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Photography 101: Learn History, Manual DSLR, Composition, Editing and MORE!

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Alyssa Teaches Photography
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(112)
Join me for a 12 session FULL SEMESTER COURSE for the student photographer where we will learn camera settings, shooting modes and more through interactive activities and in-class projects. Grading is available upon request! 2 times a week

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner - Intermediate Level
12 lessons//4 Weeks
 Week 1
Lesson 1
History- An overview of the history of photography and cameras from 1800.
My lesson is about the history of photography from the 1800's to present day. We learn about where the first pictures came from and what it looks like, what the first few cameras were and how they worked, along with watching video clips about the development of film photography. We will learn about photographer historical figures like Niepsce, Deguerre, and Talbot. Homework will be assigned to find the oldest picture in your home and to take a few fun pictures to share with the class next time.
Lesson 2
Evolution of Camera-Explore cameras throughout 1950-present day.
My lesson is about the cameras from 1950-present day. We look at cameras such as box cameras, point and shoots, bridge cameras, DSLR's and Mirrorless cameras. We discuss our own cameras and explore how the settings are utilized. We use our cameras by trying our manual focus modes vs. auto focus. This is a fun class where we connect history with our present day love for photography! Homework will be assigned to take a few pictures with manual focus and auto focus to master the skill of focus.
Lesson 3
Subject and Framing- How to create a good photograph? 3 Steps to a good subject
My lesson is about creating a good subject and framing the subject well. Using these 3 steps, the learner sees how to create a good subject and show off in his or her photography skills! This is a step by step guide to 'seeing' a good photograph and 'knowing' how to create one! This class is essential to creating a great image. The basics of photography are covered when framing is discussed as well. Homework will be assigned to use the steps and framing to create images and upload to the class.
 Week 2
Lesson 4
Composition #1 - How to use Rule of Thirds, Symmetry, and Leading Lines.
My lesson is about creating awe-inducing composition in your photos by using these three rules, rule of thirds, symmetry and leading lines. We will have a presentation and videos about each type of composition and then in-class photo assignments using each one. The learners will then show their photos in class by just turning their cameras around in the zoom video. Then there will be homework assigned using the same techniques and then upload the images to the classroom for next class.
Lesson 5
Composition #2 - How to 6 more composition techniques when using their cameras.
My lesson is about creating more inspiring photos using 6 more composition techniques, such as sub-framing, negative space, patterns, breaking the pattern, perspectives and forced perspective. We will have a presentation and videos about each type of composition and then in-class photo assignments using each one. The learners will then show their photos in class by just turning their cameras around in the zoom video. Then there will be homework assigned using the same techniques.
Lesson 6
Shutter Speed Priority - DSLR or phone camera app settings- Camera Settings Time
My lesson is about using shutter speed priority on their cameras. Shutter speed priority will be explained and utilized in class with photo assignments in the class and as homework. There will be explanations about the setting to share how it works in manual mode as well as in priority mode so the learner will be well prepared for using manual mode in a few classes from now. The learners will then show their photos in class by just turning their cameras around in the Zoom video.
 Week 3
Lesson 7
Aperture Priority and Focus Modes- Create the blurry bokeh!
My lesson is about using aperture priority on their cameras. Aperture priority will be explained and utilized with in-class photo assignments. There will be explanations about the setting to share how it works in manual mode as well as in priority mode so the learner will be well prepared for using manual mode in the next class. Focus mode will also be taught. The learners will then show their photos in class by just turning their cameras around in the Zoom video. Homework assigned for practice.
Lesson 8
ISO and White Balance-Using exposure, white balance and manual mode for photos.
My lesson is about ISO and utilizing it for exposure in the learner's images. This is the third setting in the exposure triangle. White balance is also taught where the student's learn how to have the correct color balance in their photos and how to see when the color is not right and needs corrected. In-class and out-of-class photo assignments are utilized. Manual mode is shown and discussed to start having full control of their cameras. This gets really exciting at this point for the students!
Lesson 9
Manual Mode, Light Meter and Troubleshooting- Full control of your camera!
