Photography is both an art and a skill--one that can bring you intense satisfaction and joy. You don't need to know everything about photography to really love taking photos and be proud of your work. In this class, you'll learn essential basics that will have an immediate impact on the quality of your work: the stuff with the highest payoff in the shortest period of time. A digital point and shoot camera instead of a cell phone is recommended. Materials list will be provided. This class meets on Thursdays for 6 sessions. Week 1: Technical Fundamentals Learn the manual settings on your camera: understand the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO do, and why understanding them will revolutionize your abilities. Weeks 2, 4 & 6: Analysis of Work Students present their past week's work, analysis, suggestions, and other Q & A Week 3: The Process of Creating Setting your intention; understanding the rule of thirds; telling a story with composition Week 5: Enhancing Your Work The importance of perspective; why timing and patience matters; improving your odds; finding what you love; tips for portrait posing; how to capture moments at events. Gretchen Cobourne operated her own wedding and portrait photography business, First Frame Studio, for over 10 year. Afterwards, she joined the team of Seapoint Digital in Kittery as a photographer and copywriter, then Creative Director. She now takes photos just for the joy of it, and loves to help others gain knowledge and skill in this deeply satisfying field.