Module I
First, we find a common photography knowledge ground and lay down a good photography foundation. We start with some basic guidelines of how to buy and work with photography equipment. You get recommendations for software and apps if you use mobile phones. We lay groundwork on which all photography is built - exposure triangle - and learn everything that there is to know about aperture, ISO and shutter speed.
Photography Topics We Cover In First Course Module:
I.1 tips and trick for buying photography gear
I.1.a practicalities and limitations of mobile devices for photography
I.1.b practicalities and limitations of compact cameras for photography
I.1.c practicalities and limitations of lens exchange systems (mirrorless and DSLR) for photography
I.1.d additional photography related gear
I.2 exposure triangle
I.2.a all about exposure time and its effects on the final photograph (rules for focal length, …)
I.2.b all about ISO and its effects on the final photograph (grain, dynamic range, sharpness, …)
I.2.c all about aperture and its effects on the final photograph (depth of field, diffraction, vignette, …)
I.3 semi-automatic and manual camera modes
I.3.a aperture priority program
I.3.b shutter speed priority program
I.3.c manual exposure program
I.4 practical exercises
I.5 in-person lecture with the instructor
Module II
In the second module we build upon knowledge from the first module. We upgrade our knowledge of exposure triangle with ways to evaluate correct exposure and to influence camera choices in semi-automatic modes. We also add to our photography arsenal other settings that greatly affect final photographs. We take a dive into the world of focusing. We also practice different scenarios and ways to achieve sharp images and for really brave ones - take a look at how to check if our camera autofocus needs some adjustments. Finally, we take a small step into the world of photography composition - a giant leap in the quality and satisfaction your photographs will give you.
Photography Topics We Cover In Second Course Module:
II.1 influence your camera exposure
II.1.a other automatic exposure programs
II.1.b exposure compensation
II.1.c white balance (temperature and tint)
II.2 ways to achieve sharp photographs
II.2.a AF-S
II.2.b AF-C
II.2.c hybrid and "smart" autofocus systems
II.2.d manual focusing
II.3 overviews of visual design in photography
II.3.a geometrical composition - the rule of thirds
II.3.b geometrical composition - the golden ratio
II.3.c geometrical composition - golden spiral
II.3.d geometrical composition - S composition
II.3.e geometrical composition - diagonals
II.4 practical exercises
II.5 in-person lecture with the instructor
Module III
It's time to put theory into practice. In a big way! In module three you get your very own photography assignment. With the brief and everything. Just like the pros do.
Photography Topics We Cover In Third Course Module:
III.1 we put learned topics into practice on a photography assignment
III.2 practice photography genre
III.2.a landscape photography
III.2.b environmental portrait
III.2.c nature photography
III.2.d action photography …
III.3 start planning and not counting on luck
III.3.a what do you want to tell with your photograph
III.3.b who is the viewer / where will the photo be published
III.3.c develop your "photographer's eye" / previsualize your photographs
III.4 submit your assignment into the review and personalized pointers/tips
III.5 in-person lecture with the instructor
Module IV
In the last module of photography course for beginners, we finish with a core component of photography - post-production. We disperse potential prejudices, and find out there is (almost) nothing new in digital postproduction in comparison to "the old times". It just got MUCH EASIER and wildly available. We go through good practices for post-production and get familiar with the editing program of choice. My recommendation is Capture One, but you can use anything you wish.
Photography Topics We Cover In Fourth Course Module:
IV.1 postproduction in "good old times"
IV.1.a analogue dark room
IV.1.b examples of composites, retouching, …
IV.2 digital darkroom
IV.2.a a key part of modern photography
IV.2.b JPG vs.RAW
IV.2.c colour space (sRGB, AdobeRGB …)
IV.2.d good, bad and ugly
IV.3 editing software
IV.3.a DAM (Digital Asset Management)
IV.3.b RAW developers
IV.3.c CaptureOne
IV.3.d Adobe Lightroom
IV.3.e Skylum Luminar
IV.3.f On1 …
IV.4 practice makes perfect
IV.4.a geometrical corrections and recomposition
IV.4.b exposure corrections & contrast
IV.4.c colour corrections & BW photography
IV.4.d simple retouching
IV.4.e find your style & simple local adjustments
IV.4.f export with a purpose
IV.5 in-person lecture with the instructor
FINAL EXAM AND CERTIFICATION