Levy Park Photography Workshop
Join our instructor for a series of photography workshops at Levy Park!
These community-driven workshops focus on photography as a means for creative expression and acquiring basic photography skills. No prior experience is necessary, and all competency levels and camera types are welcome.
Each workshop will begin with a photography lesson, followed by time to practice the topic of the day, and will conclude with an informal critique.
There is no registration fee, and these workshops are open to teens (16 years and older) and adults.
Upcoming Workshops:
May 6 – Getting to Know Your Camera:
Learn where to find and how to use the essential settings found on most digital cameras. This is an essential class to get off Auto Mode!
Bring your camera and camera manual.
May 20 – Composition & Focusing Basics:
Learn the basic rules of composition such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, perspective and framing to create pleasing and well-balanced photographs.
All camera types are suitable for this workshop.
June 3 – Advanced Composition:
Learn advanced composition guidelines such as negative space, balancing elements, dynamic triangles and golden ratio to create stronger and visually interesting photographs.
All camera types are suitable for this workshop.
June 17 – Understanding Exposure & Light Metering:
Gain a clear understanding of the three exposure variables: aperture, shutter speed and ISO; and how to achieve the best and most creative exposure. Also, learn about the different light metering modes and how they apply to specific light conditions.
A camera with manual settings is best suited for this workshop.
July 1 – Understanding & Controlling Light:
Learn how to assess the quality of light and use it effectively to take your natural light photographs to the next level. Discover how light contributes to the mood of an image and how it can be manipulated through different technique such as fill-in flash, filters and reflectors.
All camera types are suitable for this workshop.
July 15 – Understanding Color:
Let’s consider the following questions: What is the relationship between light, exposure, and color? How does color affect composition? How does color convey certain moods?
All camera types are suitable for this workshop.
August 5 – Cyanotypes:
Use botanic samples to learn the cyanotype process and create beautiful botanical art prints on fabric and fine art paper. Nature, science, and fine art intersect in Cyanotype, the oldest photographic printmaking process recognized by its Prussian blue color.
Family friendly activity. All supplies provided.
August 19 – Mixed Media:
Unleash your creativity and transform your photographs to a whole new level using layering and mixed media techniques – collage, paint, image transfer.
Family friendly activity. All supplies provided.
September 2 – Portraiture & Lighting:
Learn how to harness natural light and explore different aperture settings to create beautifully lit and composed portraits.
All camera types are suitable for this workshop. Bring a reflector if you have one, but not required.
September 16 – Symbolic Self-Portrait:
Learn how to create meaningful and symbolic images that express who you are. Bring one or more personal objects from home to photograph.
All camera types are suitable for this workshop.
October 7 – Getting to Know Your Camera (Repeat Session):
Learn where to find and how to use the essential settings found on most digital cameras. This is an essential class to get off Auto Mode!
Bring your camera and camera manual.
October 21 – Composition & Focusing Basics (Repeat Session):
Learn the basic rules of composition such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, perspective and framing to create pleasing and well-balanced photographs.
All camera types are suitable for this workshop.
November 4 – Close-up and Macrophotography:
Discover hidden worlds and unseen details of Levy Park. Learn about equipment and methods for shooting close-up and macro photography.
All camera types are suitable for this workshop. A tripod and macro lens are useful but not required.
November 18 – Motion & Panning:
Let’s get moving! Learn how to capture motion through different techniques such as slow shutter speed and panning.
A camera with manual settings is best suited for this workshop but all camera types welcome. A tripod is useful but not required.
December 2 – Intentional Mistake:
Let go off the rules and see what happens! Discover In Camera Movement and create abstract and painterly images.
All camera types are suitable for this workshop.
December 16 – Architecture and the Manmade Landscape:
Learn about creative approaches to photographing architecture and other manmade
landscapes while exploring Levy Park.
All camera types are suitable for this workshop.
January 6 – Ghosting Photography:
Learn how to create beautiful ghosting images using slow shutter speed techniques or multiple exposure.
A camera with manual settings is best suited for this workshop, or a phone camera with a multiple exposure app.
January 20 – Black and White:
Learn how to spot subjects and scenes with the most potential for black and white imagery while identifying visual elements such as tone, texture, shape, and contrast.
All camera types are suitable for this workshop.
February 3 – Abstraction:
Let’s break away from representational imagery and the history and practice of abstract photography.
All camera types are suitable for this workshop. Bring a macro or zoom lens if available.
February 17 – Critique:
Learn how to analyze and evaluate your own photographs and those of your peers in
preparation for the 2022 Views from Levy Park exhibition.
Bring a selection of your work for review, either prints or digital files.
March 2 – Introduction to Landscape Photography:
Explore the surrounding natural environment of Levy Park and learn specific composition and focusing tips to landscape photography. We will also talk about lenses!
All camera types are suitable for this workshop.
March 16 – Artist Statement and Biography:
Learn how to write a short statement about yourself and your work as an artist in preparation for the 2022 Views from Levy Park exhibition.
All camera types are suitable for this workshop.
April 6 – Creating a Series:
Learn how to create and organize multiple photographs which collectively tell a story about one subject or theme.
All camera types are suitable for this workshop.
April 27 – Exhibition:
Celebrate the culmination of a year of hard work and creativity! View a selection of your photographic work created during the 2023-2024 Levy Park Photography Workshop series in the 2024 Views from Levy Park exhibition.
Friends and family are welcome!
WHERE
In person at Levy Park, 3801 Eastside St., Houston, TX 77098 (Meet to the right of the Pavilion at one of the tables)
WHEN
9am – 11am, 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month
Questions?
Please contact our Access and Community Education Associate (ACE) by e-mail below.
For cancellations, please check back on this page or on the Levy Park calendar.
