Composition Fundamentals / Describing Your Perspective
Winter 2026 / February 28 – March 29, 2026
Mastering the practice of composition is the key to creating dynamic, powerful imagery that successfully communicates your thoughts and ideas. This intimate online small group course will introduce students to the vocabulary and techniques involved in effective compositional practice.
From hands-on shooting assignments and digital labs to contemporary studies of modern masters, students will learn how to control all aspects of photographic composition from initial concept, to shooting and post-production. This course will present photographers with a wide spectrum of compositional characteristics to transform their own personal photographic vision.
Course Features
The course provides a complete immersion in the fundamental methods of compositional practice for photographers via guided lectures, live discussions, critiques and photographic experiments in:
Class Structure
Live Zoom Interaction / Full Unlimited Online Forum Access
Instructor Feedback and Critiques are offered via Zoom throughout the course.
Sessions are recorded and available for private password-protected viewing at your convenience.
Online Content with Flexible Participation
Video Lectures and Content Modules are released each week. All online content, class materials and lectures remain available to students for the duration of the course and for 2 months following the final presentations.
Tuition & Enrollment
595 USD
Upon payment, your enrollment will be confirmed by email.
For questions or assistance, please contact us.
masterclass@studio642.com
Masterclass Schedule
5-week live seminar
+ 1 Month Extended Study Access
Launch of Seminar 1
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Live Session 1 & Course Introduction
10am PST – Live Zoom Meeting w/ Dr. Craig Havens
Launch of Module 1 Content: Video Lecture & Discussion/Feedback Forum
Launch of Seminar 2
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Live Feedback Session 2
10am PST – Live Zoom Meeting w/ Dr. Craig Havens
Launch of Module 2 Content: Video Lecture & Discussion/Feedback Forum
Launch of Seminar 3
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Launch of Module 3 Content: Video Lecture & Discussion/Feedback Forum
Final Session & Critique
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Live Feedback Session 3 & Final Composition Project Reviews
10am PST – Live Zoom Meeting w/ Dr. Craig Havens
Launch of Module 4 Content: Video Lecture & Discussion/Feedback Forum
Extended Seminar
For 1 Month after Final Session
Online Access to Lectures & Course Material Remains Live
Instructor
Dr. Craig Havens (PhD) is a visual artist and educator working in the lens-based media of photography, video and printmaking with over 25 years of experience as a professional photographer, fine artist and lecturer. Dr. Havens addresses each student individually to provide a context for their work within the larger dialogue of photographic history and contemporary lens-based arts practice. Through carefully structured class assignments and individual projects, students are presented with opportunities to formulate questions whose solutions lay deeper within the creative process.
Top Image: Hyeres. Cartier-Bresson. 1932. (with Golden Ratio overlay)