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Photography Composition for Beginners

In this 7 week class, students will learn the basics of setting up an interesting photograph.
Misty Van Staaveren
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(20)
Class

What's included

7 live meetings
3 hrs 30 mins in-class hours
Homework
1 hour per week. Each week, students will be assigned a photo taking project and asked to share one or two of their favorite photos of the week to discuss in class. Public discussion is optional.

Class Experience

In this 7 week course, students will learn the basics of photo composition and how to set up an interesting photo.  Students will need access to a digital camera for this course.  Students will be required to take pictures and upload them to the course page for feedback from the teacher and possibly from their classmates.  Some experience is required.  This course is geared toward students that are between the ages of 8-12 years old.

Each week, we will start with a class meeting via Zoom, where students will learn the topic of the week and be able to see photo examples of each component.  Classes meet once a week and students will be given an assignment during each class session to complete before the next session.   If students are comfortable, they may share their photography with each other during this time.  If students do not wish to share their photos with the class, they are not required to.  However, this is a good opportunity for feedback and growth.  We will focus on positive reinforcement.  Then we will discuss the next assignment. 

A basic knowledge base of how to use a camera and take photos is required.  Basic Photography for Beginners is recommended, but not required.  


*Interested in one of my classes but don't see a time that fits your schedule?  Please ask!  I'm willing to work with you to set up a time that works for you!
Learning Goals
Students will improve their skills in photo composition by learning various components of the subject.
learning goal

Syllabus

7 Lessons
over 7 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Rule of Thirds
 Set up a photograph using the rule of thirds and grid lines.  
    Assignment:  Take pictures using the rule of thirds.  Be sure to use the grid lines (if available) and make sure you try both horizontal and vertical techniques. 
30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Visual Weight
 Make your photo pleasing to the eye.  Size, color, symmetry, asymmetry, tone, contrast.
    Assignment:  Experiment with your photo set up using the different weight techniques that were discussed and decide which photos are more interesting or pleasing to the eye and try to figure out what makes them so. 
30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Balance
 Creating feeling using balance.  We will discuss symmetry, negative space, and counterbalance.
    Assignment:  Create a feeling using balance in your photos this week.  Use a technique we discussed and we will talk about how the photo makes us feel and why. 
30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Single Point
 How to make just a single point or subject in your photo interesting.  We will discuss balance, rule of thirds and visual weight in regards to single point photos.
    Assignment:  Take single point photos being sure to balance them with one of the previous techniques. 
30 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Pre-Requisites
Beginner Basic Photography is highly recommended. Basic knowledge of how to operate a dslr is required.
Supply List
Students will need a digital camera to complete this course.  It does not have to be anything fancy or high-tech.  As long as it takes pictures, it's fine!  If students are unable to upload photos to the classroom, they will need to have access to printing.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
5.0
20reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
California Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
I've been a teacher in a traditional classroom since 2002.  During that time, I have experience with pre-K through 8th grade.  To further my interest in photography, I completed the New York Institute of Photography courses and received my certificate of completion in 2006.  I've also completed several online training to strengthen my skills.  I have photographed weddings, real estate, and portraits professionally but I absolutely love photographing nature and macro shots!

Reviews

Live Group Course
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$80

for 7 classes
1x per week, 7 weeks
30 min

Completed by 8 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
3-6 learners per class

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