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digital photography curriculum

learning Digital Photography

Arguably the greatest technological magic happens with photography. The ability to capture a moment in time, to preserve it, and to treasure it are among the greatest joys. But beyond magic, a well taken photo can transcend and evoke emotion similar to great art.

David, a long time technologist, shares his love of technology through photography. From the early film cameras to the initial digital ones to the latest SLRs, David infuses his appreciation of the scientific development with the principles of art in his teaching of digital photography.

This ten week program is divided into two hour classes with two one hour labs per week. That two hours of instruction per week with two hours of lab time for group collaboration and practice. The two hours of class time will be held at a senior center and the lab time will be spent either at a computer lab or in the field.

Given this program is designed for older adults, the curriculum was created to involve anyone with any level of experience to join the program. The approach is to take someone from a beginner status to intermediate level, but with sufficient flexibility to enable any experienced photographer to also benefit.

Week 1: An Overview of Basic Camera Options
Understanding the camera that you have or what to consider if you want to buy one. This program reviews the mechanics of smart phone cameras and stand-alone cameras. It introduces lenses, SD cards, HDMI/USB cables and storage options. Lab time can be used to help people research camera options if they don’t yet have one. (A few old cameras are available for trial periods.)

Week 2: Framing an Image
Jumping right in, these classes focus on the elements of a framed image. How to consider the shot, the angle, the background, the light source, and other environmental elements. Lab time will be spent walking around the community taking shots.

Week 3: Photo Management
While it’s relatively easy to take a picture, finding a previously taken picture can be complicated. These classes will present various options for managing photos from naming conventions to storage locations and search procedures. Lab time will assist students in setting up their photo archives. Each student will get their own USB drive to help them manage their images.

Week 4: Light Sources
Light is the most important ingredient in photography. How it’s captured on the object/face transforms an image. There are several strategies to manipulate the light sources and related impact of those changes. Lab time will be divided between indoor and outdoor use of lights and reflectors.

Week 5: Settings & Filters
While one can still point and shot, there are a host options for enhancements available within digital photography. These classes will discuss those settings and their impact on the image. Lab time will be spent throughout the community capturing images from different setting options.

Week 6: Editing
Now that we have our images, we’ll spend this week learning how to touch them up. Using free-software we’ll learn the mechanics of editing. During the remainder of the series, lab time will also be devoted to helping students edit their images.

Week 7: Portraits
Now that the basics are covered, the rest of the series dives in deep to support the development of the photographer. On the first class day, students will discuss “What makes a great portrait? The person or the photographer? How to set-up the environment (both physically and mentally) to capture a great image.” Lab time will be spent taking pictures of individuals throughout the senior center and community. Then, the second class will discuss the shots taken and offer advice on strategies for improvement.

Week 8: Action Shots
On the first class day, the theory of the shots will be discussed. The elements of camera settings that support fast moving images, how to take successive shots quickly, and how to be ready for the next shot. Lab time will be off-site capturing moving images. The second class will review shots taken and discuss what was happening before and after.

Week 9: Advocacy
How often have we heard that “an image is worth a thousand words.” But is any image worth that many? What makes an iconic image? This week, we take a look at how we might capture images that could improve life in our community. Lab time spent capturing images throughout the community.

Week 10: Book Making
The culmination of the program is the creation of a book. Each student will get to contribute a page or two of photos for the book. The selected photos will be representative of their work during the class and of their particular photographic style.

Culminating Event: Gallery Showcase
Once the books are printed, a gallery opening will be held in a local community setting to showcase the student images. Each student will get a section of the gallery wall to showcase their book as well as other images for the community to appreciate.