Manual DSLR Photography 101 + 201 for Teens
Through a series of intro and intermediate projects, explore shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to make creative choices and take more compelling photographs. Work in a small group to learn science and art of manual photography in depth!
Katherine Causbie - Photography
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(1,079)
Star Educator
What's included
10 live meetings
11 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Photography projects will be assigned each week. Projects are set up to encourage discovery, experimentation, and exploration, and help facilitate the photography learning process of applying what is covered in the lesson. The following class, each student will turn in their work to share and discuss their experience and any questions around the assignment. They will also share positive feedback with each other as a way to practice the language around the new terms and concepts. Small class sizes ensure plenty of 1:1 support and discussion of each student's work.Assessment
Assessment is informal and growth-centered. Learner progress is evaluated through review and discussion of their images using manual photography technique and the terms/ideas from class. Material is cumulative, so assessment is always done for the purpose of clarification and refinement moving forward (rather than memorization or correction).Letter Grade
Class is not usually graded, the focus of this class is on exploration and discovery through experimenting with the various skills and techniques. I can offer a grade if needed for your schooling system based on effort and participation upon request, simply message me before your class ends.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner - Intermediate Level
🔐 This class is the first in the series of Manual DSLR Photography for Teens classes. You can view the class series here: https://outschool.com/saved-classes/c456d7ae-ea21-48fe-93fd-b750640362aa Looking for a shorter time commitment? The first part of this class is also offered as a 5-week 101 -- https://outschool.com/classes/manual-dslr-photography-101-for-teens-KdZjqS4B 🖇️ Prerequisite: None. This class is a great fit for a few categories of learners: learners who thrive in this class range from those who have just gotten their cameras, to those who have been shooting on auto modes for awhile and want to move to the next level, to those who have started exploring manual mode and want to make sure they're thinking about it all correctly. They are all good matches for this class -- the key factor for getting a lot out of this class is being motivated and eager to learn about photography, and ready to take a lot of photos along the way! ⏳ Estimated Time Commitment Outside of Class: 1-2 hours each week that class meets The class starts with understanding the foundation of all photography: light! Students will learn the 3 settings -- aperture, shutter speed, and ISO -- involved in how the camera uses light to make an image, and then explore using the settings in more challenging and advanced lighting situations. This class is designed to be an in-depth small group experience, supporting students in learning and practicing the science and art of manual photography. This approach enables students to learn how to "see" light and create an image while in complete control of the mechanics of the camera, and understand the "why" behind their technical and creative choices. This empowers them to make creative choices and get the photo they want without any automation from the camera! ✴ This class is highly interactive and goes in-depth into introductory technical and creative concepts. This is an ideal class for students who might want the option to continue with photography, as they have the possibility to continue to the 301 class or the Advanced Workshop and continue photography classes for as long as they wish (for example, turning it into a year-long course), building skills in finding their creative voice and building a body of work. ✴ Each week's lesson builds on the last, weaving in material on compositional awareness as well as working with increasingly complex lighting situations. ✴ While class provides structure, support, information, and inspiration, the way to learn photography is taking pictures! To this goal, targeted projects are assigned each week. Projects are directly connected to the week's lesson, and are set up to encourage experimentation and discovery, in order to facilitate a successful learning process. ✴ Handouts and optional guided notes worksheets are provided until the final project process (see details on schedule below). These PDF files can be saved for an easy reference booklet to help students while they complete projects, as well as for referring back to after the class is over. Using the guided note worksheets is entirely optional -- they are simply the handouts with key words not filled in, offered to support students who find taking notes helpful. ✴ Before the following class meeting each student will turn in their photos, to share and discuss their experience and any questions around the assignment. They will also share positive feedback with each other as a way to practice the language around the new terms and concepts. Small class sizes ensure plenty of 1:1 support and discussion of each student's work. 📑 = handout provided after lesson ✏️ = optional guided notes worksheet provided before lesson Week 1 - Introduction to the Camera's Manual Mode (Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO) ✏️ 📑 Week 2 - Troubleshooting and Feedback 📑 Week 3 - Composition ✏️ 📑 Special Topics & Intermediate Technical Skills Week 4 - Night Photography (Tech Skill: Varied Ranges of Light / Camera Setting Skill: Metering Modes) ✏️ 📑 Week 5 - Portrait Photography (Tech Skill: Quality of Light / Camera Setting Skill: White Balance) ✏️ 📑 Week 6 - Street Photography (Tech Skill: Observation & Timing) ✏️ 📑 Week 7 - Black and White Photography (Tech Skill: Tonal Range + Previsualizing Tone / Camera Setting Skill: Working in Monochrome) ✏️ 📑 Final Project/Portfolio Creation Week 8 - Final Project Overview and Planning ✏️ Week 9 - Preliminary Images Feedback Week 10 - Final Project Presentation
Learning Goals
Understand the Camera: Learn how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO affect exposure and the appearance of the photograph, and work towards using these settings to make technically sound and creatively compelling photographs.Engage a Creative Learning Process: Students will be supported in practicing experimentation and embracing the freedom to make mistakes along the way, with self compassion and persistence.
