數位單眼攝影1 (FLEX)

This 4-week course is intended to be followed by Digital SLR Photography 2, which is an additional (4) weeks. The two courses together will cover all of the fundamental aspects of digital photography and are designed for complete beginners.

THE PHOTOGRAPHIC TASKS ARE KEY

It should be clear from the outset that the photo assignments in this class are ESSENTIAL to the learning process. A lot of information is provided through the video lessons and other materials, but it will be nearly impossible to absorb and learn that information effectively without putting time and considerable effort into the assignments. If I was to put some numbers to it, I'd say that the assignments make up about 70% of the learning process here, while the reading and watching is only 30%. You need both, of course, and they're linked, but no aspiring photographer can move forward without getting out and taking the pictures and getting feedback from more experienced artists. The learning experience is fundamentally a practical one. Each assignment should be submitted on time one week from the date it's assigned (every Monday) to ensure that I can give the feedback that will help the student improve.

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS

In Digital SLR Photography 1, students will:

(1) be introduced to the basic theory and mechanics behind photography
(2) learn about the components, features, settings, and options offered by their digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera and how to use them effectively
(3) apply and practice the most fundamental compositional rules in photography
(4) explore and make use of the first two mechanisms that influence exposure (shutter speed and aperture)
(5) learn to visually represent motion in different ways, both by freezing and blurring action
(6) examine and learn to utilize both shallow and maximum depth of field as compositional tools
(7) analyze professional photographs
(8) develop a process of analyzing and criticizing their own photos
(9) complete and submit (3) practical / technical assignments
(10) complete and submit (3) creative assignments

TEACHING APPROACH

Many years of instruction and tutoring in diverse situations and with many age-groups has taught me the importance of having a varied approach to teaching. Particularly with visual art, I make it a point to provide methodical instructions, demonstrations and ample photographic examples to inspire my students. Each week the learners will be given an interactive Google slideshow, which will cover the topics in detail and also include quizzes, photo analysis, and assignments. These will be complemented by nearly a dozen video lessons that go into even greater detail on many of the more complicated topics. Learners will be required to meet briefly with me on Zoom in the first week of the course to make sure we're all on the same page regarding class structure, communication procedures, submission guidelines, and the importance of the homework assignments. Weekly office hours will be scheduled so that students can meet with me to discuss topics and concepts, ask questions about the lessons and assignments, and get help and advice when needed.

CURRICULUM WEEK-BY-WEEK

WEEK 1
What Makes a Good Picture?
Making Choices
You Make the Pictures
The Decisive Moment
Developing a Photographic Eye
Camera Mechanics
Familiarizing Yourself with Your DSLR
Digital Image File Types: JPG, RAW & TIF
Composition:
  The Rule of Thirds
  Through Lines
  Balance
  Framing
  Horizontal Vs. Vertical Camera Orientation
Homework: Analyzing Images #1
Creative Task 1: Composing
*This week's materials include (6) video lessons in addition to the interactive slideshow materials.

WEEK 2
Unpacking Exposure
Stops & Light
The Peculiar Nature of the Stop
The Holy Trinity of Exposure
Shutter Speed: Light Time
The Shutter Speed Scale
Shutter Speed & Motion
Camera Shake
Tripod Use & Tips
Shooting Modes / Shutter Priority Mode
Auto Focus Modes
Motor Drive Settings & Shutter Remotes
Practical Task 1: Shutter Speed Reference Guide
Practical Task 2: Camera Shake Reference Guide
*This week's materials include (10) video lessons in addition to the interactive slideshow materials.

WEEK 3
Freezing Motion
Blurring Motion
The Panning Shot
Zoom Blur
Rotational Blur
Isolated Blur
Shutter Speed Limitations
Adjusting the Viewfinder Diopter
Using Your Light Meter
When the Meter is Wrong
Exposure Compensation
18% Gray & Tonal Values
Meter Modes
Composition:
  Room to Move / Look Into
  Watching Your Background
  Tilting the Frame
Exposure Compensation Mini-Quiz
Creative Task 2: Freezing & Blurring Motion
*This week's materials include (11) video lessons in addition to the interactive slideshow materials.

WEEK 4
Aperture: Light Window
The f-Stop / Aperture Scale
Aperture & Depth of Field
Depth of Field & Lens Length
Maximum Depth of Field
Shallow Depth of Field
The Depth of Field Preview Feature
Aperture Limitations
Aperture Priority Mode
Composition:
  The Subtractive Art
  Filling the Frame
Homework: Image Analysis #2
Practical Task 3: Depth of Field Reference Guide
Creative Task 3: Depth of Field
*This week's materials include (6) video lessons in addition to the interactive slideshow materials.

LEARNING ASSESSMENTS / FEEDBACK

The (6) photography assignments will be submitted to me through shared Google Drive folders or attached to messages sent through the classroom message feature. Though traditional grades will not be issued, students will receive detailed and constructive feedback on each of their assignments -- photo by photo. In the case that a class has multiple learners, students may be encouraged to also view and critique their classmates' work. This part--the actual photo work--is without question the most important part of the class.

For image analysis assignments, students will also study and analyze a series of professional photographs and submit their written responses to me on two occasions. They will do this in conjunction with the Week 1 and Week 4 lessons.

CONTINUING THE SERIES

Students who complete all (4) weeks of this course have the option of continuing the series by enrolling in Digital SLR Photography 2 for an additional (4) weeks of FLEX lessons.