Discover Digital Photography

Discover Digital Photography

Gain the skills you need to take great photos with your digital camera and never miss a memorable moment again. This course is an informative introduction to digital photography, from DSLRs to smart phone cameras.

6 Weeks Access / 24 Course Hrs
  • Details
  • Syllabus
  • Requirements
  • Instructor
  • Reviews
$115.00

Select Instruction Type:

$115.00
Self-Guided

Details

Discover Digital Photography is designed for the novice photographer with no previous experience with digital cameras.

This course will teach you all about digital cameras, from DSLRs to smart phone cameras and what different equipment is used for. You will learn about different display methods for your camera, including sizing, print options, online storage, and how social media factors into digital photography. If you have old slides, negatives, or prints, this course will also teach you how to scan those "old school" photo assets.

After completing the course, you will understand how the process of composing photos has changed with the evolving capabilities of digital photography.

Syllabus

In your first lesson, you'll have a chance to become familiar with the online classroom and discover the many resources available to you, including the beginning of the Digital Dictionary. You will also learn how digital photography works and what's needed to get started with a digital workshop at home.

In this lesson, you'll have an opportunity to understand the key features of a digital camera. This will be helpful as you learn about what to look for both inside and outside the camera and as you explore the different levels of equipment available.

When it's time to buy your own camera, you'll want to know how to make the right choice. This lesson covers more of the attributes and features of digital photography, so you're ready to go shopping!

Digital storage is a big issue. In this lesson, you will learn the ways to address this aspect of digital photography. When it comes to digital images, you'll need storage space—not only on your camera, but also on your computer and somewhere offline for backup. This lesson also recommends how to get the most out of your storage space and the best backup option.

Digital photography isn't limited to traditional cameras! You probably have your phone or tablet with you most of the time, and this lesson explores the option of using that camera to take pictures, display your images, or even do quick editing. If you've been a bit confused by all the new terminology connected with smartphones and tablets, here you'll find easy explanations and clear examples of how to make the most of this technology.

The ability to edit your digital images is one of the most compelling features of digital photography. This lesson will show you several of the software programs available to you and some of the many features you'll find in digital editing programs.

Using digital images online and on your computer are big parts of digital photography. In this lesson, you'll discover ways you can easily use digital images with email and on websites. You will also learn how to size images for use on the Internet. You'll love learning how simple it is to use your images as backgrounds and computer wallpaper. With digital photography, you can customize almost anything!

Printing digital images can take many forms. This lesson explores the options for printing at home and the extensive network of retail printers available for digital work. You'll also learn how to prepare your images for the best quality prints, regardless of where you print them. If archival quality is important to you, or if you're scrapbooking, there are some things you'll want to know!

This lesson explores how new and how digital imaging is changing communication, business practices, and the way photographers protect their images.

Scanning printed images is an important option for digital photography. This lesson focuses on restoring old and damaged photos, as well as using scanners to convert slides, negatives, and prints into digital images. You'll even learn how to capture an image of a 3D object with a scanner! A scanner is a terrific tool for digital photographers and does an excellent job of connecting traditional photography with the digital era. This is an especially important lesson for scrapbookers who are working on family histories with damaged images or printed documents.

Travel photography is always a favorite subject for photographers, whether you're shooting in your own backyard or around the world. Digital photography presents some different challenges and opportunities. This lesson focuses on how professionals in the field handle the challenges, as well as techniques and opportunities you can use when you travel, including file organization with Adobe's Lightroom.

Your final lesson will teach you how to compose your pictures with digital options in mind. There's a lot more to being a digital photographer than just owning a digital camera. In this lesson, you will see some great examples of difficult situations that you can remedy with digital solutions. The more you learn about your options, the more you'll want to experiment!

Requirements

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course.


Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

  • This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows 8 or later.
  • Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  • Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

  • Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Instructor

Beverly Richards Schulz

Beverly Richards Schulz is an award-winning photographer and graduate of the New York Institute of Photography. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from UC Berkeley and a master's degree in Adult and Continuing Education. For the past 10 years, Schulz has taught at the University of San Francisco. With more than 15 years teaching experience, she has written over 30 digital photography and digital editing courses. She co-authored the book "Photoshop Elements 14—What's New?"

Reviews

"I knew nothing, really, about digital photography or cameras when I started. My knowledge was so limited I couldn't even ask questions. Now I feel competent to choose a camera and discuss the subject intelligently with people already using the technology. With the lessons, links, recommended books and other resources gleaned from this course I will practice all of the methods and techniques at my leisure. Many thanks."

"At first, I was leery about taking an online course and even felt that I would have done better in a classroom; however, after two lessons I quickly changed my mind. I liked being able to print the lessons and study at my convenience. I really enjoyed the course."

"Awesome course! Helped me with the purchase of my new camera and the overall functionality of it from the start. Made the purchase exciting not overwhelming or frustrating. THANK YOU!"

"Beverly, I've enjoyed this course because it seemed that the lessons were written just for me and the questions of the other students supplemented the information. Also, no matter how trivial or complicated the students' questions were, you and Eric somehow managed to keep your answers simple and to the point. Thank you. "

"I can't remember when I have been so delighted with a class. The supplemental material alone could keep me busy for several lifetimes. It goes on and on - a wealth of information. Beverly kept it fascinating every inch of the way. This class is the school's best kept secret - and what a bargain! If Beverly teaches it, I'll sign up for it no matter the cost. I can't think of one suggestion to improve this class. How do you improve on perfection?"

"I had no knowledge of digital photography prior to taking this course, and feel I gained a good beginning foundation in this area. Beverly Schulz is extremely knowledgeable, displays warm interpersonal skills in her interaction with those taking this course, and presents the course material in an interesting and lively manner. I appreciate all of the great references she provided."

"I was already familiar with scanning, shooting digital, and editing with software. I learned more technical details in these areas. What I really needed to learn this course taught very well: printing, inks, paper and permanency of photos for the future. I was pleasantly surprised by the historical aspects of photography presented here, giving an excellent context for the extreme changes in photography we are experiencing today. Well worth the time and money. Thank you, Beverly and TA's!"

"Thanks Beverly....This course has helped me to expand my knowledge about photography and has stirred up my interest again in this art form........I'm very excited to have taken your course and to pick up my hobby again."

"This course far exceeded my expectations in information. I had stated many times that I would not change to digital photography. After this course I now am excited about entering the digital world. The course has helped me decide on the camera I want to purchase as well as other equipment I didn't realize I needed. It also gave me wonderful hints and suggestions for photography in general. I now also feel more confident in using the internet. Thank you so much."

"This course has given me the skills I need to continue exploring photography. I have enjoyed this experience completely. My job has hindered me from pursuing additional learning opportunities, but this class’s timeline allowed me to balance a very demanding job with my desire to continue my education. Thank you!"

Self-Guided Course Code: T9239
Instructor-Moderated Course Code: dph