This class will be similar to other “Beginner Level” photography workshops, in that we’ll talk about the basics of taking photos (understanding the camera, composition, light,) but the twist is that we’ll look at it from the standpoint of a participant’s favorite photo and we’ll break down what made it that way in order to understand the process and repeat the result. The goal is to make the students comfortable with what can seem an intimidating, vexing tool, by showing them that getting a great photo isn’t as difficult, or as accidental, as they might think. By interactively working on understanding how their camera works, in terms of controlling light, focus and shutter speed, students should leave the class knowing why their camera does what it does as they use it, with the ultimate aim being that they will be able to have greater control and intention and, subsequently, creativity with their photography.

Joe Navas is Cape Cod-based photographer and owner of Organic Photography in Orleans, MA. He currently serves on the Graphic Design Advisory Board at Cape Cod Community College. A life-long artist, Navas has shown his work in Provincetown, Orleans, New Orleans, Telluride and Wellfleet and it resides in private collections around the world.

Navas has been taking photographs since he was a teenager, professionally for 15 years, with the last 8 seeing it become his primary focus. His work, especially his most recent projects - centered on world class track and field athletes - has garnered him praise from around the photography world and will be the feature of an upcoming Boston showing.