Cameras, Exposure, and Photography

About this course: Welcome to Course One of Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR! In these first 4 Modules you will gain the knowledge and the confidence that will help you make good choices as you consider qualities of the camera you own, and the qualities of the other types of digital cameras you might be considering. You will learn about the basic functions that most digital cameras have in common. You will also go beyond the "technical" matters and learn about how you can make exciting pictures by emphasizing the aspects of Frame and Vantage Point to interpret old subjects in new ways. Discovering accessories that photographers find useful, and the types of camera bags from mini to carry-on sized, is also in store for you. You will also make your first photographs and, if you are a subscriber to the specialization, upload pictures to the web gallery and start interacting with your fellow learners in our "Gallery." Let's get started with Module One!

Created by:  Michigan State University

• Taught by:  Peter Glendinning, Professor

  Art, Art History, & Design

• Taught by:  Mark Valentine Sullivan, Associate Professor

  Music / Innovation Hub

Basic Info Course 1 of 5 in the Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization Language English How To Pass Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. User Ratings 4.7 stars Average User Rating 4.7See what learners said Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

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Syllabus


WEEK 1


WELCOME, OVERVIEW, and FUNDAMENTALS



Welcome to the Module One of Course One, where we will begin our journey together to gain the knowledge and skills that will help you take control of your photography! The world of digital photography presents so many "tech" options that it can be quite confusing. Throughout this Course and Specialization, we will be sorting through the various functions, menus, and also the good old focus and exposure and camera craft aspects, so you can build a foundation for success. We'll start with some Basics, and keep building!


9 videos, 4 readings, 3 practice quizzes expand

1. Video: MEET MSU and THE SPECIALIZATION: a welcome from College of Arts & Letters Dean, Dr. Chris Long
2. Video: MEET THE PROFESSORS: PETER Glendinning
3. Video: MEET THE PROFESSORS: MARK Sullivan
4. Video: MEET THE COURSE: an overview by Mark and Peter
5. Reading: Websites for your viewing pleasure: L'oeil de la photographie and ASMP and PDN!
6. Video: Basic Elements of Photography: CAMERA/LENS
7. Practice Quiz: Camera/Lens
8. Video: Basic Elements of Photography: SENSOR/SHUTTER
9. Practice Quiz: Sensor/Shutter
10. Video: Basic Elements of Photography: SHUTTER+APERTURE=EXPOSURE
11. Video: "Workflow" of Digital Photography step-by-step
12. Video: Full Auto Shooting Mode!
13. Reading: About the Peer Review Process
14. Practice Quiz: Shutter/Aperture/Exposure
15. Reading: Some additional info on the history of photography!
16. Reading: Learn more about your professors!

Graded: QUIZ 1.1.1
Graded: Nice to Meet You!

WEEK 2


Camera capabilities: differences and similarities



In Module Two we will survey different types of digital cameras that are in widespread use today, discuss their different capabilities and characteristics, and help you determine which might be most appropriate for the uses you plan to make of your photographs. Whether you need to make photographs to capture the important moments of personal experience with friends and family, or need to make photographs for purposes related to your employment or small business, you will find an overview of information to help you here. Along with the time you spend learning about cameras, you should continue to experiment with your own camera and your own interest in photography!


10 videos, 1 reading, 3 practice quizzes expand

1. Video: Camera Capabilities and You
2. Video: A Basic Vocabulary of Capabilities
3. Video: Capabilities of Point & Shoot and Compact Cameras
4. Practice Quiz: Point & Shoot and Compact Cameras
5. Video: Capabilities of DSLR Cameras
6. Practice Quiz: DSLR Cameras
7. Video: Capabilities of Mirrorless Cameras
8. Practice Quiz: Mirrorless Cameras
9. Video: Apple iPhone 6 Camera
10. Video: Samsung Galaxy 6 Camera
11. Video: Three essential Smartphone accessories
12. Video: Program Mode and ISO settings for greater control
13. Video: "Working a Scene"
14. Reading: About the Peer Review Process
15. Peer Review: Working a Scene in Program Mode

Graded: QUIZ 1.2.1
Graded: QUIZ 1.2.2

WEEK 3


Setting up yourself and your digital camera: Menus, Settings, and baggage!



In Module Three you will be guided through the critical steps of "Setting Up" your Digital Camera. Digital cameras of all types offer many options to choose from, allowing you to customize the way the pictures are recorded and to be more successful in achieving your goals in photography. This is NOT just a checklist of functions, simply guiding you as to which buttons to push! You will learn the practical significance of what the settings mean and how they impact the way a picture looks, and how your camera works. You will understand not only HOW but also WHY! Whether you have a brand new camera or have been making digital photographs for a while, this information is critical to your success.


7 videos, 2 practice quizzes expand

1. Video: Setting Up the Camera by First Setting Up Yourself
2. Video: Setting Up the Camera - Part 2
3. Practice Quiz: Camera Set Up 2
4. Video: Setting Up a Digital Camera Part 3a 1.3.3
5. Video: Setting Up a Digital Camera Part 3b 1.3.4
6. Practice Quiz: Camera Set Up 3
7. Video: Camera Setup Four
8. Video: Camera Bags, from Mini to Carry-On Sizes
9. Video: What is in PG's BAG?

Graded: Quiz 1.3.1
Graded: QUIZ 1.3.2

WEEK 4


Picture Decisions: The Vantage Point and Frame



In Module Four we will turn to concepts related to the way photographs look, and how practical decisions that are unique to photography can have dramatic effect in terms of what their creative content might be. We examine the aspects of Vantage Point and Frame as essential choices that must be made by photographers no matter what their ultimate goal for image-making. We also introduce the Peer Review process for paid-Learners, and the ways we can learn about our own ideas through using "terms of art" in written reviews the photographs of fellow Learners.


7 videos, 3 readings, 1 practice quiz expand

1. Video: What is "normal" Vantage Point?
2. Video: The effects of Vantage Point choices.
3. Video: Responding to Photographs
4. Practice Quiz: Vantage Point
5. Video: The Frame: what to include, or exclude.
6. Video: The Frame and composition
7. Video: The Frame and Content
8. Video: Mark & Peter each discuss their own VP and Frame Photos
9. Reading: About the Peer Review Process
10. Reading: Garry Winogrand: Frame, Vantage Point, and Content
11. Reading: The History of Photography in 5 Minutes

Graded: QUIZ
Graded: Your World Transformed by the Frame