Beginning 35mm Digital Photography
Maybe you own a digital camera, but are not getting the kind of images you want. Or, maybe you’re getting some great pictures, but can’t figure out why. This, then, is the class for you. The major emphasis will be on moving away from the automatic mode, which most beginners gravitate towards, to shooting modes where you have total control of your camera.
All the basic photography concepts will be presented and discussed in depth. Included will be:
Handholding the camera
Setting the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
Using the camera’s light meter to make properly exposed pictures
Focusing the lens to create sharp images
Depth-of-field options
Finding the best lenses to purchase
Backing-up images
Cataloging images
Digital editing basics
Next, the specific controls on your camera that mystify most beginners will be identified and explained thoroughly. You will learn exactly where they are located on your camera and precisely what they do.
Then we will discuss and critique each other’s pictures. This will be done both as a way to understand photographic composition as well as to explore specific shooting issues you may be having with your own images.
There will be time in class to practice shooting with your camera. This will help solidify what you have learned about photographic theory and the camera controls. And it will be your chance to try a variety of composing ideas.
A very complete handout will be given to you when you arrive. It contains lots of information and diagrams, and will greatly simplify the process of understanding what is being taught in class. In addition, the handout will allow you to spend less time taking notes and more time listening and participating in class. You also will find it quite useful for review after the course has ended.
Be sure to bring your digital camera (with instruction booklet) to class, along with photos you have taken, saved as JPGs, on a flash drive. IMPORTANT: Please be sure your camera can operate in non-Automatic modes, such as Manual or Shutter Priority – if it does not and you still want to take the class, that certainly is fine too.
All the basic photography concepts will be presented and discussed in depth. Included will be:
Handholding the camera
Setting the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
Using the camera’s light meter to make properly exposed pictures
Focusing the lens to create sharp images
Depth-of-field options
Finding the best lenses to purchase
Backing-up images
Cataloging images
Digital editing basics
Next, the specific controls on your camera that mystify most beginners will be identified and explained thoroughly. You will learn exactly where they are located on your camera and precisely what they do.
Then we will discuss and critique each other’s pictures. This will be done both as a way to understand photographic composition as well as to explore specific shooting issues you may be having with your own images.
There will be time in class to practice shooting with your camera. This will help solidify what you have learned about photographic theory and the camera controls. And it will be your chance to try a variety of composing ideas.
A very complete handout will be given to you when you arrive. It contains lots of information and diagrams, and will greatly simplify the process of understanding what is being taught in class. In addition, the handout will allow you to spend less time taking notes and more time listening and participating in class. You also will find it quite useful for review after the course has ended.
Be sure to bring your digital camera (with instruction booklet) to class, along with photos you have taken, saved as JPGs, on a flash drive. IMPORTANT: Please be sure your camera can operate in non-Automatic modes, such as Manual or Shutter Priority – if it does not and you still want to take the class, that certainly is fine too.