My lesson is about manual mode and having full control of your camera! This is what the pros do! Learners will utilize the exposure triangle and the light meter to perfectly expose images. Troubleshooting will also be discussed using ideas to solve problems when they occur with their cameras. We will go on a 'photo safari' in this class to help master manual mode! As the teacher, I share my process for setting my camera and then the students do as well with different images shown on the screen.
 Week 4
Lesson 10
Learn all about editing your photos! Terms, meanings, and editing workshop!
My lesson is about learning how to edit images. This class goes through the ways to edit images and what the terms are for editing. A picture is put in the classroom to download, and each student edits it in an editing workshop. Then they add them to the classroom for everyone to view through screen share and they are discussed and the student's see how everyone can edit so differently. Then the student's take time to edit their own photos in a workshop style class session. Homework is assigned.
Lesson 11
Black and white photography-History, Composition, Photo Assignments and Editing
My lesson is about black and white photography, the composition, finding the monochrome setting in the camera and editing in black and white. This class will also teach about Ansel Adams and the history of black and white photography. Composition is taught using a presentation and video clips, plus fill-in-the-blank questions to help in the student's learning. Students will find their black and white setting on their camera and be able to edit photos in class. Homework assigned in BW.
Lesson 12
Careers in Photography-What you can do, how much you can make, and college?
My lesson is about what kind of careers are available in our communities and world using photography. It will review what kind of photographers there are and how to earn an income with photography. There are several careers listed with general income amounts and what it means to have a business as a photographer. There are video clips used along with a question and answer time. Also, further education is discussed, like is college needed for it and other ways to keep learning in the skill.
This class is taught in English.
  • Students will learn the basics of photography from history, composition, levels of exposure, white balance, shooting mods, editing, black and white photography and photography careers.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: included
Feedback: included
Details: Homework can take anywhere from 30 minutes - 2 hours each week depending on how much time the student wants to invest in his or her practicing taking photos. These should be uploaded each week to the classroom. Additional ways to learn here-- see my TpT store for FREE or very inexpensive handouts to guide you through more lessons- https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Cameragenius
Grading
Frequency: included
Details: Grading is based on class participation and photo assignments completed. Within a week after class, if requested, a letter grade along with the class description, name of the class, and timeframe of the class will be uploaded to parents' messages.
I have experience working with students with special needs and am willing to help!
 1 file available upon enrollment
CAMERA: A digital DSLR camera is highly recommended, however, a camera from a smart phone will also work. Our classes will have photo taking assignments. LIGHTROOM MOBILE APP: (only for phone cameras) This app is highly recommended as we will be learning settings in our Digital DSLR and they also have most of those settings in this app that your student can use so he or she will still be learning along with us. It is $4.99 monthly after a 7 day free trial. See the link under materials. BINDER OR FOLDER: Also there will be notes with fill-in-the-blank areas that your student may find really helpful for class. I recommend printing them and putting them in a folder or binder to support learning.
I am utilizing a presentation through screen share only, to create my presentations for class. I am also using YouTube videos that either I created or that already exist on the platform. I also don't show the whole video and just pick out sections that support my teaching. 

Also the Lightroom Mobile App is a phone camera app that is a camera as well as an editing tool. I recommend the camera app because it offers shutter speed, exposure, white balance, and ISO options. The app currently has a 7 day free trial, then it's $4.99 a month. If you do not want to use this app, feel free to find another one with the options listed is possible. It is highly recommended but not required.
Joined November, 2020
4.9
112reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Florida Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Bachelor's Degree from Bethel University (College), Mishawaka, IN
Hello & Welcome! My name is Alyssa Chirch and I am your learner's Photography teacher!

WHAT I TEACH
During the school year, I offer full curriculum courses in photography for middle school and high school students, and 1:1 tutoring for... 

Reviews

Group Class

$42

weekly or $168 for 12 classes
3x per week, 4 weeks
50 min

Completed by 160 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
2-6 learners per class

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