Get Arty at Otago Polytechnic

Wellington by Night

Ever wanted to dabble in the arts but couldn't commit to a fulltime course? OP Night Classes might just do the trick.

This is not an ad for the Polytech, but a good customer experience I want to share with readers.

I've always enjoyed taking photos, experimenting with composition and design, so when I saw that I could take an 8 week class at the Polytech for just $150 (Studylink Course Related Costs can cover it) I jumped on in. Classes are held Mondays from 6-8pm at the Art School and after just two sessions I’ve learnt more than I ever knew about ISO (the measure of a digital camera’s sensor’s sensitivity to light), Aperture (the size of the opening in the lens when a picture is taken) and Shutter Speeds (the amount of time that the shutter is open), the three most important functions on my camera. I now feel confident using all of the manual functions – so if like many of my class mates you own a Digital SLR but still leave it in auto, I suggest you join a class and make the most of its capabilities.

Class sizes are usually between 8-15 people, but my class is small, there’s just 6 of us, a nice number that allows us to get to know each other and gain the most from our teacher. Classes are part theory, part hands-on, and are open to discussion and contribution from everyone, so it feels less like school and more like a social camera club.

Other night classes at the Art School include: Ceramics, Print Making, Life Drawing and Jewellery. All classes run for 8 weeks during school terms, next intake will begin next year, and cost $150.00 excluding materials. Email artnightclass@op.ac.nz for more information.