Moo Young's Black River Entrance - I used the natural opening among these trees to frame this boat as it sailed up the mouth of the Black River. Standing on the riverbank, I took time to compose this photograph carefully, getting rid of the unwanted clutter out of the frame. - Photo by Howard Moo Young

The Jamaica Guild of Artists in association with award-winning photographer and well-known calligrapher Howard Moo Young, will be conducting two intensive workshops beginning Saturday, June 16 (photography) and Tuesday, June 19 (calligraphy). The special workshops will be held at the Jamaica Guild of Artists Gallery, Oakton Park in Half-Way Tree.

The photography workshops entitled 'An Introduction to Photography' will be held once a week over a period of six weeks and will be geared towards individuals, both beginners and amateurs, who wish to improve their photography by gaining a thorough knowledge of their equipment towards achieving maximum results for their images.

The course includes a practical field trip to an outdoor location with hands-on instruction. A limited number of participants will learn about the different kinds of cameras, the type best suited for each individual depending on its use, and the choice of film or digital, from one-use to the more advanced SLRs. Participants will learn why some lenses are better than others for certain subjects, the difference between a 'normal' or standard lens, wide-angle, telephoto and macro lenses.

Other workshops will cover shutter speeds, depth of field, use of filters, care of equipment, support systems, types of film, natural and artificial light sources, composition and the important 'art of seeing'. This course is geared towards setting a solid foundation as one of the world's fastest growing hobbies. It is conducted by one of Jamaica's best known photographers with years of experience in the field.

Calligraphy workshop

The calligraphy workshop is an intensive 6-module course on the 'Art of Beautiful Writing', calligraphy for fun and profit. Calligraphy means 'beautiful writing' (from the Greek).

Participants in this course will learn through practice and patience, that calligraphy can be fun and rewarding. The basic letter forms will be taught and by practising the various techniques, participants will quickly gain confidence to move on to other projects. These can include the creation of personal greeting cards, 'Thank you' notes, addressing envelopes for wedding invitations and names on certificates.

Mr. Moo Young will be giving hands-on demonstrations and one-on-one illustrations on all aspects of this art for beginners as well as amateurs who want to improve their skill in this very rewarding hobby. The workshop will cover the proper use of all writing instruments, the different types of nibs, the surface texture of papers, types of ink,the right way to hold the pen, writing techniques, angles of letter shapes, spacing and other tools and materials.

About Howard Moo Young

Moo Young is a two-time president of the Photography Club of Jamaica, twice champion photographer in the Festival 1982 and 2003 National Photography Competition, and a silver and bronze medallist in the 1979 Commonwealth Photography Exhibition in Edmonton, Canada. He is the recipient of the Institute of Jamaica Centenary Medal for Photography among many other awards.

Apart from his photographic talent, Moo Young is considered a master calligrapher. He has designed and calligraphed on parchment, many citations for retiring chairpersons and CEOs, visiting dignitaries, Prime Ministers and a Governor-General.

He single-handedly illustrated and calligraphed the M.A.P. (Motto, Anthem and Pledge) for 'Hands across Jamaica for Righteousness, and has done many diplomas, certificates and invitations over the years.

For further information regarding cost and registration, interested individuals can visit or call the guild at 754-5169. Part proceeds will go towards the Gallery.