Light in My Lens: Exploring the World Through Photography

Light in My Lens: Exploring the World Through Photography

This 3-class series is an interactive photography class series designed to help participants see the world differently, think more deeply, and express themselves visually with confidence. This course invites participants into a creative space where curiosity is encouraged, observation is sharpened, and everyday moments become meaningful stories. Through hands-on activities, collaborative challenges, and guided reflection, participants learn how light, perspective, and intention transform simple images into powerful visual narratives.

Rather than focusing only on technical skills, this series treats photography as a tool for awareness, storytelling, and personal growth. Participants begin by learning how to observe light — how it falls, how it shapes mood, and how it influences emotion. They quickly discover that light is not just something that illuminates a subject; it communicates feeling, tone, and meaning. From there, they explore composition, framing, and perspective, practicing how to intentionally direct a viewer’s attention and create images that feel purposeful rather than accidental.

Throughout the series, participants engage in creative challenges that strengthen both their artistic and analytical skills. Activities include photographing one subject in multiple ways to understand light direction, creating visual stories from everyday objects, capturing portraits that express personality, and documenting spaces that hold emotional significance. Each exercise is designed to build confidence while helping participants develop a personal visual style.

What will you learn?

Participants leave with a completed heirloom totem and a deeper sense of connection to their own narrative, along with tools for using creative practice as an accessible form of reflection and care. 

Class Series Fee: $100 for 3 Classes

Supplies Needed:

• Smartphone, Camera, or Other Devices with photo capability

• A charger (recommended)

• 2–3 small personal objects for storytelling exercises

• Photos and images that inspire you

• Curiosity and willingness to explore

Class Schedule:

• Mon, Oct 5 2026 | 1 of 3 | 5PM - 7PM

• Tue, Oct 6 2026 |  2 of 3 | 5PM - 7PM

• Wed, Oct 7, 2026 | 3 of 3 | 5PM - 7PM

Teaching Artist: Chanda M. Scott

Participants are required to attend all classes in the series.

Chanda Scott

Chanda Scott is a photographer, visual storyteller, and educator based in Georgia and the founder of CMS Photography, a creative studio devoted to capturing authentic moments that reflect the heart of individuals, families, and communities. Known for her warm, documentary-inspired approach, Chanda’s work centers on preserving genuine emotion, meaningful connections, and everyday stories that often go unnoticed but hold lasting significance.

Her passion for photography began in childhood, inspired by a family member who lovingly documented life’s milestones and quiet in-between moments. Chanda studied photography at Southern New Hampshire University, where she strengthened her technical skills while deepening her understanding of visual storytelling as both an art form and a communication tool. Those early images became treasured time capsules, shaping Chanda’s belief that photographs are more than pictures — they are vessels of memory, identity, and legacy. Today, that philosophy guides every session, project, and program she creates.She combines that formal training with years of hands-on professional experience documenting portraits, events, and community narratives.

Through CMS Photography, Chanda specializes in portraiture, event documentation, and community-centered storytelling initiatives. She is especially passionate about educational programming and has designed and led photography workshops that empower youth and adults to use the camera as a voice. Her teaching emphasizes self-expression, confidence, and visual literacy, helping students understand how light, perspective, and story work together to communicate meaning.

Chanda is also the creator and facilitator of a Photovoice exhibit initiative, a community-based photography program that encourages participants to document their lived experiences and share their perspectives through images. These exhibits amplify personal stories, strengthen community connection, and give individuals a platform to express their realities through visual storytelling.