As times pass by, those who were not endowed with the natural knack for drawing or painting were able to shift their “eye for the beautiful” using not brushes and paints but a camera-an apparatus that records images on photographic negatives called “film”.

PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS BASICS

After discovering the beauty of photography, more and more people became interested in the craft, devoted their time in discovering and
rediscovering its major components, and became self-taught photographers.

Since not everyone does not have enough time and will to learn everything on their own, they often resort to attending photography classes to gain or improve their knowledge in the craft.

But before enrolling into any photography class, you must decide first what kind of photography you would want to explore and things you can expect from that class.

These are the usual things you can learn in a photography class:

- The Camera. Essentially, a camera is a light-tight box containing a piece of light-sensitive material-either film or digital sensor-inside it. The “box” has a hole (lens) to allow light to enter, a viewfinder and a shutter.

Usually, two types of cameras are being introduced to the students during a photography class: the SLR (Single-Lens Reflex) or manual and the

Digital Camera. While SLR cameras require the use of rolls of film, manual loading and rewinding, and manual photo processing, digital
cameras use a digital memory car, which allows larger image storing and can be processed/ manipulated through the use of computer.

- Photography terms and other equipment basics such as shutter speeds that define the length of time the film is exposed to light, aperture which refers to the opening of the lens, kinds of films and film speeds rated by ISO numbers, batteries either alkaline or lithium, tripod or monopods used for camera support, F-stops or depth of field which refers to the distance between the nearest and farthest points that appear in sharp focus, the significance of camera meters, and lenses which are used to gather and focus light rays to form an image and its various kinds with basic explanation and application of focal lengths, tele-extenders, filters, flash and etc.

- Photography theories and application.

- Outdoor and indoor activities are also expected.

- Styles and tips in shooting different photographs like framing and composing the subject, and what to photograph are taught.

- Camera health, protection, and caring tips.

- You can also learn how to publish your photos as well as your money and photo rights.

If you’re planning to enroll in a photography class, make sure that you peruse the syllabus or course outline so you can come up with a list of expectations. You may also ask people who have enrolled in photography classes before and ask about their experience so you’ll have an idea what goes on.

Online photography classes are available in the Internet if you opt not to attend a regular photography class.

The visual arts encompass things like sculpture, painting and so on. The basis of visual arts is that of productions meant to entertain through the eyes without use of song, speech or writing. The artist is trying to make a point by the concept he or she has put together without having to speak about the topic. So in truth the artist is telling a story by using the visual images and how they transform into words in our brain. The feelings aroused when a person sees a particular piece of art is the idea behind visual art.

Throughout the history of the world there has been visual art in one form or another. Even the early days of man have shown us that we were interested in communicating with one another through art. Cave drawings depict hunts and so on that we as the modern day people attempt to interpret to learn more about the times. Art was thought to be the only form of communication that was available making it more appealing to the other people alive at the time.

When you move forward through history you see that visual art has played a major role in the culture of the countries around the world. This comes on the heels of the fact that many artists never realized any kind of fame or fortune during their lifetime as their work did not become appreciated until centuries later.

Case and point of this would be Vincent Van Gough. He was plagued by his own insecurity and addictions. His work was outside of the norm and hence it was not accepted by the art community of his time. Van Gough would spend his relatively short life painting but never selling. Today there is nothing shy of an extreme demand for his work. Examples of Van Gough’s paintings sell in the millions of dollar range and are highly sought after by serious art collectors.

The other side of the coin would be those artists that found fame and fortune during their life time and still have a huge following to this day. Leonardo Da Vinci is a prime example. Da Vinci was a highly popular painter and sculpture in his time and he had the attention of the royal family which gave him carte blanche on his work. Besides art he was known as one of the greatest thinkers who actually invented many of the things we use today though he never built any of his own. Da Vinci was also a highly sought after teacher of the arts and many masters owe their talent to his schooling.

Visual arts do the artistic world more plentiful and provide solace for those with tormented souls. All we have to do is visit an art gallery and learn to understand the way that artists view the world and interpret it for us.