Digital Photography 1: The Basics
They say the best camera is the one you have with you. From entry-level to professional-level, we will explore the many settings that will let you get the most out of the camera you have. We will go over many common photography terms and will learn and practice WISE (White Balance, ISO, Shooting Mode, Exposure Compensation) to cover the most common photographic scenarios.
This class will be both in the classroom and some hands-on in the field. There will be regular assignments as well as some constructive critiques during class. Please bring your camera, a charged battery or two, memory cards and your camera’s manual.
WEEK 1
Introduction to the best camera and identifying what types of photography you want to do. We will go through the basic setup of the camera, look at the menu system and touch on some common photography terms.
Homework Assignment: make photos of what interests you and we will go over on Week 2.
WEEK 2
Review Week 1 assignment. Use WISE to set everyone's camera and why it is important for the photo you are trying to capture. There will be individual settings for different types of photography (based on class).
Homework Assignment: using WISE recreate some of the photos from Week 1 Assignment to see the difference.
WEEK 3
Field Trip on campus - photo scavenger hunt Bingo style. We will pair up in teams of two or three and make photos to complete the Photo BENGO sheet.
Homework Assignment: complete any images not created during class.
WEEK 4
Reviewing photos from photo scavenger hunt.
Homework Assignment: Go through all photos created since Week 1 and select your favorite.
WEEK 5
We will review everyones favorite photo since Week 1. We will also go over the 3 stages of photography - Before, during, after. We will also touch on how to share your photos.
Homework Assignment: Sign up for Digital Photography 2 :)
Digital Photography 2: Moving Out of Auto
This is the follow up class to Digital Photography 1, or if you are already comfortable with the basics and want to take your photo skills to the next level. We will explore all the shooting modes and why each is important. We will delve into the creative side of photography, including composition, long exposures, depth of field and off-camera lighting. We will spend more time behind the camera discussing how to create certain types of photos.
Each week there will be homework photo assignments that we will critique the following week. We will also touch on the importance of developing a digital workflow to manage and post-process your images. Please bring your camera, a charged battery or two and memory cards. Students should have a general understanding of their camera. Laptops are welcome.
WEEK 1
Ditching Auto for Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual or Program modes.
Homework Assignment: Make a photo using each of the Shooting Modes and explain why you used that mode.
WEEK 2
What makes a good composition? What is depth of field and how do you create it? When would you use a long exposure?
Homework Assignment: Make a photo using strong rule of thirds. Make a photo that shows shallow depth of field. Make a long exposure photo.
WEEK 3
Learning to find the light and how and when to add it. We will head out of the classroom and make some photos around the campus.
Homework Assignment: Make a photo using a light source other than the sun or flash.
WEEK 4
Review photos from Week 3. Go over the the digital work flow: Capture, Import, Process, Learn, Share.
Homework Assignment: To be determined.
WEEK 5
In-class critique of everyone’s photos from previous weeks. This will be positive and constructive.
Homework Assignment: Sign up for Intro to Lightroom & Photoshop or Digital Photography 3.
Digital Photography 3: What's the Plan? From Concept to Final Image.
In this class we will look at the steps that go into a successful shoot. Step 1: Research subject and or location. Step 2: Creating a Mood Board. Step 3: Packing the camera bag. Step 4: Assessing the location. Step 5: Making the photos while anticipating the final outcome. Step 6: Post-Processing. Step 7: Final output.
You should have a good understanding of your camera gear including camera, lenses, tripods and other accessories. You should also be familiar with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for post-processing. The first class planning strategy topic is Student Portrait. Each subsequent scenario will be determined by class.
CLASS 1
We will be creating Student Portraits in and around campus. Starting with Step 1 from above and working all the way through Step 6 and discuss Step 7. We will also be choosing scenario for next class.
Homework Assignment: Complete the post-processing and have ready to give final image(s) to student.
CLASS 2
We will be creating photos based on classes choice for next scenario. Starting with Step 1 from above and working all the way through Step 6 and discuss Step 7. We will also be choosing scenario for next class.
Homework Assignment: Complete the post-processing and have ready to give final image(s) to student.
