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Courses >
Digital Photography & Digital Video > Secrets of Better Photography
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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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.
Requirements:
A digital or film camera, Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.
Student Reviews:
"A warm and friendly instructor. I learned a lot of
practical and useful knowledge in this photography class. There are so
many online courses offered and the selection increases every time I
look. I only have the time for one at a time but wish I could take more
because so many practical subjects are offered. I learn much more this
way than attending on campus. Love the discussion areas. In a physical
classroom situation, oftentimes a teacher can get bogged down with
students' questions and aspects of the lessons do not get covered
because of lack of time. Sometimes questions do not get asked because
of this. Wish this type of learning was offered sooner."
"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!"
"Beverly Schulz is a superb instructor. I have taken several
courses from her and can't say enough about her teaching style, humor
and warmth. I wish there were more courses offered by Dr. Schulz."
"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!"
"Even though I wasn't very vocal during the course I did
benefit from it very much. I would love to take another class by this
instructor. She has a great personality, is an expert in her field, and
provides so many resources and GREAT comments and tips! I have truly
loved taking this course! I definitely do not regret taking it!!"
"From day one, I felt the lessons were providing valuable
information and techniques that have improved my ability to take
pictures. The supplemental information was invaluable. Although I did
not contribute to the discussion groups, I did review them and found a
lot of information and positive feed back from the instructor and
assistants. Great course, thank you."
"I enjoyed the course greatly, the course content was
exactly what I needed and expected. I feel I have gained a lot of
insight and knowledge into the world of photography. Many thanks to the
instructor."
"I enjoyed the course. It improved my camera use, and my knowledge of it."
"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 looked at several different photography classes which
were offered and this one was by far the most diverse in offering both
technical on the equipment side and techniques. I learned a lot and
would recommend to others."
"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."
"In a short period of time, this course has allowed me to go
from using a simple point and shoot camera to handling the complexities
my new DSLR camera. I feel well prepared to use the many options of a
DSLR resulting in better photos. This is my second course with Beverly
and I have found her materials, resources, assignments and teaching
style a good match to how I learn best. I have already enrolled in
another of her classes! Need I say more...."
"I really enjoyed taking this class and feel that I have, for the first time, a real grasp of the concepts of photography."
"I really improved my photographic skills. My husband said
that my photos look like they were taken by a pro.(Prior to this course
he wouldn't comment!!) I enjoyed the instructor's writing style. She
made the online course feel much more personal by sharing her own
experiences. The TA's responses were prompt, pleasant, and helpful.
Thanks!"
"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. I learned a lot and the
instructor was extremely helpful and encouraging. I'm sorry that the
course has now ended and look forward to taking another online course.
Thank you!!"
"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."
"Thank you for offering and teaching this Photography Class.
I feel as if my camera will be utilized to its full potential and I
will have photographs that will mean even more to me then ever in the
past. Thank you again."
"Thank you so much, I can now say that I really love "photography", not just "taking pictures"!"
"The class was very informative and enjoyable. I learned a
lot about my digital camera and its limitations. And when I do buy a
SLR camera, I will know what I will need and what I want. I enjoy
taking photographs and this class has given me more knowledge with how
to take better photographs and also what to do with those photographs
(magazines, photojournalism and framing). My friends already have their
favorites picked out that they want me to frame for them. Thank you!!"
"The instructor was absolutely wonderful! I appreciated her
encouragement for us to go out and take our own pictures, creating the
feeling that we too could become a photographer. Even though our
instructor is an accomplished photographer herself, she has the ability
to come down to our level and teach us where we are at this time. Thank
you for the knowledge and encouragement you provided. You have made a
real difference in my life!"
"This course has given me a new zest in my photography. I
now look at the dials of my camera with a better understanding, and I
look at my surroundings in a new light."
"This course's instructor is just awesome. It is not just
about the interesting lessons, but also, about her orientation to
detail and concern about her students. She always posts comments,
suggestions, and recommendations in the discussion area, which usually
are a great addition to the class materials. Congratulations!!!"
"This was an excellent course - one of the best I have taken."
"This was the second course I had taken from Beverly Schulz and I would definitely seek her out again!"
To purchase this course, click the Enroll Now button below:
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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.