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Courses >
Digital Photography & Digital Video > Secrets of Better Photography
 Designed for both film and digital photographers, this course is filled with tips and tricks to help you take better photographs. You'll learn the basic technology that all cameras use, and you'll receive helpful information on exposure and lighting. You'll also explore strategies for taking excellent photos in all types of situations, including portraiture, landscape, macro and still life.
This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Beverly Schulz.
 Beverly Schulz is a freelance photographer and a graduate of the New York Institute of Photography's Professional Photographer's program. She teaches a number of classes in digital photography and has more than 25 years of classroom instruction experience. Her writing and photography have been published in a number of magazines. She has traveled extensively and participated in onsite photography workshops as well as independent photo quests. In addition to teaching and photographic work, she provides consulting services for digital photographers and clients.
To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below:
Requirements:
A digital or film camera, Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser. This class does not involve digital editing or other computer specific programs, so both Mac and Windows operating systems are welcome.
Syllabus:
All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when the lesson is released, but you must complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.
A new section of each course starts on the second or third Wednesday of each month. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.
| Week One |
| Wednesday - Lesson 01 |
In this first lesson, you'll learn how to develop your photographer's eye and incorporate composition guidelines as you take great pictures. This information will provide a solid foundation for the rest of the class.
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| Friday - Lesson 02 |
In this lesson, we'll take a look at the options available in camera equipment. Whether you have a point-and-shoot camera or the latest digital SLR, you'll gain a better understanding of the equipment and tools photographers use.
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| Week Two |
| Wednesday - Lesson 03 |
Even if you're a digital photographer, a basic understanding of how film works and the process digital technology has copied is an important aspect of getting better pictures. In this lesson you'll learn about film types, ISO speeds (for both film and digital cameras) and ways to protect and use film wisely.
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| Friday - Lesson 04 |
Light is the essence of photography. In this lesson, we'll explore how to control and use light to your advantage. You'll compare the advantages of natural light, available light and artificial light and see when you'll want to use each to capture the special effects you're after.
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| Week Three |
| Wednesday - Lesson 05 |
If exposure is still a mystery to you, you'll have a chance to see it in a whole new light! You'll explore f/stops, shutter speed, and manual exposure settings, so you'll get the results you're after. You'll also see how to use spot metering to achieve silhouettes, and control your settings to capture motion and the depth of field that's just right for each image.
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| Friday - Lesson 06 |
As you move into the second half of the course, you'll use the technical information from the first half in a variety of specialty areas. In this lesson, you'll learn the tricks of portrait photography. Whether you're working professionally or just as the family photographer, these techniques will help you take better portraits.
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| Week Four |
| Wednesday - Lesson 07 |
Photographing children, pets and groups is a challenge for even the most seasoned professional photographer. In this lesson, you'll learn some techniques and strategies to get the best from all of your efforts.
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| Friday - Lesson 08 |
In this lesson, we'll explore the exciting world of travel and outdoor photography. You'll get the opportunity to fine-tune your landscape strategies and use the manual settings on your camera. We'll also discuss photographing wild and captive animals.
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| Week Five |
| Wednesday - Lesson 09 |
Photojournalism is a fascinating field for photographers. This fast-paced world presents challenges of its own. In this lesson, you'll see how the pros handle this type of work. We'll also discuss how to get started in the field.
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| Friday - Lesson 10 |
Still photography and macro work use different techniques than many of the other subjects you'll learned up to this point in the class. The equipment and subjects you choose play a big part in your success. We'll discuss the process and also look at some forms of specialty work.
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| Week Six |
| Wednesday - Lesson 11 |
Whether you take your photos with digital or traditional equipment, digital editing is a real bonus for photographers. In this lesson, you'll learn about the basic and artistic editing techniques available to all photographers, as well as some of the technical issues of digital photography.
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| Friday - Lesson 12 |
Our last lesson looks at ways to display the perfect print. We'll explore printing preparation, framing options, and creative ways to display your images.
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To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below:
Student Reviews:
"Beverly changed my photography skills the second I finished reading the first lesson. I was able to put everything into practice and I have amazing photos to show for it!"
"Compared to many of the students, I'm a real novice with novice equipment. Nevertheless, the many and varied suggestions of the marvelous instructor have helped me a lot. I understand my camera much better and am considering upgrading. In fact, the other day I drove into a local shopping mall, noticed the light on the trees with their fall color and wished I had a camera with me!"
"I enjoyed this course very much! I've been experimenting with photography for a while now and this course pulled together the bits and pieces of knowledge I've discovered on my own. It's also given me many new ideas to try as I continue learning about this fascinating field!"
"I feel like I learned a lot! I have a much better grasp on how my camera functions, what it has to offer me and what I can accomplish with it. I look forward to taking more in-depth classes in photography."
"I loved this course both because it opened my eyes to many possibilities about photography and my own abilities, and because the interaction among the students and instructors overcame any feeling of isolation which might come from the nature of an online course. I had a totally positive experience."
"I really enjoyed taking this class and feel that I have, for the first time, a real grasp of the concepts of photography."
"I was hesitant about taking an online photography class thinking I would miss the learning opportunities afforded by the classroom experience. Happily I realized early on that the same camaraderie and sharing of information happens online."
"Thank you Beverly Schulz!!!! I have learned a ton and I hope to be able to get more great pictures from now on. This was worth my time and the money. Once again thank you for sharing your love and talent of photography with us."
To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below:
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