CLASS 3
We will be creating photos based on classes choice for next scenario. Starting with Step 1 from above and working all the way through Step 6 and discuss Step 7. We will also be choosing scenario for next class.
Homework Assignment: Complete the post-processing and have ready to give final image(s) to student.
CLASS 4
We will be evaluating and critiquing the process and photos from previous scenarios. We will also present several scenarios to practice going forward.
Intro to Lightroom & Photoshop: Post Processing Workflow
In this fast-paced class we will journey into the world of post-processing. This will start with a full overview of Lightroom. You will learn how to store, organize and process your files. We will also go over the many different ways that Lightroom can help get your images out of your computer and be seen, either in print on the web or for sale on Adobe’s Stock website. We will go over the relationship between Lightroom and Photoshop and when to use each.
Advanced computer skills are recommended for this class. Please bring images (on memory cards, jump drives or portable hard drives), for us to work on in class. We will also go over good backup strategies for photographers. Laptops are highly suggested with a subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan. We will be working with Lightroom Classic and the full version of Photoshop. Here's a link to the Creative Cloud Plans.
WEEK 1
Overview of Lightroom & Photoshop
Homework Assignment: Download Adobe Lightroom Classic to use on home computer and import some photos.
WEEK 2
Defining the digital workflow. Capture, Import, Sort, Rate, Process, Export. Backup.
Homework Assignment: Make some photos… import them into LR… sort and rate… do some minimal processing… export and email me two of your favorites or bring to class on a jump drive.
WEEK 3
Retouching and post-processing using Lightroom vs. Photoshop.
Homework Assignment: Choose two images to retouch and post-process. Process one in Lightroom and one in Photoshop
WEEK 4
Class choice on topic relating to Lightroom and Photoshop.
Homework Assignment: To be determined by class.
WEEK 5
You’ve created the perfect image(s). Do you print, create a web portfolio or submit to Adobe Stock?
Homework Assignment: Submit one or more images to Adobe Stock.
Supplemental Material (PDFs)
This area will have PDF files that you can download for each class and keep for future reference. Please note that PDF files may be updated as needed.
Useful Links
Canon - Link to Canon's camera manual page.
Lens Simulator (NikonUSA) - You can simulate images shot with various combinations of lenses, ranging from wide-angle to telephoto, and cameras, in different formats. Image varies with the value of the focal length. This is useful as lens configurations are similar for other camera manufacturers.Backup Solutions
Carbon Copy Cloner - Backup software for MacOS. Simple. Customizable. Reliable. This is to be used for onsite backup from one drive to another.
Backblaze - World's easiest cloud backup for MacOS and Windows. Peace of mind. Period.
Organizations & Clubs
Professional Photographers of America (PPA) - If you want to be the best photographer you can be, you belong here. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve owned your photography business for years, PPA can help. Join a community that understands your goals and challenges and meet colleagues who want to see you succeed. We have a passion for helping photographers grow their practices, exceed customer expectations and push the artistic envelope. We are a source for inspiration, protection, community and education.
Florida Professional Photographers (FPP) - The FPP exists solely for the good of its members. The association provides the tools and educational opportunities for its members to achieve their business and artistic goals. It is committed to an ongoing exchange of information and experiences among all members in an open and friendly atmosphere.
Bay Professional Photographers Association (BPPA) - BPPA provides an opportunity for photographers to come together to exchange ideas and information and encourage each other to become better at their craft. The association allows photographers to improve their skills by presenting photographic programs and holding print competitions. The association also provides the benefit of networking with other photographers for business and social interaction.
Lakewood Ranch Camera Club - The aim of the Club is to promote growth in members appreciation and skill in making digital photographs and videos through education in both the science and art of photography and videography. Monthly meetings are designed and offered for all levels of photographic understanding from beginner through professional. Special interest Workshops and educational classes are provided to both beginning and advanced photographers. Visitors and guests are welcome at all monthly meetings.
The North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) - The North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) is a nonprofit membership association that helps North America-based nature photographers at all levels of experience grow as artists, citizen scientists, and entrepreneurs through education, networking, and advocacy. Together with our members, we advance conservation and foster ethical field practices for the long-term benefit of all.