For the first time since the 1980s, Island photographer Peter Simon is teaching a series of courses for beginners. The next workshop runs from July 16 to July 19, with additional workshops August 13 to 16, Sept. 10 to 13, and Oct. 9 to 12 (Columbus Day weekend.) Participants don’t need fancy equipment or familiarity with the technical side of photography in order to qualify for the course.

Class size will be limited to 12 students and the curriculum will include an opening night social hour, followed by a course introduction, and a presentation of Peter’s popular Through The Lens lecture. Each subsequent day, students will accompany Peter on field trips, various photo assignments, and hands-on demonstration of various techniques that he has developed through the years. The workshop will cover topics such as lighting, composition, group and individual portraits and posing, as well as how to use flash, depth of field and action effects to full advantage.

The emphasis will be less on highly technical issues, while emphasizing user-friendly, everyday tips to make the casual photographer more consistent and personally rewarded.

The cost of the workshop is $600, or $500 for year-round Island residents. For details, call 508-645-9575 or e-mail peter@petersimon.com.