Become a visual storyteller at Slice of Life

Want to take your photography to the next level? Learn fundamental principles you can build on to help you make those images you envision in your mind's eye. In this 8-session course, designed for novice to intermediate photographers, this course will cover technical foundations and aesthetic concepts to help you turn your creative impulses into beautiful images. Building on those foundations, find your personal point of view to become a visual storyteller.

Technical basics covered will include: the exposure triangle, depth of field, how to make a proper exposure based on the situation, light and shadow, capturing motion, automatic vs. manual exposure modes, focusing, selective focus, metering, the histogram, white balance, lenses and focal lengths, to name a few.

Creative techniques will include: isolating the subject, rules of composition, personal vision, border control (non-political of course), previsualization, thinking photographically, story and message, point of view, creating mood, portraiture and much more.

It is recommended to have a fully adjustable, interchangeable-lens camera, whether it be a DSLR or a mirrorless camera. It's also recommended you be already somewhat familiar with your camera's basic controls, but the class can help you learn those, too. And if you're using your camera phone or a compact camera, there's still plenty to take home.

Teacher Larry LaCom has been passionate about photography for most of his life, and loves to share what he has learned with anyone wishing to become a better image-maker. Having worked as a graphic designer and photographer for over 25 years, as well as making images on his own for over 40 years, he has photographed a wide range of subjects including corporate headshots, family portraits, architecture, industrial subjects, sporting events, landscapes and much more. Having started out using film cameras and darkroom techniques, he has embraced the digital technology in today's modern cameras, and the "digital darkroom." He has shown and sold his work in the Bear Valley Cultural Arts Association art shows, won awards in Tehachapi's Gallery 'N' Gifts photography contests and his photographs have appeared right here in The Loop newspaper during the past two years.

Come learn how to make good photos in an interactive, supportive and individualized environment. Classes will be held weekly at Slice of Life Enrichment School, 48771 W. Valley Blvd. in Tehachapi beginning Monday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. To enroll, call the school at (661) 733-7409 or email [email protected].