuits. Go to the “Registrations” tab and select Education/Workshop Registration.

You will be asked to sign up for both the Friday night and Saturday sessions separately as we realize some may not be able to attend both and we will need an accurate count for providing food.

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP IS JANUARY 15

Members may register for classes on the Visual Pursuits Registration page.

Plans changed? Please cancel so that someone else can fill your spot.