“I’m really proud of you!” a fan gushed to photographer Brian Tobin at Friday’s opening of Fusion 19, the latest show at University Avenue’s Modernbook Gallery. Tobin was presenting his collection, “Overexposed,” explaining the subtle camera techniques he employed to shoot a series of washed-out flowers.

But Tobin is not a professional photographer. Not yet, at least.

He is, along with 18 other aspiring artists (thus, Fusion 19), a part of Stanford’s Continuing Studies program, which offers classes for members of the greater community.

Professional photographer Brigitte Carnochan teaches Tobin’s class. Carnochan was formerly assistant provost, associate director of the international studies program and English lecturer at the University.

Carnochan, who spoke highly of Friday’s exposition, said her class is not a how-to-take-pictures seminar, but teaches students how to prepare a portfolio, an artist statement or even business cards.

“All those things that a gallery would take for granted,” she said. “The opening was a tremendous success. Each year — this was the third year — the students have had many of their friends and family come to celebrate their achievement. Those fans in addition to the regular gallery fans have made the opening a shoulder-to-shoulder event.”

Mark Pinsukanjana and Bryan Yedinak, co-owners of Modernbook Gallery, assist Carnochan with the class. While the gallery owners host mainly professional artists, they make an exception for the Continuing Studies students.

“It’s a great way for us to find new and fresh talent within the community,” Pinsukanjana said. “[Continuing Studies] is a wonderful program where [the students] get to pursue their dreams.”

For Tobin, who is also a technology integration specialist at the School of Medicine, participating in the Continuing Studies program has helped him progress to a new level of professionalism in his photography.

“Our goal,” he said, “is to sell photos and become a little bit more successful.”

The students in the class were selected from a group of 50 applicants, all of whom submitted portfolios of their work. Among Tobin’s classmates is Education Prof. Connie Juel.

“You’re thrilled if you get accepted [into the class],” she said. “It equips you to try to start getting into galleries.”

Juel’s photo collection included a close-up shot of penguins.

“I’m standing in water up to here,” she said to an onlooker, pointing to her mid-thigh. The photograph showed a group of penguins only feet away, diving into icy turquoise water.

Aside from learning the business aspects of photography, Juel said, class members are very supportive of one another. Echoing the sentiments of Pinsukanjana and Carnochan, Juel said she expects the group will keep in touch even after the show closes on Apr. 4.

Until then, the aspiring artists hope their show will be a success. The photographers will take turns spending time in the gallery so visitors will have an opportunity to speak with them about their work.

Prints of the photographs are also available, ranging in price from $200 - $350. At press time, 28 prints had been sold.

For more information about the show and for samples of the artists’ work, visit http://www.modernbook.com/fusion19.htm.