Step into the darkroom and discover photography at its most elemental. Using light, time, objects, and simple handmade cameras. In this four-session studio course, students will explore two of photography’s most mysterious and hands-on processes: photograms and pinhole photography. With photograms, students will arrange objects directly onto light-sensitive paper, creating images from their shadows, silhouettes, textures, and shapes. With pinhole photography, students will construct simple cameras from everyday cardboard or metal objects and use them to capture images formed by light passing through a tiny aperture. Along the way, we’ll explore the fascinating histories of these techniques while learning the basics of black-and-white darkroom processes, exposure, and developing. No previous photography experience is necessary—just curiosity and a willingness to experiment. Cellphones will not be used except as an optional source of light. This class will use the CVU Photography Lab. Quality paper and additional materials for this class are included and reflected in the fee. Ages: 16+ Great Blue Heron Photogram Model of t-RNA, photogram

Over four weeks we'll cover the techniques and history of landscape photography. You'll learn to use your camera's manual settings, build stronger photographic compositions, and learn how to edit your landscape images. Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings, and a USB drive or external hard drive to save your images. Students will have access to Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop in the CVU photography lab during class hours, so no personal software is required. Age: 16+

AI isn’t all hype, it's a surprisingly helpful assistant and time-saver that you can use right now and often for free. In this beginner-friendly class, we’ll explore 10 practical ways to use AI in your daily life, from detecting scams to "profitable decluttering".We'll talk about the latest versions of tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini and see how to put them to work without a subscription.What You’ll Learn: How to use AI to solve everyday problems and stay organized How to scan and identify objects with your phone’s camera How to research, summarize, and plan smarter (not harder) How to save time, money, and effort using free versions of today’s top AI tools The ethics of AI: What to trust, how to protect your data, and how to spot bias Bring your questions, and optionally your devices to test and follow along in class. "Chris Rodgers is super bright and very engaging. He has a depth of knowledge in this field, and so he was able to answer questions from folks just starting out and didn't miss a beat when the discussion moved into more advanced use of AI. The class was fun and we left with a thought provoking handout." "So much to learn! This class helped broaden the base of ideas for applying AI to everyday life. Chris Rodgers did a great job sparking our imagination and providing examples of fun and practical uses for AI."

Digital Photography Studio offers a highly personalized learning experience designed to meet you exactly where you are in your photographic journey. This small, studio-style course is guided by your interests and goals—whether you’re just getting comfortable with your camera or refining a more advanced creative vision. Each student will receive individualized instruction and thoughtful feedback tailored to what they want to explore. Topics may include mastering camera settings, strengthening visual composition, understanding the history of photography, improving print quality, or developing and articulating a personal photographic style. After enrolling, students are encouraged to email the instructor to share the specific aspects of photography they’re most excited to focus on. This helps shape the course content and ensures meaningful, relevant instruction for everyone. Enrollment is limited to just 8 students to allow for in-depth guidance, discussion, and hands-on support in a collaborative studio environment. This class will use the CVU Photography Lab. Each student will have use of a computer loaded with Adobe Photoshop software to use to enhance their photographs. Ages: 16+ Please offer this class again. It was precisely what I've been looking for. Tom Brennan is a wonderful teacher!

Tired of auto mode? This course covers the essentials of digital photography. Over the course of 4 weeks learn all the fundamentals of photography aperture, shutter speed, ISO, metering, composition. Through in-class discussion and out of class projects, you'll learn what each of these settings does and how to adjust them to bring your photographic vision to life. Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings, and a USB drive or external hard drive to save your images. This course will also cover the basics of image editing. Students will have access to Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop in the CVU photography lab during class hours, so no personal software is required. Age: 16+