Spring 2026 Photography Classes at The Dixie

Join Jim & Carol Veneman at The Dixie for an engaging, hands-on photography class designed to help you slow down, look closer, and see the world in new ways. Over six weeks, you’ll explore core ideas that shape strong, meaningful photographs — through discussion, practice, and time behind the camera.

Image by student Jean Owens.

What We’ll Explore

Throughout the course, we’ll return often to these foundational concepts:

  • Perspective – How composition reflects how you feel about what you’re photographing

  • Moment – Choosing the moment, not the one before or after

  • Relationship – Between people, places, subjects, or the photographer and their work

  • Risk – Trying something new and pushing beyond what’s comfortable

Who It’s For

These classes are open to everyone - whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience. Every participant brings their own story, background, and way of seeing, which makes the class richer for all.

What to Bring

  • Any camera is welcome — mirrorless, DSLR, or even your phone

  • Bring your camera each week

  • As the days grow longer, we’ll occasionally head outside to explore changing light and new possibilities

Class Dates & Time (5:30-7P; ALL Thursdays except March 17)

  • Thursday, March 5

  • Thursday, March 12

  • Tuesday, March 17

  • Thursday, March 26

  • Thursday, April 2

  • Thursday, April 9 (class/exhibit)

Registration Details

  • Fee: $185 for the full 6-week session

  • Payment may be brought to the first class

Come prepared to have fun, take risks, and see something familiar for the very first time.

Each of the sessions are designed for everyone, regardless of skill level. Someone new to photography will be introduced to seeing beyond the surface of the world around them and will be given some technical ideas to move them forward. 

The sessions will be a mixture of in-class photography, along with weekly projects. The time will be designed for anyone with an interest in photography, from the beginner to those with years of experience. The camera you use for this class really won't matter, whether it's your phone or a digital camera. 

We all want to make photographs that reflect the important moments in our lives in memorable ways. Whether you're just beginning your photography journey or have had years of experience, these classes are designed to help you open your eyes, your mind, and most importantly your heart, to new ways of seeing.

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR, JIM VENEMAN

For over twenty years Jim has served as a university professor of photojournalism. He has covered many national and international stories. In 2011 he received the National Press Photographers Association’s highest award for teaching photojournalism, the Robin F. Garland Educator Award.

For more than 10 years Jim and Carol have taught photography at the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center and in an after-school program at the Huntingdon Middle School, introducing students of all ages to the idea of seeing beyond the backyard fence. 

STUDENT WORK - 2021 SPRING SESSION

The gallery above includes photography by Jim Veneman’s 2022 Spring Students: Teresa Carter, Rodger Jowers, Patsy Hathorn, Lorri Skelton, Laurie Pierce, Laura Sherrod, Joy Williams, Jessica Lambert, Gary Clark, and Charles Leslie.

STUDENT WORK - 2021 SPRING SESSION

The gallery above includes photography by Jim Veneman’s 2021 Spring Session 1 Students: Michelle Sanders, Jennifer King, Teresa Carter, Laura Sherrod, Becky Ruteldge, Angela Hedges, Laura Sherrod, Dusty King.

STUDENT WORK - 2020 FALL SESSION 2

The gallery above includes photography by Jim Veneman’s Fall 2020 Students: Charles Leslie, Rick Jahnke, Rodger Jowers, Lorri Skelton, Becky Rutledge, Jessica Burns, Laura Sherrod & Teresa Carter.

STUDENT WORK - 2020 FALL SESSION 1

The gallery above includes photography by Jim Veneman’s 1st Fall 2020 Session: Ashley Reed, Paula Walls, Laura Sherrod, Charles Leslie, Lance Clark and Teresa Carter.