Foundations of Photography: Seeing with Intention

August 12 – September 9, 2026

Have you always wanted to take more beautiful photographs but weren’t sure where to begin? This welcoming four-week series is designed for beginning photographers who are excited to learn a new skill, cultivate a creative hobby, and discover the joy of seeing the world with fresh eyes.

Together we’ll build confidence using the iPhone camera while exploring the foundations of photography through fun weekly assignments, personalized feedback, and hands-on editing sessions.

In this series, you’ll learn how to:
• Confidently use your iPhone camera
• Create stronger compositions
• Work with natural light to enhance your images
• Edit photographs for greater impact
• Develop your unique photographic eye
• Begin creating a cohesive body of work around a personal theme

You’ll leave with stronger photographs, greater confidence, and a renewed sense of curiosity every time you head out with your camera.

What’s Included
• Four 60-minute live Zoom sessions with Melina
• PDF’s with PowerPoint slides
• Recordings of the videos (good through 2026)

$175 (Thanks for the break), $225 (I’m doing fine), $275 + (I’m feeling generous)

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Description

SESSION 1 | Wednesday, August 12 4pm (PT)
Session 1 –  Build Your iPhone Camera Confidence 
Build a solid foundation as you learn the essential features of your iPhone camera and the principles of strong composition. We’ll explore simple techniques for creating compelling portraits, close-up (macro) images, street scenes, architecture, and landscapes, giving you the confidence to start making photographs you’ll be proud of.

SESSION 2 | Wednesday, August 19 12pm (PT)
Session 2 – Light Changes Everything
Discover how light transforms an ordinary scene into an extraordinary photograph. We’ll explore the beauty of morning and evening light, backlighting, side lighting, window light, shadows, and overcast skies while learning to recognize and work with the unique qualities each offers.

SESSION 3 | Wednesday, August 26 2pm (PT)
Session 3 – Editing Like a Pro
Great photography doesn’t end when you press the shutter! You’ll submit a selection of your photographs before class, and together we’ll explore how thoughtful editing—including cropping, exposure, color, contrast, and image selection—can strengthen your photographs and help your creative vision shine.

SESSION 4 | Wednesday, September 9 4pm (PT)
Session 4 – Finding Your Theme
Move beyond taking individual photographs and begin creating a meaningful body of work. By choosing a personal theme—such as water, trees, shadows, color, or quiet—you’ll learn how to photograph with intention, recognize visual connections, and begin building a collection of images that tells a cohesive story.