Picture this: You, the person who has some great ideas for photos but can never seem to get your thumb out of the way to capture them, getting schooled by some folks who do this kind of a thing for a living. To that end, the Port of Long Beach is launching PhotoWorks, a free online workshop designed to help you hone your photographic skills under the guidance of some top-notch pros. 

If this sounds a little familiar, it may be because PhotoWorks is taking the place, temporarily, of one of the Port’s popular PHOTO Programs that allowed aspiring photographers to gather together at the Port and learn from professional shooters.

Since present circumstances do not allow for that, PhotoWorks, a collaboration between the Port and the Arts Council for Long Beach, has morphed into a five-time, once-a-month workshop. Every workshop will focus on a specific topic in a pre-recorded video class held as a Facebook Watch Party at 6 p.m. You’ll have the chance to interact live with fellow participants and presenters. What’s more, the presenter will offer office hours throughout that month to answer questions.

Workshops are:

• Knowing Your Photo, Nov. 5, 6 p.m.: Photography basics.
• Knowing Your Gear, Dec. 3, 6 p.m.: How to identify different types of cameras and understanding the purposes of various photo equipment.
• Knowing Your Light Source, Jan. 7, 6 p.m.: Distinguishing light sources and how they can affect the mood or style of a photograph. Participants receive an introduction to various types of light equipment and their applied purpose.
• Knowing Your Software, Feb. 4, 6 p.m.: Photo-editing software and its purpose.
• Knowing Your Profession, March 4, 6 p.m.: Various styles and career pathways in photography.

For more information or to sign up, click here.