Week 1
Camera Work
Photographic example of proportion.
This is an image of a farmland in Kauai.
Welcome to the first week of Digital Photography. This week, you will explore basic composition techniques. This week you may photograph on auto mode if you like. After completing your welcome post, get started with reading the lectures, viewing the presentations and reading the first chapter in the text. There are lots of examples to review, especially in the Basic Photography presentation.
Be sure to view the Basic Composition presentation, which gives specific assignment examples for this week. One of the biggest challenges this first week is learning to size your images properly. Use the class resources, including the video and the Image Submission Guidelines document, to help you with this. Remember, no prior art experience is required, as this class is designed for the beginning digital photographer. However, if you have previous experience you can build on what you already know. Keep in mind, all images must be shot on or after the class start date.
Weekly Objectives
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Learn proper digital camera operation.
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Learn proper resample techniques.
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Present digital photographs using basic design principles.
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Identify the fundamental design elements and know how to use them effectively.
Activities
Readings
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A Short Course in Digital Photography
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Chapter 1: Camera
Activities
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Introduction Discussion
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Discussion 1
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Shooting Assignment 1
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Quiz 1
Types of Photographs
This week you will focus on the camera, using basic camera controls to explore the basics of composition and the art of photography. These assignments do not require prior experience in photography, as this class is designed for the beginning digital photographer. However, if you have prior experience in photography, you can build on what you already know. The types of photographs you will be taking this week are exercises in basic camera handling, and are horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and proportional - also called rule of thirds.
You can also download a Word version of Types of Photographs.
Basic Camera Holding Techniques
This week you will be taking vertical and horizontal photographs. Be sure to hold the camera in the correct orientation, as shown in these images.
How to hold the camera for a horizontal shot
How to hold the camera for a vertical shot
Welcome to Digital Photography
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An accurate captioning of Welcome Video Digital Photography video is available.
This is a welcome video for Digital Photography. In this video, instructor Shelly Murney gives you the basics of camera handling technique and your requirements for this course.
Basic Photography
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This video helps you to learn the basics of photography, including basic composition techniques and the concept of working with digital media. Please pause the video if you need additional time reading the slides.
Basic Composition Techniques
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This video gives you an overview of basic composition techniques of photography and includes example images for Week 1. Please pause the video if you need additional time to read the slides.
Image Resizing Video
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This video shows you how to resize your images correctly using image editing software. Please pause the video if you need additional time reviewing the steps.
Conclusion
Great job this week. You got started with digital photography by exploring basic composition techniques. These are the building blocks of photography. Next week you will be learning the artistry of the lens. You will explore the art of the camera lens through composition studies and design elements and principles, including balance, framing, pattern and reflections. Remember to review the lessons in the classroom and complete the reading before you begin the next assignment, as you will build on the skills you learn each week.