About this course: Welcome to Course Two of Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR! Now that you have a broad understanding of the various types of cameras, the importance of setting up Menus and Functions to gain control in your photography, and the difference between Auto and Program exposure modes, you are ready to move into even greater Camera Control! In these 4 Modules we will concentrate on gaining the knowledge necessary to make use of Exposure Modes, Light Metering, Effects of various ISO settings, Lens options, using Shutter Speeds to convey aspects of Time in both documentary and creative ways, and exploring the controlled focus effects that Depth of Field Principles make possible. You will also continue to make new photographs and, if you are a subscriber to the specialization, continue interacting with your fellow learners as you share photographs for Peer Review. You will also confirm your knowledge through completion of quizzes and written responses. 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 2 of 5 in the Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization |
| Commitment | 4 weeks of study, 1-3 hours/week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
WELCOME, OVERVIEW, and FUNDAMENTALS
Welcome to Course TWO! From previous lessons, you have learned to set your camera menus and functions so your camera is ready to use. Beginning with Module 1, we'll add to the camera knowledge you gained in Course ONE to increase your understanding of critical exposure factors so you can create predictable results through confident control. If you are fully participating in the Course, you will also have the opportunity to share your photographs in Peer Review. As you learn about different exposure options, the concept and effects of Depth of Field, and begin to study the visual elements in a more concentrated manner, you will be developing the skills to "put it all together," to create pictures you will be proud to share that go beyond the snapshot to more fulfilling expression.
7 videos, 1 reading, 4 practice quizzes
- Video: MEET MSU and THE SPECIALIZATION
- Video: MEET THE PROFESSORS: Peter Glendinning and Mark Sullivan
- Video: MEET THE COURSE: an overview by Peter and Mark
- Video: Under Exposure and Over Eposure
- Practice Quiz: Exposure Quiz
- Video: Reflected Light Meter & Meter Modes
- Video: Equivalent Exposure Combinations & MAPS-prob
- Practice Quiz: Equivalent Exposure Comb & Shooting Modes - MAPS -Quiz
- Video: Stop Action and Blur
- Practice Quiz: Stop Action, Camera Blur - Quiz
- Reading: About Peer Review
- Practice Quiz: Exposure - Summative Quiz
Graded: Reflected Light Meter & Meter Modes - Quiz
Graded: Picture Your World in STOP-ACTION-TIME!
WEEK 2
Elements of Camera Control 2.0: The Lens
In Module 2 you will learn how changes in focal length of the camera lens can have dramatic effects on both the ways that perspective is rendered, and the ways that content of a scene can be altered.
12 videos, 3 practice quizzes
- Video: Focal Length:"Normal," sensors, and angle of view
- Video: Focal Length: Perspective effects
- Video: Peter discusses Focal Length Pictures
- Practice Quiz: Focal Length Basics
- Video: Focal Length Series from a Single Vantage Point
- Video: Focal Lengths: Fixed or Zoom
- Practice Quiz: Focal Length Effects
- Video: Special Lenses: Macro
- Video: Special lenses: Fisheye
- Video: Special Lenses: Tilt-Shift
- Video: Smartphone Specialties
- Practice Quiz: Lens Specialties
- Video: Protecting the Lens: shades and filters
- Video: Polarizing and Specialty Filters
- Video: Lens Adapters
Graded: Lens Summative Quiz
WEEK 3
Elements of Camera Control 3.0: Depth of Field
In Module 3 you will learn about the meaning of "Depth of Field," and how it can be controlled to create areas of focus that are perfect for the type of content you wish to convey in your photographs, whether they are for business or pleasure, art or industry.
3 videos, 2 readings, 3 practice quizzes
- Video: Successful use of Depth of Field
- Video: Depth of Field and Aperture, Focal Length, & Focal Distance
- Reading: Depth of Field - Further Notes
- Practice Quiz: Aperture and Depth of Field - Quiz
- Practice Quiz: Focal Length and Depth of Field - Quiz
- Practice Quiz: Focus Distance and Depth of field - Quiz
- Video: Mark discusses DOF in a photograph
- Reading: About Peer Review
Graded: Depth of Field Summative QUIZ
Graded: Shoot & Share: Depth of Field Control
WEEK 4
Picture Decisions:
In Module 4 we return to studying 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 objective or creative content might be. We examine the aspect of Time as an essential choice that must be made by photographers no matter what their ultimate goal for image-making. We continue the Peer Review process for paid-Learners.
3 videos, 2 readings
- Video: Photographs and Time as Fact
- Video: Photographs and Time As Fiction-
- Video: Peter discusses Time and his photography
- Reading: Time, Fact, and Fiction - Reading and Viewing
- Reading: About Peer Review
Graded: Picture your world in BLURRED-ACTION-TIME!
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
Help from Your Peers
Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.
Certificates
Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.
Creators
Michigan State University
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 150 years.
One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
Pricing
| Audit | Purchase Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Not available | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Not available | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Not available | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
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Great course! I'm learning a lot and it's really easy to understand.