Photography has never been so accessible to so many with the transformation of telephones into sophisticated cameras. For many years The Open Road cellphone photography class has been a popular vehicle for learning the basics of photography with guidance from veteran photojournalist and fine art photographer Phil Grout. Students explore the beauty of Carroll County along its back roads, meadows, waterfalls and bucolic small towns while learning photographic composition, graphic impact and the storytelling qualities of an image. After capturing an image on an iPhone or Android smartphone, the ease of editing a photo is also learned using the required free app Snapseed. The learning process is enhanced as students share their new photos and learn from each other and Phil through a private Facebook group. Students are asked to maintain a Facebook account at least through the week of class. A final exhibition of student work will be presented to the greater Common Ground on the Hill community.

‍NOTE: This is not a Photoshop course; this course is for smartphones only – no exceptions.

‍Students are required to have the app Snapseed installed on their phone. The app is free and suitable for iPhone or Android devices. Students are also requested to have an active Facebook account which will be used to privately share photos with classmates and Phil through a secret FB group. Students will need cash for printing images.

NOTE: Students are should wear long pants and “substantial” footwear for working in “rough” locations.

Limit 10 students, ages 16 and up.