Study Photography
In a photography program, students gain hands-on experience with different types of cameras. They learn to navigate the controls and settings, including manual mode, semi-automatic modes, white balance adjustments, and focus modes. Additionally, students will explore the nuances of lens selection, understanding the applications of various lens types. Field trips will be organized to allow students to practice camera handling and settings in real-world scenarios. Students may learn how cameras work, the basics of exposure (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), and essential composition techniques like the rule of thirds and leading lines.
Photography courses cover techniques for capturing candid moments, telling a visual narrative, and the importance of context in documentary photography. Students will engage in a photojournalism project to document a social issue or event. Students will learn about posing techniques, working with models, and creating a connection with the subject. The use of natural and artificial light in portraiture will be explored, along with the importance of background selection and composition.
Alternatively, still life and product photography require careful composition and lighting to create compelling images. Students will learn about the use of props, backgrounds, and lighting setups to create visually appealing still life compositions. Learn about specialized macro lenses and techniques for capturing close-up shots. Topics will include understanding magnification, depth of field in macro photography, and lighting techniques for small subjects.
Camera Basics
Cameras offer a range of shooting modes and settings that allow you to control exposure, focus, and white balance. Manual mode gives you full control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Photography school will explain how to achieve the best results in various conditions. For situations where you want some control but not full manual operation, there are semi-automatic modes such as aperture priority (Av) and shutter priority (Tv). These modes allow you to prioritize either depth of field or motion blur while letting the camera handle the rest.
Understanding white balance is crucial for capturing accurate colors in different lighting conditions. Various white balance presets (e.g., daylight, cloudy, tungsten) may be used, unless you want to set a custom white balance for precise color reproduction. Achieving sharp focus is essential in photography. Learn the different autofocus modes, including single-point, zone, and tracking. You'll learn how to select the appropriate focus mode for different subjects and scenarios.
The lens you choose has a profound impact on your photographs. Lenses come in various focal lengths and types, each suited to different purposes. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, offering superior image quality and wider apertures. Zoom lenses, on the other hand, provide versatility with their variable focal lengths. You'll understand how each lens type affects perspective, depth of field, and composition. Through examples and visual demonstrations, you ned to develop a keen eye for lens selection.
Light and Color
Understanding how light behaves and the role of color in photography is essential for creating impactful and visually engaging images. Light is the essence of photography, and its quality and direction can dramatically affect the mood and atmosphere of an image. In this section, we'll explore the characteristics of natural light, from the soft, diffused light of overcast days to the dramatic contrasts of direct sunlight. Understanding how to observe and manipulate natural light will allow you to capture stunning landscapes, portraits, and still life compositions.
As photographers, we often find ourselves in situations where the available light needs modification. There are various tools for controlling light, such as reflectors and diffusers. Reflectors bounce light back onto the subject, filling in shadows and creating more balanced exposures. Diffusers soften harsh light, resulting in a more flattering and even illumination. Learning to use these tools effectively will give you greater control over the lighting in your photographs.
The use of color is a powerful compositional tool in photography. Different colors evoke different emotions and can convey a wide range of moods. In this section, we'll explore color theory and its application in photography. From the warm, inviting tones of sunset to the cool, calming hues of a winter landscape, understanding color relationships will enable you to create images that resonate with viewers on an emotional level.
Portrait lighting involves the strategic placement of artificial lights to sculpt the subject's features and create mood. Low-light photography explores the challenges and opportunities of shooting in dimly lit environments, from cityscapes at dusk to starry night skies. Light painting is a creative technique where long exposures are used to "paint" with light sources, resulting in surreal and captivating images.
Photoshop Tutorial
Try pausing the video, and giving each step a try as you go. Then, when you edit your next few photos have this playing in the background and follow the instructions.
Wildlife Photography
Duade Paton shares 20 common mistakes that he made when learning wildlife photography, so you don't have to walk in his footsteps.
After Effects
Adobe After Effects is used in the post-production process of film making, video games and television production. After Effects also can be used for keying, tracking, compositing, and animation.
Editing in 'Lightroom'
Lightroom photo editing tutorial. This video provides a walk through of all of the features in the Lightroom Develop tab to help you with editing your photos.
Portfolio Development
A photography portfolio is an essential tool for photographers at all stages of their careers. Whether you're a student, a hobbyist, or a professional, a portfolio is a visual representation of your skills, style, and vision. It serves as a means of introduction to potential clients, galleries, or employers, offering them a glimpse into your artistic prowess and capabilities.
Before diving into selecting images for your portfolio, it's crucial to think about the story you want to tell. What themes, emotions, or concepts do you want your portfolio to convey? Do you specialize in a particular genre, such as landscapes, portraits, or street photography? Understanding your photographic identity will guide you in curating a cohesive and impactful portfolio.
The process of selecting images for your portfolio can be challenging. Quality always trumps quantity. Choose images that evoke emotions in the viewer. A powerful portrait that captures a fleeting expression, a breathtaking landscape that stirs the soul, or a candid street photograph that tells a story—all these can have a lasting impact. Aim for a balanced portfolio that showcases your versatility. Include a mix of genres, styles, and subjects to demonstrate your range as a photographer. While variety is essential, there should also be a consistent thread that ties your portfolio together. This could be a particular color palette, a recurring theme, or a distinctive editing style.
Once you've selected your images, it's time to organize them into a cohesive portfolio. Consider the flow of the portfolio as a viewer would experience it. You might start with a strong opening image that grabs attention, followed by a series of images that tell a story or convey a theme. Pay attention to transitions between images, ensuring a smooth and engaging progression.
Physical vs Digital Portfolios
The way you present your portfolio is just as important as the images themselves. Think about the format that best suits your work. Each format has its advantages, so consider your audience and how they are likely to view your work. If creating a physical portfolio, invest in high-quality printing and presentation materials. Choose a professional portfolio case or book that complements your work without distracting from it. Pay attention to paper quality, printing resolution, and overall design aesthetics.Digital Portfolio: In today's digital age, a strong online presence is crucial. Create a professional website or online portfolio using platforms like Squarespace, Adobe Portfolio, or WordPress. Make sure your website is easy to navigate, showcases your best work prominently, and provides contact information for inquiries.
An artist statement is a written description of your work, style, and artistic philosophy. It provides context for your portfolio, giving viewers insight into your motivations and inspirations. Writing an artist statement can be challenging, but it's an essential part of presenting your work professionally. Your artist statement should reflect your genuine voice and passion for photography. Avoid clichés or generic phrases. Discuss the themes or concepts that drive your work.