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Photography Class Descriptions

We offer a $1000 Scholarship for youth, ages 13-19, to attend any of our photography classes. The scholarship covers all costs, including instruction, equipment rental, film, photographic paper, and mentoring.

Each class meets twice a week for nine weeks. The program's total time commitment is six to eight hours per week. We expect all students to meet this requirement with dedication.

Carefully fill out both sides of the application and return it to Youth in Focus by the deadline. Upon review of your application, you will be contacted to set up a 1-on-1 interview.

Due to limited space and large number of applicants, completing an application and interview does not guarantee admission into our program. You will be notified of class placement two weeks prior to the beginning of classes.

If you submitted an application and have not heard back from us, please send an email to yif@youthinfocus.org or call 206.723.1479.

2010 Fall quarter begins September 27 and ends December 3. Turn in applications by August 20, 2010.

Beginning Digital Photography
M/W 3:30-6:30 pm
Students learn the basic principles of composition and photography, as well as how to use a digital camera for their weekly photo assignments. Classes meet twice a week in our computer lab, where participants manipulate images and learn digital editing skills in Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop CS4. Each student produces a museum-quality print, a selfportrait and an artist statement to exhibit in the Youth in Focus End-of-Quarter show.
Wheelchair accessible

Beginning Black & White Photography
M/W or T/TH 3:30-6:30 pm
Students learn the basics of Black & White photography as they explore their world with a camera. Classes meet twice a week, and students work with experienced photography mentors in class and on field trips. Participants spend a significant amount of time in the darkroom developing and enhancing their printing skills. Each student produces a museum-quality print, a self-portrait and an artist statement to exhibit in the Youth in Focus End-of-Quarter show.

Intermediate B&W Photography
T/Th 3:30-6:30 pm
This intermediate class offers students the opportunity to continue improving their
photography skills while gaining work experience. Students learn manual SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera skills and more advanced printing techniques. As Darkroom Assistants, students work with Beginning students and develop darkroom maintenance skills. Students create a personal series of images, a self-portrait, and an artist statement to exhibit in the Youth in Focus End-of-Quarter show.
Pre-requisite: Beginning Black & White or equivalent experience as determined by YIF staff.

Advanced B&W Photography
M/W 3:30-6:30 pm
Youth in Focus students can continue to improve their photography skills by enrolling in the Advanced Black & White class. Participants in this class will work on a theme-based portfolio while being introduced to advanced shooting and darkroom techniques used by professional photographers. As Darkroom Assistants, students work with Beginning students and build upon their darkroom skills. At the end of the quarter, students will collectively exhibit their work at a community gallery or art venue. Once students complete this course, they are eligible to work for our Freelance Project.
Prerequisite: Intermediate B&W Photography or equivalent experience as determined by YIF staff.

Advanced Digital Photography
T/TH 3:30-6:30 pm
(This class is offered in Spring and Fall Quarters only)
*Sponsored by Adobe Youth Voices*
This class will give Youth in Focus students the opportunity to take their basic digital skills to the next level. Students learn DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera and Photoshop skills that build on what they've learned in our Beginning Digital class. Students have the opportunity to create a theme-based portfolio that focuses on issues that affect them and their communities. At the end of the quarter, students will collectively exhibit their work at a community gallery or art venue. Once students complete this course, they are eligible to work for our Freelance Project.
Pre-requisite: Beginning Digital Photography or equivalent experience as determined by YIF staff.
Wheelchair accessible

Click here for Free Photography Application

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Please complete the form and mail to the address below, or fax to 206.723.2844.

Youth in Focus
2100 24th Ave. S. Suite 310
Seattle, Washington 98144