SEF-AAD8205 - Secrets of Better Photography

Course Description

Learn how to take outstanding photos. Whether you use a DSLR, a point-and-shoot camera, or your phone for your photography, you will learn how to get the best results from your camera. This hands-on course will teach you how to choose the right photographic equipment to compose images with style. You can take your camera out of auto mode after learning about lighting, motion, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings. You will also explore common photography topics, including portraiture, children's photography, pet photography, and digital editing. Each lesson includes exercises and assignments, so you can apply what you learned to your own camera. By the time you finish, you will see a difference in both your photographer's eye and your photos.

Course Outline

THE SUBJECT OF PHOTOGRAPHY
In this first lesson, you will learn how to see the subject of each photograph—before you press the shutter
button. This information will provide a solid foundation for the rest of the class.

CAMERA EQUIPMENT
As you learn more about the technical side of photography, take a look at the options available in camera
equipment. Whether you have a point-and-shoot camera or the latest digital SLR, you will gain a better
understanding of the equipment and tools photographers use.

YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC EYE
Returning to artistic elements in this lesson, you will learn how to develop your photographer's eye and
incorporate compositional guidelines as you take better pictures. This information will provide a solid
foundation for the rest of the class.

LIGHTING
Light is the essence of photography. This lesson explores how to control and use light to your advantage.
You will compare the advantages of natural light, available light, and artificial light and see when you will
want to use each to capture the special effects you're after. You will also learn how to use the ISO and white
balance settings on your camera to make the most of the light you have.

SHARP SHOOTING
This lesson delves into the options for using your camera and other tools to get sharp, crisp images.
Photography often requires compromise to accommodate conflicting priorities, and after this lesson, you
will be able to decide what's most important to you. You will also see how to test your lenses and cameras
and evaluate your equipment.

APERTURE AND DEPTH OF FIELD
Using manual exposure settings opens up a whole new world of professional and creative options. In this
lesson, you will begin an exploration of how to get the most out of your camera's features, starting with
Aperture Priority and the control it gives you over depth of field.

SHUTTER SPEED AND MOTION
You will see how to capture motion in this lesson. Whether you want to freeze the action of fireworks or
merge a waterfall into a velvety illusion, shutter speed is the key. Setting your shutter speed gives you the
control you need to get the images you want, and it's easier than you might think. You will have lots to
practice with as you finish this lesson.

PORTRAITURE
In this lesson, you will learn the tricks of portrait photography. Whether you're working professionally or just
as the family photographer, these techniques will help you take better portraits. You will see how to pose
people so they look their best, when to use digital editing, and how various lighting techniques will help you
create pleasing portraits.

CHILDREN AND PET PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographing children, pets, and groups is a challenge for even the most seasoned professional
photographer. In this lesson, you will learn some techniques and strategies to bring out the best in your
pictures.

PHOTOGRAPHIC CHALLENGES
Now that you know how your camera works and what you want to do, it's time to take a look at how to
handle challenging situations. When the light is low, or the subject just seems out of reach, you want to
know how to get the shot. This lesson focuses on how to use your tools and knowledge to beat the
challenges and come away with the pictures you're after.

PHOTOJOURNALISM
Photojournalism is a fascinating field for photographers. This fast-paced world presents challenges of its
own. In this lesson, you will see how the pros handle this type of work and learn how to get started in the
field.

DIGITAL OPTIONS
Digital editing is a real bonus for photographers. In your final lesson, you will learn about the basic and
artistic editing techniques available to all photographers, as well as some of the technical issues of digital
photography.

Learner Outcomes

Learn the fundamentals of photography and improve your skills
Understand how equipment affects results by considering aspects such as shutter speed, aperture, depth of field, and resolution
Improve the composition, light, and shadow of your photos
Explore photography techniques associated with moving subjects and photojournalism
Learn digital editing techniques that can enhance your photography and expand its applications

Notes

Method of Instruction: Online

Evaluation: Class participation, quizzes, final exam