From Novice to Notable: A Beginner's Guide to Digital Photography
Discover “From Novice to Notable: A Beginner's Guide to Digital Photography,” a dynamic course where teens learn digital photography basics, creative techniques, and social media tips to enhance their skills and build a standout portfolio.
What's included
10 live meetings
9 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursProjects
1-2 hours per week. Personalized Feedback on Projects: Students will receive detailed, personalized feedback on their photography projects, guiding them in improving their techniques and developing their unique style. This feedback will be tailored to each student's current level and goals, helping them progress confidently.Mastery Evaluation
A Completed Final Photo Series: By the end of the course, each student will have created a cohesive series of photos that demonstrate the skills they've learned. This project will serve as a foundational portfolio piece that they can showcase on social media or as part of future creative endeavors.Progress Report
Project-Based Feedback: Instead of traditional letter grades, students will receive detailed, project-based feedback. This feedback will focus on their progress, creativity, and mastery of the techniques taught in the course. It’s designed to encourage growth and provide constructive insights tailored to each student's work.Class Experience
In “From Novice to Notable: A Beginner’s Guide to Digital Photography,” students will embark on a creative journey designed to transform their passion for photography into a powerful skill set. This course is tailored for teens who are eager to explore the art of photography, whether they’re complete beginners or have some experience behind the lens. Over several engaging sessions, students will gain hands-on experience, learn essential photography techniques, and discover how to use their creativity to capture stunning images that stand out, both online and offline. What Will Be Taught? Students will learn the fundamentals of digital photography, including camera settings, composition, lighting, and exposure. The course also covers the basics of photo editing, with practical tips on enhancing images to make them visually appealing. Additionally, students will explore how to apply these skills to social media, creating content that resonates with their audience and reflects their unique artistic voice. What Topics Will You Cover? - Camera Basics: Understanding camera settings, lenses, and essential photography equipment. - Composition Techniques: Learning how to compose shots using the rule of thirds, leading lines, and creative framing. - Lighting and Exposure: Mastering natural and artificial lighting, and controlling exposure to create balanced, striking images. - Photo Editing: Introduction to editing tools and techniques that can enhance and transform photos. - Social Media Photography: Tailoring photography for platforms like Instagram and TikTok, focusing on content creation and personal branding. - Portfolio Building: Creating a professional photography portfolio that highlights students’ best work. - Creative Challenges: Engaging in hands-on projects and creative exercises to apply what’s been learned. - Entrepreneurship: Exploring ways to turn photography skills into a profitable side hustle or small business. How Is Your Class Structured? The course is divided into a series of modules, each focusing on a different aspect of digital photography. Each session will include a mix of lectures, demonstrations, and interactive activities. Students will have the opportunity to practice their skills in real-time with guided exercises and receive personalized feedback on their work. The course will culminate in a final project where students create a photo series that showcases their development throughout the class. How Will You Teach? My teaching style is hands-on and interactive, designed to engage students and make learning photography fun and accessible. Each class will begin with a brief lecture or demonstration, followed by interactive exercises where students can immediately apply what they’ve learned. I will incorporate video clips, slides, and real-world examples to illustrate key concepts and keep the content relatable and interesting. Throughout the course, I encourage open discussion, where students can ask questions, share ideas, and receive constructive feedback. What's Your Teaching Style? My teaching style is supportive and adaptive, focused on meeting each student at their level and helping them grow at their own pace. I believe in creating a positive and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable experimenting with new techniques and expressing their creativity. I strive to make each lesson engaging by blending technical instruction with creative exploration, ensuring students not only learn the skills but also understand how to apply them in a way that resonates with their personal style. How Much Will Learners Get to Interact with You? Interaction is a key part of this course. Students will have the chance to engage with me through discussions, Q&A sessions, and personalized feedback on their work. I will be available during class time to answer questions, offer advice, and guide students through the learning process. Additionally, there will be opportunities for peer-to-peer interaction, where students can share their work, offer critiques, and collaborate on creative challenges.
Learning Goals
Master Composition Techniques:
Students will learn how to create visually striking photos using proven composition techniques like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and creative framing, ensuring every shot captures attention.
Edit Photos for Professional Results:
Students will gain essential photo editing skills, allowing them to enhance their images with simple yet powerful tools to achieve professional-quality results that stand out on social media.
Syllabus
10 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
Getting Started with Your Camera
Discover the basics of digital photography, from understanding your camera's settings to choosing the right lens, and start capturing stunning photos from day one.
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Mastering Composition and Creative Techniques
Learn how to compose visually compelling shots using techniques like the rule of thirds and leading lines, and unleash your creativity with light, color, and perspective.
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Lighting and Exposure Essentials
Explore the key principles of lighting and exposure to bring your photos to life, using both natural and artificial light to create the perfect balance in every shot.
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Enhance Your Photos with Editing
Dive into the world of photo editing with easy-to-use tools and techniques that will transform your images, from simple color corrections to creative filters.
55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Photo Editing Software: The course will introduce students to basic photo editing tools, such as Adobe Lightroom or free alternatives like Canva or Pixlr. Parents should be aware that some editing software may require account creation and parental supervision is advised when setting up these accounts.
Internet Use: As part of the course, students may be asked to explore photography examples online or upload their work to shared platforms for feedback. Parental supervision is recommended to ensure safe and appropriate internet usage.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
For this course, I have drawn on a variety of reputable sources to inform the curriculum and ensure students receive accurate and up-to-date information. These sources include:
Adobe's Photography Tutorials and Resources:
Teens are likely to be excited about learning how to use popular and powerful editing tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. These resources will help them enhance their photos and explore creative editing techniques that are relevant and in-demand in social media and digital content creation.
"The Photographer's Eye" by Michael Freeman:
This book is renowned for its clear, practical advice on composition and design in photography. Its engaging content and visual examples will help teens develop their artistic eye and create compelling, visually appealing images.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Teacher Expertise
With over 10 years of experience in digital marketing, I have honed my skills in creating impactful visual content for websites, social media campaigns, and marketing funnels. My journey into photography began as a way to enhance the authenticity and creativity of these projects, leading to a deep passion for capturing unique moments and developing a strong visual style.
I have practical experience working with entrepreneurs and brands, helping them stand out in a competitive digital landscape through compelling photography and design. My background includes:
Photography:
5+ years of hands-on experience in digital photography, focusing on both creative and commercial projects. I continuously grow my skills by experimenting with new techniques and tools.
Digital Marketing:
A decade of professional experience in crafting and executing marketing strategies, with a focus on content creation and social media engagement.
Teaching & Mentorship: Extensive experience tutoring and mentoring students in various subjects, helping them develop new skills and confidence in their creative abilities.
This combination of marketing expertise, growing photography skills, and teaching experience allows me to offer a unique and practical approach to guiding students through their own photography journey.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$39
weekly or $193 for 10 classes2x per week, 5 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-12 learners per class