Intro to Photography For Teens

If you're a teenager with a passion for photography but find yourself frustrated or just want to learn more then sign up for this class.
Pro photographer and photography teacher Don Orkoskey of WDO Photography Pittsburgh will introduce you to everything you need to improve your photography skills.

Technical aspects of photography

The technical aspects of photography include the following:

• Adjusting exposure (brightness)
• Sensor sensitivity and capturing enough light
• Understanding focus and focus settings
• Freezing motion or showing it
  

As a result of learning these technical aspects of photography you'll be able to solve any technical problem you encounter with your photos (other than a broken camera). You'll understand how to make photos look the way you want them to look.

Aesthetic aspects of photography

Aesthetic aspects of photography include:

• Framing your subject and scene
• Understanding design principles and their impact on emotions
• Storytelling through photography
• Understanding who your audience is and connecting with them

As a result of learning these aspects of photography you'll be able to create photos that say exactly what you want them. Plus, you'll understand how to express yourself through photography. In addition you'll learn to identify your audience and learn to speak to them.

Things Your Parents Will Appreciate

Along with learning all of the above, you'll learn the following which your parents will appreciate:

• Math - photography uses math, it's not difficult stuff and photography makes it easier to understand
• STEM - in addition to applied math you'll learn the science, engineering, and technical aspects of photography and how to apply them as well
• Composition - this is a fancy way of saying storytelling but it's something that shows up in effective communication all the time so they'll be happy you're learning it
• Applicable skills - photography and related fields are potential career paths and the skills you learn here can help you with whatever career(s) you choose
• Constructive criticism - you'll learn how to discuss each others work in kind and helpful ways which is also a skill that will come in handy in everyday life
  

Class Schedule

The class runs Jan 11th, 18th, 25th, and Feb 1st. Each Sat we'll meet from 2pm until 4pm at the Community Forge in Wilkinsburg. Please be a few minutes early so we're able to begin on time. If you cannot make a class please let me know as soon as possible.

Class Format

The class meets each Saturday for 4 weeks in the afternoon from 2 until 4.
In class we'll focus on handson learning with your camera(s). If you have a phone that's all you need to take the class. That said, larger cameras (DSLRs and Mirrorless) are also welcome. In fact, I'll have a few extra cameras that students can sharing during class.
There will be homework. However, I promise it'll be fun stuff. You'll be asked to take a few photos each week and upload them for the class to discuss. In fact, looking at each other's photos will help us vastly improve our work over the time we spend together.
There will be some demonstrations and even some slides but I promise to keep the class fun and interesting. Plus, you will have a lot of time to take photos in class and between them.

Class Supplies

In addition to a camera please bring a way to take notes. As the class is for teens it won't be recorded. That said, if you want to make audio recordings of parts of the class as a means of taking notes you may do so for personal use. At this time I do not know the Community Forge's policies on food or drinks in the room we'll be using. Therefore, please feel free to bring water bottles but either eat before or after the class. If you need to eat during class (i.e. you're diabetic) please do so very quietly.

About Your Instructor

My name is Don Orkoskey. As mentioned, I'm a full time working professional photographer. In fact I've been doing so for more than 20 years. Additionally, I've taught photography for more than 15 years. While teaching has grown to become a big focus of my business I still do a lot of advertising and marketing photography, headshots, and event photography. Therefore, I bring a grounded and practical perspective.
Beyond that, I'm neurodivergent, that is, I have ADHD. Besides having ADHD, I have taught a lot of neurodivergent students through the Office of Vocational Rehab and independently. As a result, my classes are designed with the knowledge that we all learn differently. Of course, this means my classes are welcoming to everyone.

Equitable Learning Opportunities

I'm committed to equitable learning opportunities. If you have a teen interested in photography but the cost of the class is too high please contact me so we can make accommodations for your teen to take this photography class. Photography is powerful means of storytelling. While the costs of cameras has come down significantly over the last 20 years opening opportunities for marginalized groups to tell their stories there are still economic barriers that prevent everyone from using photography to bring attention to what matters in their communities. Therefore, I'm committed to helping bridge that economic gap where possible.