Secrets of Better Photography

Lesson 1

The Subject of Photography

In this first lesson, you will learn how to see the subject of each photograph—before you press the shutter button. This information will provide a solid foundation for the rest of the class.

Camera Equipment

As you learn more about the technical side of photography, take a look at the options available in camera equipment. Whether you have a point-and-shoot camera or the latest digital SLR, you will gain a better understanding of the equipment and tools photographers use.

Your Photographic Eye

Returning to artistic elements in this lesson, you will learn how to develop your photographer's eye and incorporate compositional guidelines as you take better pictures. This information will provide a solid foundation for the rest of the class.

Lighting

Light is the essence of photography. This lesson explores how to control and use light to your advantage. You will compare the advantages of natural light, available light, and artificial light and see when you will want to use each to capture the special effects you're after. You will also learn how to use the ISO and white balance settings on your camera to make the most of the light you have.

Sharp Shooting

This lesson delves into the options for using your camera and other tools to get sharp, crisp images. Photography often requires compromise to accommodate conflicting priorities, and after this lesson, you will be able to decide what's most important to you. You will also see how to test your lenses and cameras and evaluate your equipment.

Aperture and Depth of Field

Using manual exposure settings opens up a whole new world of professional and creative options. In this lesson, you will begin an exploration of how to get the most out of your camera's features, starting with Aperture Priority and the control it gives you over depth of field.

Shutter Speed and Motion

You will see how to capture motion in this lesson. Whether you want to freeze the action of fireworks or merge a waterfall into a velvety illusion, shutter speed is the key. Setting your shutter speed gives you the control you need to get the images you want, and it's easier than you might think. You will have lots to practice with as you finish this lesson.

Portraiture

In this lesson, you will learn the tricks of portrait photography. Whether you're working professionally or just as the family photographer, these techniques will help you take better portraits. You will see how to pose people so they look their best, when to use digital editing, and how various lighting techniques will help you create pleasing portraits.

Children and Pet Photography

Photographing children, pets, and groups is a challenge for even the most seasoned professional photographer. In this lesson, you will learn some techniques and strategies to bring out the best in your pictures.

Photographic Challenges

Now that you know how your camera works and what you want to do, it's time to take a look at how to handle challenging situations. When the light is low, or the subject just seems out of reach, you want to know how to get the shot. This lesson focuses on how to use your tools and knowledge to beat the challenges and come away with the pictures you're after.

Photojournalism

Photojournalism is a fascinating field for photographers. This fast-paced world presents challenges of its own. In this lesson, you will see how the pros handle this type of work and learn how to get started in the field.

Digital Options

Digital editing is a real bonus for photographers. In your final lesson, you will learn about the basic and artistic editing techniques available to all photographers, as well as some of the technical issues of digital photography.