Fairchild’s Lifelong Learning program is pleased to welcome back Mr. Pedro Lastra for his sixth year instructing the Digital Photography classes taught at Fairchild. 

THE DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY DARKROOM – BASIC PHOTOSHOP TECHNIQUES

Learn the basics of the digital darkroom and the skills needed to navigate and use Adobe Photoshop Elements. Students will explore Photoshop Elements layers and the software tools best suited to the photographer. You will learn to import and manage your digital pictures using Photoshop Browser. The course will cover basic image improvements using layers to correct exposure, contrast, eliminate color casts and improve color as well as tools to correct blemishes such as dust, noise and image flaws. You will learn to correct geometric distortion in architectural subjects and use layers, gradients and fill layers to improve overexposed areas of your photograph. You may bring a notebook computer to class to follow along. Class size is limited to 12 students, 18 years of age and older. 

6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Mondays, June 7 – 21 (three sessions)
Registration deadline: Thursday, June 3
Fee: Members, $165; Non-members, $195 

MACRO LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY – UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

See our garden’s beauty up close and personal. We will explore, discover and photograph the ecosystem at Fairchild by focusing on the small beautiful details in our flowers, leaves and insects. Petals, pistils and stamens will be transformed into abstract works of art. Dragonflies, butterflies and caterpillars will become other worldly sci-fi creatures. In this class, instructor Pedro Lastra will teach you how to use your equipment to capture the small wonders of the garden. During this session you will cover the technical issues that must be learned in order to master macro photography as well as review basic concepts of effective composition. Time in the field will be used to learn how to manage your subject, use the correct approach and effectively compose your image. For this class students should be familiar with their camera’s basic exposure and focus controls. This class will not cover basic camera operations. Tripods and cameras with interchangeable lenses or point–and–shoot cameras with close-up settings and user-adjustable settings are strongly recommended. You may bring either film or digital cameras. A macro lens is highly desirable. If you do not own a macro lens, students will need a good close-up lens (one that allows you to fill your frame with subjects four inches in length). This class is appropriate for students 18 years of age and older. 

7:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Section A: Saturday, June 12 (one session)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, June 8
Section B: Saturday, November 20 (one session)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, November 16
Fee per section: Members, $40; Non-member, $65 

HOW TO USE AND MASTER YOUR POINT-AND-SHOOT DIGITAL CAMERA--THIS CLASS IS SOLD OUT

Now that you are the owner of a digital camera, let us teach you how to obtain the best results from it. After a brief history of cameras and photography, students will focus on the point-and-shoot models of Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, Panasonic and Leica. Pedro Lastra will cover in detail the basic camera functions and the different features of your particular camera. (Please bring your camera and manual to class.) You will learn how to set resolution, use exposure modes and auto focus in the most effective manner. Custom functions will also be covered as well as using your LCD monitor to compose your image effectively. 

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Monday/Tuesday, August 2 and 3 (two sessions)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, July 27
Fee: Members, $65; Non-member, $85 

HOW TO USE AND MASTER YOUR DIGITAL INTERCHANGEABLE LENS SLR
(SINGLE LENS REFLEX) CAMERA

You purchased a full-featured advanced SLR camera. How do you take advantage of its many features? The class will cover which lenses are best suited to your particular needs and how to use your camera settings to take full advantage of the lenses. Basic flash and lighting techniques, different focal length lenses, basic camera functions and the unique features of your particular camera will be explained. (Please bring your camera and manual.) Resolution, exposure modes and auto focus will be covered, as well as custom functions and when to use them. The class will discuss cameras made by Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony and Leica. 

