Shutterbugs III photography students at Sampson Community College have taken the skills they’ve learned and bumped them up several notches in the final class in the trilogy, learning to use manual settings, getting those action shots, taking white water and turning every-day photographs into virtual works of art.

Taught by photographer Kelly Jones, Shutterbugs III offers advanced skills to photographers who have already taken part in SCC’s other two offerings, Shutterbugs I, taught by Sebrinia Johnson, and Shutterbugs II, taught by Jones.

Those in the third-level course had this to say about the 10 weeks and what they came away with after those lessons, which included field trips and “out-of-the-box” thinking when it comes to what to shoot and when.

Sallie Adams: “I have learned to enjoy taking photos with blurry backgrounds and sharp action photos using manual settings. It is enjoyable learning in an environment with like-minded students eager to capture that perfect photo.”

Lynn Best: “I highly recommend that if you enjoy taking photographs and want to improve your photography skills to take these classes. You will enjoy challenges and ignite a love for the art of photography.”

Donna Blanchard: “Yeas ago I began to photograph as a hobby with a manual camera. Over the years, I succumbed to ‘auto” when taking photos. Shutterbugs III has brought me back to my manual images and I have thoroughly enjoyed the class. Kelly is an excellent instructor and has been, and continues to be, an invaluable source of knowledge.”

Samuel Williamson: “Taking this class has helped my skills and has encouraged me to keep learning. I enjoyed the field trips.”

Michelle Wells: “I am really excited to understand the manual functions on my camera better.”

Karen Melvin: “Photography is a great way to capture not only images but memories as well.”

Michelle Wells shot this photo of ‘Resting Peacock’ in bright sunlight in the backyard of Ann and Don Butler’s home. ‘I like this photo because of the colors it shows on the peacock’s feathers,’ Wells noted.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/web1_Wells-1.jpgMichelle Wells shot this photo of ‘Resting Peacock’ in bright sunlight in the backyard of Ann and Don Butler’s home. ‘I like this photo because of the colors it shows on the peacock’s feathers,’ Wells noted.

Calling her No. 1 rated photo ‘Crown of Feathers,’ Sallie Adams took this photo at Ann and Don Butler’s bird sanctuary. Using manual settings to capture the picture, Adams said she selected this as one of her top 5 exam shots because ‘I love the background of wired cage in contrast to the exotic bird’s beautiful feathered crown and vibrant red eyes.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/web1_Adams-1.jpgCalling her No. 1 rated photo ‘Crown of Feathers,’ Sallie Adams took this photo at Ann and Don Butler’s bird sanctuary. Using manual settings to capture the picture, Adams said she selected this as one of her top 5 exam shots because ‘I love the background of wired cage in contrast to the exotic bird’s beautiful feathered crown and vibrant red eyes.

‘Thumb up’ was Donna Blanchard’s top exam picture. Using a shutter speed of 1/100 and an f stop of 5.6 and an ISO of 6400, she hand-held the camera to get this upclose photograph of a tiny frog. ‘I took this photo after sunset to achieve a blacked-out background so emphasis would be on the tiny frog. A higher ISO enabled full use of minimal light. My thumb shows the comparison to how small the frog is against my thumbnail.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/web1_Blanchard-1.jpg‘Thumb up’ was Donna Blanchard’s top exam picture. Using a shutter speed of 1/100 and an f stop of 5.6 and an ISO of 6400, she hand-held the camera to get this upclose photograph of a tiny frog. ‘I took this photo after sunset to achieve a blacked-out background so emphasis would be on the tiny frog. A higher ISO enabled full use of minimal light. My thumb shows the comparison to how small the frog is against my thumbnail.

Samuel Williamson was able to capture perfect reflections of Don and Ann Butler’s ducks as they meandered on the pond. He liked the photograph, he said, because it showed pure peacefulness and tranquility.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/web1_Williamson1.jpgSamuel Williamson was able to capture perfect reflections of Don and Ann Butler’s ducks as they meandered on the pond. He liked the photograph, he said, because it showed pure peacefulness and tranquility.

Catching action while using manual settings is no easy feat, but Shutterbugs III student Lynn Best did just that with her photo entitled ‘Splish Splash.’ The picture, taken outside at Sampson Community College, allowed Best to try her hand at the action as someone dropped a tomato in a glass of water. ‘I like the way the background is blurred and how I was able to capture the water droplets and large splash the tomato made,’ Best said.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/web1_Best-1.jpgCatching action while using manual settings is no easy feat, but Shutterbugs III student Lynn Best did just that with her photo entitled ‘Splish Splash.’ The picture, taken outside at Sampson Community College, allowed Best to try her hand at the action as someone dropped a tomato in a glass of water. ‘I like the way the background is blurred and how I was able to capture the water droplets and large splash the tomato made,’ Best said.

Freezing the motion of feet and knees is what Karen Melvin loves most about her top-rated exam photo in Shutterbugs III. Called ‘Jump,’ Melvin said she was able to capture ‘The Jackson twins’ fast feet’ using an ISO of 1600, an f stop of 5.6 and a shutterspeed of 1/640.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/web1_Melvin.jpgFreezing the motion of feet and knees is what Karen Melvin loves most about her top-rated exam photo in Shutterbugs III. Called ‘Jump,’ Melvin said she was able to capture ‘The Jackson twins’ fast feet’ using an ISO of 1600, an f stop of 5.6 and a shutterspeed of 1/640.