Robert Jordan
OXFORD, Miss. – Famed Mississippi author Eudora Welty once said, “A good snapshot keeps a moment from running away.”
Robert Jordan, award-winning director of photography services at the University of Mississippi, will show participants how to capture their own memories during a series of photography classes being offered through the UM Communiversity program this fall.
“It’s reinvigorating for me to see others learn something new and watch their enthusiasm for photography expand,” Jordan said. “There are so many ways to express your personality and view of life from behind the lens.”
Jordan will inspire class members to compose and take great photos with their digital cameras during the “Digital Photography Basics” class offered from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 13) and 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 15).
“People who attend this class have made a financial investment in their camera, and this course will teach them how to get the most out of it,” Jordan said.
Topics include efficient use of manual modes, quick-shooting techniques for more professional-looking shots and, most importantly, how to have fun with your camera. Jordan will touch on post-production editing and enhancing images, as well as hardware options for archiving and printing. The cost is $85.
“Most people struggle with the technology when they are learning about a new camera,” Jordan said. “Engineers usually write the manual books, so they’re not really written for the everyday person. I aim for this class to take the guesswork out of getting started with your digital camera.”
If most of your photos are taken on your cell phone, you might want to sign up for “iPhone Photography,” meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20 and 22 at UM’s Insight Park, off Hathorn Road.
Jordan will share tips and tricks to improve point-and-click phone photos and how to enhance photos using applications such as SnapSeed and Camera+. The fee is $75.
On Oct. 22, experiment with Adobe Photoshop and learn to change the size and resolution of photos, color correct, remove red eye, restore photos and much more. Amanda Keys, owner of Bright Ideas and Solutions, will teach this course from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Weir Hall.
Participants will learn tips for restoring old family photos, as well as how to apply artistic and textural photo effects. The cost for this class is $89.
A new class offering this fall that should be a great resource for the upcoming holiday season is Jordan’s “Capturing the Perfect Christmas Card Photo.” This class will meet noon-1 p.m. Oct. 26 at Insight Park. As part of the Holiday Happy Hour series, the cost is only $10.
From what to wear to camera settings, Jordan has rounded up some of his tried-and-true tricks for family photos, kids, babies, and even pets, plus some fun Christmas card photo ideas.
Find out more and register for these or any of the other fall offerings at http://www.olemiss.edu/communiversity.