The Basic Digital Photography class can be taken by anyone of any age, however, the program is a result of Keith's 28 years teaching Photography and Journalism at the High School level at Santa Cruz High School in Santa Cruz, California so the program fits teens nicely.

The key to this program is its emphasis on "hands on" work or projects. The class begins with basic instruction in the principles of design and composition and critical technical skills in exposure control. After the first few weeks the class zooms into projects that begin simple and progress in difficulty as the class moves along. Building on previous skills the projects challenge students to apply critical thinking skills to solving photographic challenges.

The class does include a few written assignments that ask students to look at the history of photography and some of the key people that have made it what it is today and there are a few tests but the bulk of the class grade comes from projects.  The curriculum when it was used at Santa Cruz High in the 1980-90's met California State Standards and was acceptable for a-f requirements for the UC system at the time. This gives you an idea of the expectations of students.

Independent Study students can be an adults, home school students or small school students that do not have accesss to a class in photography where they live. Students will be working with Keith Wills as ther instructor. Work will be submitted to Keith for review and suggestions. E-Mail to keith at scphoto.com can bring quick assistance to any problems.

The cost for Independent Study students is $75 for the full course. Students may sign up at any time and work on the class at their own pace. Lessons are all done independently without the need for a class meeting or set meeting time.