This interactive, two-part seminar is designed for photographers of all levels who want to create stronger, more compelling images—regardless of camera type or technical settings.

Part I: Capture the Moment focuses on the essential skills behind great photography, including choosing effective subjects, creating emotional impact, understanding composition, and learning key photographic principles—and when it makes sense to break them.

Part II: Hands-On Photo Review invites participants to bring their own images for guided group discussion. The moderator will demonstrate potential edits and recompositions using Photoshop, illustrating how small adjustments can significantly enhance a photograph. Together, the sessions emphasize seeing, refining, and strengthening visual storytelling.

This seminar explores the institutional, civic, commercial, and residential buildings that shape our everyday surroundings—many of which participants have likely passed countless times. Focusing on some of the most recognizable buildings of the 19th through 21st centuries in Dayton and beyond, Tom Thickel examines the stories behind their designs, the architects who envisioned them, and the cultural and historical contexts in which they were created. Although this is a repeat seminar, new buildings, photographs, and updated information have been added for Spring 2026. Two optional field trips are planned. Transportation and any admission fees, if applicable, are the responsibility of participants.

This class continues to engage students in the exploration of philosophies to expand creativity in photography. These philosophies incorporate strategies for creating photos that are artforms. We engage in the joy of minimalism, intentional camera movement, and wabi-sabi. The goal is to have fun!

"There is something so special about receiving a handmade card that always fills me with joy. I love the feeling that someone took time to think about me and create something special with me in mind.“ ---a recipient of a handmade card!

Learn to make beautiful, handcrafted cards to share with family and friends. In this course, participants will be learning paper crafting techniques to bring a personal touch to greeting cards. In each class, the participants will complete 1-2 cards, while learning a new technique. Possible techniques: using paper scraps to make beautiful designs, fancy or fun folds, easy foiling technique, one-sheet wonder, faux leather, blending and using stencils, shadow stamping .

Special Requirements:

• Students must have taken at least one previous seminar from us.
• Lab fee: $30
• Materials needed for card making, including all card-stock, printed papers, and envelopes will be in a kit for each student. Special Equipment such as die-cutting machines, heat-embossing tools, stamps, inks, etc. will be available during class. All students will need to bring a basic tool kit: paper snips, small ruler, adhesives, bone folder, paper trimmer and score board. (a detailed list will be provided after registration).

In this class you will learn more Zentangle patterns using tiles of different background colors, both square and round. Expand your creativity and focus while enjoying this relaxing meditative art form. Because this is an advanced class, you must have taken a beginning Zentangle class taught by a Certified Zentangle Teacher either at UDOLLI or another location.

ADDITONAL FEE: $15 paid to the Moderator at the first meeting.