LEARNING TO SEE

This class will explore that question of “what makes a great photograph,” through a study of camera functions, design elements and principles, and conceptual strategies. You will learn how to use your camera (or improve your technical skills), and hone your creativity and visual skills through a series of photographic shooting assignments. Examples of successfully designed and composed photographs will be examined and analyzed in order to understand how they function. You will learn the “rules” of composition, and when to break them. The class will be structured into three sections - technique/camera function, design and composition and finishing with content/concept/symbolism and metaphor. At the end of this class you will have a solid understanding of your camera, composition and content and how to apply it to their own photographic interests. Each assignment will challenge you to discover new ways of picture making, and inspire their personal vision and creativity. The class is suitable for beginner to intermediate photographers who wish to learn or improve their photography skills.
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Victoria Mara Heilweil is a nationally exhibited photographic artist, curator, and educator. She received her MFA from California College of the Arts in 1995. Her work has been included in exhibitions at the de Young Museum, San Jose Institute for Contemporary Art, Southern Exposure, Art Works Downtown, PHOTO Gallery and RayKo Photo Center in the Bay Area; wall space gallery and Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum in Southern California; University Art Gallery at California State University, Chico; Minneapolis Photo Center; Visual Arts Center in Portsmouth, Virginia; and Washington Square Art Galleries in New York City. Heilweil has also created public and community-based artworks in conjunction with the ZERO1 Biennial in San Jose and the Bayview Opera House in San Francisco. In addition to her exhibition history, Heilweil has taught for the past 20 years at colleges and community centers.www.victoriaheilweil.com
Image courtesy of Victoria Mara Heilweil

PLEASE NOTE: Public Education courses are held contingent on a minimum enrollment, which is determined  up to 24 hours in advance of the class start date. Public Education Staff will contact you ONLY if there is a course cancellation or change. 

FAQs
What is the refund policy?You can view the SFAI Public Education refund policy on the SFAI website here.
What materials (if any) will I need to bring to class?Each course requires specific materials that we ask you bring to your first class session so you can get started making right away. Materials lists are available approximately two weeks prior to the course start date. Visit the SFAI website here, click on your course title, and then click on the blue "Materials List" link underneath the course dates. If you have any questions regarding materials, please contact Public Education Staff.What are my transport/parking options getting to San Francisco Art Institute?All classes meet at 800 Chestnut Street, between Jones and Leavenworth. You can find directions to campus on the SFAI website.
SFAI is located in a residential neighborhood, and free two-hour parking is available on all of the streets immediately surrounding the school. The two-hour restriction cuts off at 9 pm, so evening Public Education students do not need to move their car, unless you arrive prior to 7 pm.SFAI is easily accessible via public transportation, with Muni bus lines #30 Stockton, and #47 Van Ness located within a few blocks of campus.I have a question that isn't on this list. Who can I contact?SFAI Public Education Staff are always happy to answer any questions you may have about the Public Education program, or our courses. We are in the office Monday-Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Call us at: 415.749.4554 or e-mail: [email protected]