This introductory course teaches beginning and intermediate photographers how to improve their photographic technique and to use digital cameras for effective visual communication.
Using their own digital cameras, students practice professional shooting strategies and produce practical, creative photo assignments weekly.
Students will use image-editing software for creatively improving communication, composition, tone and color, focusing on the basic tools and techniques most valuable to the digital photographer. All the images in daily assignments can be edited in professional imaging software to recompose, resize, crop, color correct and sharpen.
Topics include camera operation and theory, useful file formats, composition basics, composing within the frame, using natural available and artificial lighting, texture, shape, form, and line in the photograph, framing, useful tonal ranges, digital darkroom tech-niques, repair and retouching, compositing, portraiture, scenic and nature photography, action photography, close-up photography, and shooting products.
You will need a camera with specific (manual) control over shutter speed, aperture, white balance, and exposure compensation, as well as the ability to turn the flash on or off. Many compact cameras have these features. An SLR camera in not required. Additionally, a camera with a manual or locking focus, and one that can save images in the RAW format will be advantageous. |