Technology has made it where practically anyone can take a photo. But not everyone is a photographer.
Photography remains a skill that takes training and experience to capture.
Just like the “perfect photo.”
To capture a great photograph, there needs to be a subject and composition, with the lighting “being the glue that puts it all together,” said professional photographer Andy Katz.
Katz’s passion for photography started when he was eight, after his father brought home a photography book by Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh.
“I think one of the main things I loved about looking at the book was the images were extremely sharp with beautiful tones. At eight years old, I wasn’t as fascinated with the subjects of the photos, but the photographer’s technique,” the 72-year-old said.
After spending his life as a professional photographer and published 15 books of high quality images, Katz will bring his expertise to The Villages to lead The Villages Enrichment Academy’s Speaker Series presentation “Photography: It’s About the Light.”
Attendees will learn how and why light is a key element to a great photograph during the presentation from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Thursday at the Rohan Recreation. The Villages Photography Club also helped facilitate Katz’s visit to The Enrichment Academy.
“We are excited to host this wonderful opportunity for people to learn more about taking great photographs,” said Melanie Sarakinis, recreation manager of The Enrichment Academy.
With the goal of giving the people in the class a toolbox for photography and understanding light, Katz’s presentation will also touch on the best time of the day to take photos, how to use light to your advantage, and what to do when the provided light isn’t great.
“We will talk and learn not to shoot in broad day light. You don’t want to go out and try to get photos in the high noon sunlight,” Katz said. “It is better to work with the shadows.”
Though the class will review elements to get a great photo, Katz said it’s important for budding shutterbugs to not be afraid to make mistakes.
“I’m still making mistakes today. You have to push yourself to become great. You’ll make mistakes, but you learn from them,” he said. “Sometimes mistakes are what makes the best photographs. It’s rare, but sometimes.”
Katz said one of his main goals with the TEA speaker series program is to encourage attendees to become curious on how to step up their everyday photography.
“You don’t need to spend millions of dollars on equipment. We’ll be talking about how to get great photos with an iPhone. It’s about shooting with technique and enjoying yourself,” he said. “Anytime I can get someone to be more excited about photography I’ll take it. It’s a wonderful way to spend time and be with yourself in nature or somewhere getting a little peace.”
The fee to register for the class is $15 per person for residents and $18 per person for guests. For more information about the photography class or to register, visit theenrichmentacademy.org.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
