In this workshop for digital photographers, participants are provided with a mix of hands-on activities, demonstrations, lectures, and critiques designed to take their knowledge of image enhancement to the next level. Students are introduced to some software options that can simplify the editing process and maximize the tonal range, depth, light, and color of a photograph whether your desired result is realistic or illustrative, or you are interested in pushing the creative envelope.

Learn high dynamic range (HDR) photography using Photomatix to achieve control over the shadows and highlights by combining several images with a range of exposures into one image with the greatest dynamic range. Shoot and combine images for maximum depth of field with Helicon Focus, used in both macro and landscape photography. Workshop and shooting sessions with the instructor are held at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Building Museum. The class culminates with classroom critiques of participants’ work.

Students should bring a digital single-lens reflex camera, charged batteries and media storage card, camera manual, and tripod to the first session. Participants must have working knowledge of their cameras and have taken a Photoshop 1 or Photoshop Elements class. A laptop is not required, as all editing of work produced in class is done outside of class time. Students with laptops may wish to bring them to each classroom session loaded with the software listed above. For those just getting started, Photomatix and Helicon Focus are available as free 30-day-trial downloads.

Instructor Joshua Taylor Jr. is an award-winning photographer with more than 30 years of experience.

4 sessions, 3 1/2 hours each

This is an outdoor class requiring a lot of walking; wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Participants provide their own transportation to on-location shooting sites. Maps are distributed the first day of class.

No class Feb. 13.