Section A:
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday/Thursday, August 4 and 5 (two sessions)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, July 27

Section B:
6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Mondays, October 18 - 25 (two sessions)
Registration deadline: Wednesday, October 13

Fee per section: Members, $65; Non-member, $85 

STUDIO STILL LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

Workshop participants will receive instruction on how to take quality photographs of flowers and three-dimensional objects indoors. Your instructor, Pedro Lastra, will present techniques on how to use your camera to effectively expose, focus and compose your photographs. The class will also cover different indoor lighting techniques to creatively light your subject matter. The three-hour workshop will focus on visual expression and technical understanding of indoor photography and will be geared toward the aesthetic challenge of moving from documentation to interpretation. You will review great works from contemporary and classic photographers to explore and emulate their techniques. Students must bring fabric, flowers, vases and other three-dimensional objects to create the vignette to be photographed. Do not bring two-dimensional artwork under glass. 

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 7 (one session)
Registration deadline: Tuesday, August 3
Fee: Members, $40; Non-members, $70 

THE HUNTER’S MOON – NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY AT FAIRCHILD

As autumn approaches, the South Florida sunsets seem to get richer with color and the moon bigger as it begins to rise. In this one-night class students will photograph the rise of the Hunter’s Moon (October’s full moon). Tripods and cameras with interchangeable lenses or point–and–shoot cameras with close-up settings and user-adjustable settings are strongly recommended. You may bring either film or digital cameras. This class is limited to 12 participants, 18 years of age and older. This class is not for beginners; therefore no basic camera instruction will be given. It will involve a great deal of walking, so please wear appropriate shoes and clothing. You should bring along insect repellant, a flashlight and water. Class takes place even if it rains. 

7:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 21 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, October 15
Fee: Members, $50; Non-members, $80 

PHOTOGRAPHING FAIRCHILD AT SUNRISE

Enjoy the unique fall sunrise while photographing Fairchild’s spectacular garden settings. This course will offer you the opportunity to photograph the Garden’s environment, dramatically lit by the rising sun. Participants will receive instruction and demonstrations on photographing outdoors in the early morning natural light. Pedro Lastra will instruct you in choosing your subject and creating attractive compositions with your camera. This class will use different settings on your camera to bring about the best results, and show you how to control and meter light effectively. You will focus on visual expression and technical understanding of photography techniques that capture our landscapes. Time spent in the field will be geared toward the aesthetic challenge of moving from documentation to interpretation in your photographs. You may bring either film or digital cameras. Instruction will be tailored to your individual level, whether beginner or advanced. 

7:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, November 6 (one session)
Registration deadline: Friday, October 29
Fee: Member, $50; Non-members, $80 

HOW TO SELECT AND PURCHASE A DIGITAL CAMERA

Need some help in buying that new digital camera for a holiday gift? Who doesn’t get confused when you see all the ads for digital cameras? Are you overwhelmed by the terminology: mega pixels, resolution, sensor size, custom functions? In these informative sessions students will explore the exciting world of digital photography and the cameras available today. The class will define the digital terminology used by the different manufacturers. This course will cover digital camera features, model recommendations, capabilities, prices and how to match these to your personal needs. Finally, we will cover shopping strategies and how to get the best deal available. 

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Fridays, December 3 – 10 (two sessions)
Registration deadline: Monday, November 29
Fee: Members, $35; Non-members, $50

PHOTOGRAPHING THE EVERGLADES AT SUNSET

Experienced photographers will not want to miss the opportunity to photograph the Everglades at the magic hour - sunset. Join photography instructor, Pedro Lastra, as he takes you on a very special photo shoot of egrets, herons, ibis and raptors as they are actively getting their last meal of the day and roosting for the night. Weather permitting, you will see the sunset illuminate the Everglades ecosystem at the Anhinga Trail (Royal Palm). This class is not for beginners and will involve a good deal of walking. Cameras and lenses with telephoto capabilities as well as a sturdy tripod are required. Please wear appropriate, comfortable clothing and walking shoes and bring a water bottle. The Park’s entrance fee will be waived with registration and a map will be provided. 

4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 4 (one session)
Registration deadline: Monday, November 22
Fee: Members, $60; Non-member, $85