Dates: February 11 - March 11, 2026
Meetings: Wednesdays, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM CST (5 sessions)
Location: Houston Center for Photography
Cost: $490 (HCP members can receive a 10% discount)
Instructor: Daniel Seth Kraus
Skill Level: Open to All Levels
What makes an image stay with you long after you’ve seen it? This five-week course invites photographers to move beyond technical skill, learn how to “read” a picture, and begin crafting images with purpose, emotion, narrative, and depth. Through guided discussions, image analysis, readings, and personal practice, students will learn to think intentionally about their photographic choices—connecting visual decisions to meaning, message, and story.
Each session gradually deepens students’ understanding of photography as a language of ideas and emotions. Students will explore how sequencing, symbolism, and composition shape viewer perception, and will engage in constructive critiques designed to refine both conceptual and aesthetic aspects of their work. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyze both their own work and the work of other photographers, gaining insight into what gives an image lasting power.
Objectives:
Understand how visual elements create meaning and emotional impact
Learn how to communicate ideas through sequencing, rhythm, and visual relationships
Apply conceptual thinking to creating photographs that convey ideas and stories
Be able to analyze and discuss photographs critically
Gain feedback and guidance for continuing your creative development beyond the course
Prerequisites: None.
Course Prep:
For the first class, students should 2-3 images they photographed (printed or digital) as well as a favorite image by another photographer.
Dates: February 11 - March 11, 2026
Meetings: Wednesdays, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM CST (5 sessions)
Location: Houston Center for Photography
Cost: $490 (HCP members can receive a 10% discount)
Instructor: Daniel Seth Kraus
Skill Level: Open to All Levels
What makes an image stay with you long after you’ve seen it? This five-week course invites photographers to move beyond technical skill, learn how to “read” a picture, and begin crafting images with purpose, emotion, narrative, and depth. Through guided discussions, image analysis, readings, and personal practice, students will learn to think intentionally about their photographic choices—connecting visual decisions to meaning, message, and story.
Each session gradually deepens students’ understanding of photography as a language of ideas and emotions. Students will explore how sequencing, symbolism, and composition shape viewer perception, and will engage in constructive critiques designed to refine both conceptual and aesthetic aspects of their work. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyze both their own work and the work of other photographers, gaining insight into what gives an image lasting power.
Objectives:
Understand how visual elements create meaning and emotional impact
Learn how to communicate ideas through sequencing, rhythm, and visual relationships
Apply conceptual thinking to creating photographs that convey ideas and stories
Be able to analyze and discuss photographs critically
Gain feedback and guidance for continuing your creative development beyond the course
Prerequisites: None.
Course Prep:
For the first class, students should 2-3 images they photographed (printed or digital) as well as a favorite image by another photographer.
Images 1 & 3: Daniel Seth Kraus
Images 2 & 4: Austin Cullen
