Introduction to Photography: How to Become a Better Photographer
Lora Danley, M.S. - Chemistry, Physics, Science
Rising Star
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(37)
Students will learn photography basics through class presentations and an accompanying ebook and will receive feedback on a photo assignment every week, finishing with a final series of images.
Class experience
Beginner Level
A grade for the class is available if requested. Save $20 with coupon code DANLEYSUMMER20 until May 25, 2024. This course will give students a solid understanding of photography including how a camera works, how to create a strong image, and the different types of photography. After the first class, we will dedicate the part of class to a new topic, often looking at images to help solidify the concept. The second part of the class will be used for feedback on student images for that...
12 lessons//12 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1The Language of PhotographyWe’ll talk about what makes a good photograph and how the camera is different from your eye. We’ll also talk about the different types of photography and the different types of shots one can take as well as focal points.Week 2Lesson 2Elements of Designin this class we’ll discuss design elements that can be used to strengthen an image: the rule of thirds, repetition, lines, contrast, color, symmetry, and textures. We’ll also discuss how to critique work constructively before taking a look at the assignments from Week 1.Week 3Lesson 3How a Camera WorksWe’ll take a look at the three elements that determine proper exposure: ISO, F-stops, and shutter speeds. We’ll define what each is and then see how they work together.Week 4Lesson 4Focus and Depth of FieldWe’ll take a look at how photographers can direct the viewer’s eye to subject matter by using focus and depth of field and we’ll discuss what influences depth of field.Week 5Lesson 5MotionWe’ll take a look at freezing motion, blurring motion, and pans and discuss how to create these effects and when and why you may want to use them.Week 6Lesson 6LightingWe’ll compare hard light versus soft light and examine key lights and fill lights. We’ll also discuss the color of light and natural light versus artificial light.Week 7Lesson 7PortraitureIn this class we’ll talk about tricks and tips for making portraits of people, pets, and inanimate objects.Week 8Lesson 8Candid ShotsWe’ll take a look at street photography, unposed shots, and “the decisive moment” of when to push the shutter to take the best possible photo.Week 9Lesson 9StorytellingWe’ll examine how photographers use images to tell a story through point of view and composition. We’ll take a look at editorial photographs and photojournalism.Week 10Lesson 10Creating a StyleIn this class we’ll discuss how to start creating a distinctive style as a photographer. Students will emulate the work of a famous photographer as an exercise in developing style.Week 11Lesson 11Editing and ManipulationWith digital it’s easy to end up with many, many shots. Which ones should you choose to show people? How do you manipulate the photos that you’ve taken so that they communicate the message that you intend? We’ll take a look at how editing and image manipulation are part of the process that a photographer takes.Week 12Lesson 12Final Project PresentationFor the final class we’ll take a look at the final project presentations that students have created and then discuss some pointers for progressing in the different fields of photography.
Students will learn how a camera works, basic design principles, and the skills needed to create strong images.
I have a BFA in Computer Arts from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. In addition, I have taken photography courses at City College in San Francisco, Northern Virginia Community College, the Smithsonian Institution, and the International Center of Photography. I have worked as a photojournalist for a small newspaper in the Washington D.C. area, and I have taught photography at a recreation center in Northern Virginia and for six years through my own photo walking tour company in New York City. As a fashion photographer, my work has been published in VenusZine, Ouch Magazine, Runway Magazine, Futureclaw, Ins & Outs, and MOVES magazine. As a fine art photographer, I have exhibited my work in San Francisco, Washington D.C. and New York City. My work resides in the collections of the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., Northern Virginia Community College, the Maitri Hospice, and numerous private collections.
Homework Offered
Each week there will be a shooting assignment for students to complete. Students will need to post their image for the assignment in the classroom by 24 hours prior to the next class under the appropriate thread. Student images from the previous week's assignment will be reviewed in class and feedback will be given. Feedback will be structured so that students are given an idea of what is working in their image. If a student wishes, they may also ask for suggestions for improvement. Students will have the opportunity to comment on each other's images in an appropriate fashion. Assignments will be presented for those who have a digital camera that can stop or blur motion and can blur the background, however there will be alternate assignments for those who have a camera that is not capable of these features.1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Learners will receive in class feedback on their assignment every week that will help them identify what is working in their photograph, as well as on their final project. A short optional assessment will help learners determine how well they understand the workings of the camera.Grades Offered
If a student wishes a grade for the class, they may receive one based on their performance on their weekly assignments and final project as well as the otherwise optional assessment.
Students may complete the course with any camera they wish, including an iPhone, a digital SLR camera, or an SLR camera that shoots film. For digital cameras, it would be best if the student could come to class with digital images of their work so that they can share their images when it is their turn. For these cameras, there is no additional materials necessary. For any students who wish to shoot with film, they will need to process and print their photos each week and then they can either digitize them or hold them up to the camera for feedback.
We will not be looking at images that involve violence or nudity.
Students will receive an e-booklet (in PDF form) after the first class that describes how a camera works, design principles, and how to create a strong image. We will look at images by well-known photographers from the International Center of Photography's website for analysis and critique as well as images created by the teacher.
Rising Star
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(37)
Hello! I have always loved learning, and when I was small I would often request that my mother play school with me. From there I graduated to playing teacher; I would invent imaginary students and assignments for them which I then graded with...
Group Class
$300
for 12 classes1x per week, 12 weeks
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
3-6 learners per class
