Learn tricks of the trade from a photojournalist

If you're still trying to figure out how to work that new digital camera you got for Christmas, plan on bringing it -- and your questions -- to a popular free program on Tuesday, sponsored by the Dundee Township Public Library.

Returning to the library will be George LeClaire, an award-winning photojournalist with the Daily Herald, who will teach a workshop that begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday on "Part I: Making the Most of Your Digital Camera."

LeClaire, who holds a bachelor's degree in photojournalism from Columbia College in Chicago and studied with John H. White, the famous Pulitzer Prize winner, will explain the complex terminology and functions of digital cameras including white balance, shooting modes, ISO, file formats, quality control and lighter/darker settings.

He also will cover media cards, card readers and printing options for digital cameras. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own cameras to the workshop.

LeClaire has worked for the Associated Press, Lerner Newspaper Publications and Des Plaines Newspaper Publishing Company. He has won several Illinois and National Press Photography Association awards.

As an instructor in photography at New Trier Extension for eight years, LeClaire has taught more than 800 adult students there as well as many others who attend his library-sponsored classes throughout the northern suburbs. LeClaire also will share some of his favorite techniques for getting a good photo.

The program is part one of a two-part series. It will be held in the library's lower level meeting room.

As a follow-up to his program, "Part II: Spark Your Photo Creativity" will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the library. It will feature Larry Pepper, Pepper Photography, who will demonstrate how to enhance digital photos and images with the computer.

Pepper will show easy-to-use digital imaging programs such as Photoshop Elements as well as the more complex Photoshop. He will cover correcting over- or under- exposure, color balance, adjustments and how to use special effects functions of the programs. His program will begin at 7 p.m. in the library's meeting room.

Registration for both programs is limited, so call (847) 428-3661, ext. 308, to reserve a place for each program.

Dundee Township Public Library, 555 Barrington Ave. in East Dundee, serves 54,000 residents of Carpentersville, East Dundee, West Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Gilberts and parts of Algonquin and Elgin. Visit the Web site at www.dundeelibrary.info.