By Andi Bedsworth

Travel season is upon us, and travelers like to photograph their trips as a way to remember the fun and exciting adventures they enjoy for years to come.

Many people use their phones and digital cameras now to capture those special moments. The days of taking photos with film and sending it off to get developed are dwindling as digital photography becomes more prevalent. However, many people are not satisfied with the images they have captured at the end of a trip as there is a bit of science and technique to taking good photos. It could be that you fall into this category and wish you could take better pictures yourself.

If so you are in luck, as Marcus Black will be teaching a “Digital Photography Intensive: Learn How to Take Better Pictures.”

Black is a writer, self-taught photographer and visual artist. He attended Union College (New York) and La Femis French International Film School in Paris, France. He has been making photographs for over 13 years and has taught on a one-on-one level as well as in classroom settings.

The one-day workshop will be held on Saturday, June 24 from 1-5 p.m. for ages 12 and up. In this workshop, students will explore why they should shoot on manual and learn how a camera uses averages. Students will also learn about aperture, depth of field spot metering, ISO and sensitivity of the sensor, shutter speed and using a telephoto lens.

Students will also learn about composition and lighting, framing the subject in the national geographic style, and the how the human eyes see. Students will learn through examples and through firsthand experience on a photo-walk with the instructor to apply the skills learned in class.

Everyone will try using their cameras on manual and practice composition. Students will also receive exercises to help develop an eye for composition, lighting and framing and using their cameras better on manual. Students will need an SLR camera or a relatively advanced point & shoot (that shoots in manual) as well as something with which to take notes.

The class fee is $60 for members of YAC and $75 for the general public. Registration is online at http://digitalphotography.bpt.me/.

Learning is possible outside of the traditional classroom and school term, and summer is a fun time to explore a new hobby. So, take the time to learn how to use your camera, take those trips, and fill scrapbooks full of images to share with family and friends.

Andi Bedsworth is the owner of Art To Go, which brings free art opportunities to children in the community.