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Steamboat Springs — Photographer Ken Lee and artist Zanobia hope their experience can help residents capture and celebrate summer in Steamboat Springs.

Lee and Zanobia are offering separate classes this week for people of all abilities.

Lee, a nature photographer who has lived in Steamboat for two years, owns Gallery 11 on Lincoln Avenue in downtown. He teaches photography classes regularly in coordination with Yampatika and First National Bank of the Rockies.

"Photography is such a universal thing," Lee said. "Everyone does it, and most wish they could do it better.

"I see people holding up their cameras to show others their pictures. It's sad they aren't printing them out. It's one of the true joys of photography."

Lee's class is split into two parts: an evening session tonight and a printing workshop Saturday morning. The focus of tonight's class is working with dusk's unique lighting and how it changes a photographer's subject matter.

"The Yampa Valley is beautiful, and the weather and light is always changing," Lee said. "We have so many opportunities right outside our door, it's a great place to learn."

Saturday's workshop will work on the printing aspect of photography, which is relatively new, given the switch to digital photography. Lee will discuss techniques to consider when printing photos from home.

"'Enhancing' isn't really the right term," Lee said. "With these programs, either the computer chooses the settings on contrast and brightness for you, or the photographer can take charge."

Zanobia will teach plein-air painting Monday afternoon. The workshop will focus on painting scenery downtown, near the Yampa River.

"Sometimes you can really get into a painting in a studio," Zanobia said, "but painting outdoors is such a different experience."

Zanobia, a resident for nearly 20 years, is a member of the Plein Aire Painters of Steamboat Springs, a group of local artists who sketch and paint outdoors to begin their work.

"The whole idea is to get people painting outside," Zanobia said. "The beauty of the area provides excellent inspiration, especially when the weather's nice."

Workshop participants will meet at The Artists' Gallery of Steamboat and then walk to a spot decided by Zanobia. Non-artists are encouraged to come and watch the class. Zanobia hopes the workshop will encourage others to begin painting.

"We'd love to keep this going," Zanobia said. "It's a wonderful experience, and all are welcome."