Fieldwork Photo Basics: Late Afternoon On The Mall

This intermediate-level photography field course builds upon the foundational technical knowledge from Photo Basics classes, providing hands-on practice applying classroom concepts in real-world settings. This session is designed for photographers ready to move beyond automatic camera settings and consistently work within manual exposure modes, including Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and full Manual control. Practical field experience will reinforce proper exposure technique and help you develop confidence in your camera settings.

The class convenes near the Jefferson Memorial and progresses through nearby iconic Washington locations, including the Washington Monument and World War II Memorial. These sites offer diverse photographic opportunities: architectural elements, monumental sculptures, decorative fountains, street scenes, and atmospheric conditions ranging from late afternoon light through twilight's beautiful blue hour. We will review exposure principles in detail and then photograph throughout the location, practicing various camera settings to achieve your desired visual outcomes and aesthetic vision.

Reinforcement Topics:

• Camera controls and menu navigation
• ISO sensitivity settings and their effects on image quality
• Shutter speed selection for controlling motion blur and freezing action
• Aperture settings for managing depth of field and visual focus
• White balance adjustment for color accuracy under different lighting conditions
• Focus point selection and continuous autofocus techniques
• Playback review tools for evaluating sharpness and exposure accuracy
• Composition principles for creating engaging visual framing

By the conclusion of this practical session, you will depart with strengthened technical competency in exposure settings and the ability to capture compelling, exhibition-quality images you will be proud to share. Any camera featuring Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, or Manual modes is suitable for this course. Bring your camera and any or all available lenses; we will work effectively with whatever equipment you bring. While tripods are not required, bringing one allows for experimentation with slow shutter speed techniques near the fountain at the World War II Memorial, and our instructors will demonstrate advanced tripod techniques.

Important Note:

This course assumes prior completion of a Photo Basics class and basic familiarity with manual exposure modes. We will not provide introductory instruction in exposure fundamentals during this field session.