I wanted to share information with Michigan Libraries about my photography programs as I am scheduling for Winter, Spring and Summer 2026 right now. Though this seems very optimistic as I type this!
I currently have four different programs on digital photography that are available to your public libraries and community groups. I can present these sessions both in-person or virtually for libraries and cultural/community organizations in Michigan and elsewhere. For more information, please visit my program page at: https://www.squirreldude.com/photography-programs
The four presentations are listed below. If you follow the links, you can see the updated slides that I use for the program:
Managing Digital Images: Finding, Saving, Sharing and Organizing The Pictures of Your Life!
https://www.squirreldude.com/photography-programs/managing-digital-images
Seems that everyone is a photographer these days. We use our smartphones, our tablets, and even some people even use cameras. With the ease of taking pictures, we find ourselves with a new concern. How do we manage, save and share these pictures? This program will introduce you to photo sharing services that are available from companies such as Google, Apple, facebook and flickr (among others) and how to organize them for easy retrieval. We will look at ways to organize, backup and share pictures with friends and family. We will also explore how images are found by others (using tags or search terms), if you want to share more broadly. This could be the perfect session if you want to do something with all those pictures on your phone or clogging up your SD card!
The Ever-Present Camera: Understanding Photography On Your Smartphone
https://www.squirreldude.com/photography-programs/ever-present-camera
The smartphone has revolutionized photography by enabling almost everyone to have a camera with them at all times. With the introduction of the iPhone in 2007 and Android phones a year later, the number of photos taken with phones far outnumbers the ones taken with digital cameras of any kind. This program is designed to provide an overview of smartphone photography, storage and some best practices so you can make the best use out of this amazing tool.
The Bag on the Beach: Artificial Intelligence and Photo Organization - Opportunities and Limitations
https://www.squirreldude.com/photography-programs/bag-on-the-beach
While we have benefited from artificial intelligence (AI) for years, the development of using Generative AI over the past few years has potentially transformed our interactions with technology. Long since the days of predictive text that guesses what you might type next, AI now creates content, pictures and just about everything else. The power of AI can also be a very attractive tool when it comes to making life easier, but it may not be the cure-all that people are hoping for. In this fast-changing environment where AI is being used everywhere, we will learn about the benefits and drawbacks of AI as an organization tool for your digital pictures.
Into the Wild & Back Home Again: Park, Wildlife, and Landmark Photography in Michigan
https://www.squirreldude.com/photography-programs/into-the-wild-michigan
We tend to think about vacations and travel as a reason to break out the cameras. However, we can get amazing pictures right around the corner from where we live. A walk in the park can reveal plants, trees, birds, squirrels and other elements that make for a great photograph. The more we visit and photograph these local spots, the richer the possibility of capturing life during each of the four seasons. Using the state of Michigan as both my muse and my subject, I will share some of my favorite locations for photography and day trips. A local spot for photography is fantastic because you can capture at different times of the day or during different seasons.
I am also working on some new programs - they will likely be ready during the summer 2026:
Managing Your Vacation Photos from Capturing the Cruise to Relishing the Reunion
Wish You Were Here: The History of Postcards
The World Around You: Improving and Growing as a Wildlife Photographer
By the Numbers: The Confluence of Math and Photography
These are sketched out - but will take some time before they are ready to go. Once they are scheduled, I will ask for approximately six months before the first program. More information is available here - https://www.squirreldude.com/photography-programs/future-programs.
I am continuing to offer these programs to libraries and community groups at no charge for both in-person or virtual programs.
For in-person programs that are greater than 45 minutes from Ypsilanti, Michigan, I am asking for mileage assistance. My current policy is to request 50% of current federal mileage reimbursement (or there abouts). Additionally, the mileage may be split between two libraries if we do an afternoon-evening double-header.
I've had lots of fun presenting on this topic and the programs have been well received. I would be happy to do it again for your community.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Please also share broadly to any parties that might be interested in these presentations.
Best wishes
Corey
Director, Kresge Library Services & Librarian (http://www.bus.umich.edu/kresgelibrary/)
Stephen M. Ross School of Business
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1234
