DSLR Basics Photography
Course Overview
Online Course
Five interactive modules
Get the most out of your DSLR camera
This is a basic online photography course and is designed for those with a DSLR or Mirrorless camera who want to take better images. You have got the camera. Let’s see what is can really do. We will have you switching dials and working in manual mode before you know it. Throw in a side serve of Adobe Photoshop in this course and you are well on your way to taking great images and managing their post-production in Photoshop. Learn how to improve your technique, avoid common problems and make the most of your opportunities.
This DSLR Basics course is delivered in the five interactive modules outlined below. This is a great introductory course to dip your toes in the water and get started. If you love studying with us (and we know you will), it leads in to our Professional course (Discounts and RPL credits apply) further down the track.
COURSE CONTENT:
MODULE 1: CPH001 - THE PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESS and THE DIGITAL IMAGE
A gentle take off easing you into study mode. We start with the photographic process, what a digital image actually is, how your camera creates them and yes, we cover what to do with them. Cameras out now for familiarisation, investigating the menus, buttons, dials and switches on your camera. Aperture, shutter speed and ISO are briely explained (without too much techno babble – we saved that for the Professional Course students). We look at why your eyes see differently to your camera and depth of field in your images.
MODULE 2: SPH202 - EXPOSURE - SHUTTER SPEED, APERTURE & ISO
Grab your camera. It is time to get serious. We tackle the shutter speed, aperture and ISO setting relationship for correct exposure. Before you know it, you will be blurring movement, freezing the action and setting the depth of field in your images. Yes, you will be taking control of the camera, thinking about what you want to do and creating it. Program mode is now a thing of the past. Focus points and the hyperfocal distance also come into play. Through a series of exercises, you will be really getting to know your camera, what settings work for you in different situations and creating a series of “cheat sheets” to help you master these techniques quickly and easily. We throw in a bit of low light photography just to keep you on your toes.
MODULE 3: SPH203 - COLOUR, LIGHT AND HOW TO USE IT
Photography is “painting with light”, so we need to understand it and learn how to work with it. We explore light and colour in detail, how your camera measures and responds to light, and introduce the white balance function on your camera. You will begin to understand the differing colour, direction, quality and quantity of natural light at different times of the day or different weather conditions. This is one of the keys to taking great images with accurate colour. No better time than now to give portrait photography a try in both natural and artificial light. Grab your camera. This module is also jam packed with exercises and activities to help you learn as you go.
MODULE 4: CPH005 - STYLE AND COMPOSITION
Creative hats on! This module is all about thinking differently. We give you an insight into image composure, backgrounds, foregrounds, focal points, silhouettes, working with reflections, leading and directing the eye and the list goes on. Free-thinking and creativity are encouraged. Put your theory into action and let your own style emerge in your images. We also look at techniques to help you identify and avoid common problems.
MODULE 5: CPH001 - PHOTOSHOP FOR BEGINNERS
Even the best of us don’t get it right all of the time. This is why some very smart people developed Photoshop. With digital images, you have a second chance. This module teaches you how to adjust your exposure, white balance, make colour corrections, remove imperfections, sharpen, straighten and crop images and so much more. You will even learn how to turn grey skies to blue and remove unwanted tourists (or previous partners) from your images. How good is that!