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. Learn how to understand and choose which Metering Mode and Focusing Mode. These are some of the other "buttons" on the camera that we need to be aware of and know how to use. 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. Why would we use these other modes?
Homework Assignment: Make a photo using each of the Shooting Modes and explain why you used that mode.
WEEK 2
Metering Modes and Focusing Modes - What do they mean and how do we change them?
Homework Assignment: Makes a photo of same subject using 3 different metering modes. Create a photo or two using different focusing modes.
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.
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.BorrowLenses.com - Online camera and lens rental company.
LensProToGo.com - Online camera and lens rental company.
RentGlass.com - Online camera and lens rental company.
Mpix - Online printing company for affordable high quality prints.
Now That's a Wrap - Local large-format fine-art and commercial art print and installation company.
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 Digital Photography 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.