Syllabus
3 Units
10 Lessons
over 10 WeeksUnit 1: Manual DSLR Photography 101
Lesson 1:
Introduction to the Camera's Manual Mode (Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO) ✏️
70 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Troubleshooting and Feedback 📑
70 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Composition ✏️ 📑
70 mins online live lesson
Unit 2: Manual DSLR Photography 201
Lesson 4:
Night Photography✏️ 📑
Tech Skill: Varied Ranges of Light / Camera Setting Skill: Metering Modes 70 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Some photographers and/or photo theorists who we learn about may have photography work or analysis that involves nudity and themes of sexuality, much like you might encounter in an exhibit at an art museum or in fashion photography. We will not explore these in class, but there is the possibility that students come upon them during further research.
External Resources Details:
Padlet is used to submit work, no sign in is required.
Wordwall is used for concept practice, no sign in is required.
Padlet is used for resource collecting and sharing, no sign in is required.
Google Drive is used for project planning, no sign in is required.
Pinterest is used for project inspiration and examples, no sign in is required.
International Center for Photography Artist Info Pages are used for resource sharing, no sign in is required.
Youtube is used for resource sharing, no sign in is required.
Supply List
All learners will need: #1 A DSLR camera and lens, or other camera with a manual exposure mode to adjust the settings for aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. (Make sure you have a memory card and battery + charger, too!) #2 The means to upload the photos to a computer, tablet, or cellphone with an internet connection and web browser. For example, with a cable for the camera or a memory card reader. Please make sure your learner can upload photos to the device prior to class, so they are ready to complete your projects and focus on learning how to use their camera. If you are unsure if your camera has a manual exposure mode, you can check the camera instruction manual, or feel free to message me! A film SLR camera could also be used, but the photos must be scanned to digital files, and with developing time learners would have less time to complete the projects each week. Many introductory DSLR cameras are available for relatively low cost used or new. Examples: - Nikon D3400 or D3500 - Nikon D5500 or D5600 - Nikon D7000, D7100, D7200, D7500 - Canon Rebel T8i / 350D - Canon Rebel T7 / 2000D - Canon Rebel T6 / 1300D - Canon Rebel SL3 / 250D - Canon Rebel T100v/ 4000D (Canon camera with lowest recommended retail price) A few old edition options that are still great to get started with learning manual mode on a budget: - Nikon D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300 (old versions of D3500) - Nikon D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300 (old versions of D5600) - Nikon D70s, D70, D80, D90 (old versions of D7000) - Nikon D40, D40x, D50, D60 (old versions of D3000 and D5000 series) - any older Canon Rebel
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined May, 2018
4.9
1079reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Bachelor's Degree in Fine/Studio Arts from Wittenberg University
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Wittenberg University
Reviews
Live Group Course
$27
weekly or $270 for 10 classes1x per week, 10 weeks
70 min
Completed by 430 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-7 learners per class
