Fundamentals of Digital Photography Course Outline

Unit 1 You and Your Equipment

• Lesson 1.1 Eye of the Photographer

  In Lesson 1.1: Eye of the Photographer, we train you to ask yourself three fundamental questions as you develop the perfect composition through your viewfinder. Learn to effectively capture expressive moments with accuracy and art as you develop a keen sense of effective photographic storytelling.

• Lesson 1.2 Cameras

  In Lesson 1.2: Cameras, we will study a comprehensive history of cameras. From pinholes to point-and-shoots, you'll develop a broad background understanding of camera history, ending with an analysis of the options available to you today.

• Lesson 1.3 Lenses and Filters

  In Lesson 1.3: Lenses and Filters, we'll look more closely at the two essential elements in any photograph workflow as we explore camera function via lenses and filters. We'll start by discussing basics such as camera and lens combination options, diaphragm and aperture, then move on to master f-Stops and focal strength.

• Lesson 1.4 How to Use Your Camera

  In Lesson 1.4: How to Use Your Camera, we're going to add two more techniques to your growing arsenal of creative controls. Beginning with a comprehensive review of your camera's viewing system, by the end of this lesson you'll have mastered techniques for adjusting both depth of field and shutter speed.

Unit 2 Photography Principles

• Lesson 2.1 Developing Your Eye

  In Lesson 2.1: Developing Your Eye, we will begin to harness your natural ability to create beautiful images as we channel the most effective photographic techniques of visual organization and storytelling. Learn to emphasize your message through effective subject placement as we arrange all elements of your image carefully within your composition.

• Lesson 2.2 Image Capture

  In Lesson 2.2: Image Capture, we begin to explore the mechanics behind how images are recorded digitally, including a brief bit of context regarding how they're captured on actual film. At this point, you should be well versed in digital image sensors and will begin to additionally understand the intricacies of film exposure as well.

• Lesson 2.3 Exposure

  In Lesson 2.3: Exposure, we will help you explore your personal judgment regarding correct, aesthetically pleasing exposure. We'll start by exploring the role your equipment plays in exposure determination then move on to master the 5 basic exposure modes as we continue to help you achieve that perfect, well-lit shot.

• Lesson 2.4 Workflow and Image Editing

  In Lesson 2.4: Workflow and Image Editing, we're going to cover the workflow and image editing that you'll be doing in post-production, the phase of work that begins with the camera and the capture of images in RAW, JPEG or TIFF formats. From backing up files to delivering proofs, by the end of this lesson you'll have mastered a seamless, effective personal workflow.

Unit 3 Harnessing the Light

• Lesson 3.1 Developing Your Visual Signature

  In Lesson 3.1: Developing Your Visual Signature, we will help you learn to understand what you want the final image to look like and to visualize your final shot before you click the shutter. By the end of the lesson you will be able to set your camera so that it can zero-in on your subject and create the mood you want at the exposure you're looking for.

• Lesson 3.2 Natural and Available Light

  In Lesson 3.2: Natural and Available Light, we will discuss what it's like to work with both natural and artificial light. When covering available light photography, you'll learn to effectively capitalize on and use the light that already exists in a scene. By the end of this lesson, you learn to actually see light on a daily basis through the eyes of an ever-diligent photographer.

• Lesson 3.3 Artificial Light-Continuous

  In Lesson 3.3: Artificial Light-Continuous, we'll start to discuss the characteristics that differentiate the various types of light you'll be working with- whether it sun, contrast light or a flash. From there, we will help you learn to distinguish the most suitable light source for you to work with depending on your compositional desires and the ways in which you can then execute this choice effectively.

• Lesson 3.4 Artificial Light-Flash

  In Lesson 3.4: Artificial Light-Flash, we'll begin by examining the various types of flash units and how they work, and then we'll teach you how to use appropriate flash lighting to its best advantage. From pop-up flash to wireless, by the end of this lesson you'll be able to achieve the perfect artificial lighting scenario to capture whatever mood you're hoping to achieve in your future shots.

Unit 4 Photographing People and Places

• Lesson 4.1 Basic Portrait Lighting

  In Lesson 4.1: Basic Portrait Lighting, we'll start by discussing the basics, like catchlights and shadows. From there we can delve deeper into the psychology of effective portraiture, all the while incorporating the most fitting lighting techniques along the way as you learn to adjust light accordingly to achieve the mood your image requires.

• Lesson 4.2 Studio Portraiture,

  In Lesson 4.2: Studio Portraiture, we'll start off by learning the most effective methods for shooting portraits using only available light. From there, we will slowly introduce you to the use of additional portraiture equipment such as lights, reflector boards and umbrellas as you continue to grow comfortable working in a more elaborate studio setting.

• Lesson 4.3 Environmental Portraiture

  In Lesson 4.3: Environmental Portraiture, you'll learn how to focus on key props, pre-planned subject outfits and background elements in order to create location portraits that capture on-site action. One of the most effective methods for showcasing a subject's personality, this lesson will help you grow comfortable with shooting on-location.

• Lesson 4.4 Landscape and Travel Photography

  In Lesson 4.4: Landscape and Travel Photography, we help you develop the self-control needed to fight the ever-common urge to dive into a beautiful landscape scene without pausing to consider compositional technique. From depth of field to framing, by the end of this lesson you'll develop the skills necessary to work effective in snow, fog, rain or shine.

Reference Library

• When you enroll in NYIP's Fundamentals of Digital Photography you have the option to purchase a set of physical materials to go along with your online course.

  While we are committed to always providing self-paced photography courses online, we recognize that many of our students would also like to receive printed lessons that they can keep on their shelves and refer back to anytime they like.

  We have created a beautiful set of brand new physical materials, filled with all of the same amazing photographs and expertly prepared course content. They are available for purchase at a cost of $150, which is due upon enrollment.

  These materials are not required to complete the course. Without them you will still have access to everything you need online.