Unit 1 You and Your Equipment

• Lesson 1.1 Eye of the Photographer

  In Lesson 1.1: Eye of the Photographer, we introduce you to the world of photography and show you how to see the world through the eyes of a professional photographer. We also introduce you to three fundamental guidelines to follow every time you want to make a great photograph.

• Lesson 1.2 Cameras

  Lesson 1.2: Cameras is an introduction to the basic parts of the modern camera, a description of each of their respective functions and an overview of several popular types of cameras. Additionally, we include helpful advice to guide you in selecting a camera and a breakdown of the functions of modern digital cameras.

• Lesson 1.3 Lenses and Filters

  In Lesson 1.3: Lenses and Filters, we include a helpful overview of the functions of a lens and give in-depth coverage on topics such as lens speed, aperture and focal length. In addition, we detail the different types of lenses and their attributes as well as characteristics of modern lenses and filters.

• Lesson 1.4 How to Use Your Camera

  In Lesson 1.4: How to Use Your Camera, we go over each specific camera function and how you can use it to create wonderful photographs. We will cover focusing, controlling, depth of field, shutter speed, image quality, tripod use and camera care in this lesson.

• Lesson 1.5 Developing Your Visual Signature

  In Lesson 1.5: Developing Your Visual Signature, we introduce you to visual signature. We show you what it is and how many professional photographers use it in their images. Additionally, we instruct you on how to define your own visual signature and explore the impact it will have on how you create images.

Unit 2 Capturing the Image

• Lesson 2.1 Developing Your Eye

  Lesson 2.1: Developing Your Eye focuses on your ability to ”see”—that is, to use your photographer’s eye to recognize the opportunities for powerful photos in the world around you and then to compose those photos most effectively in the viewfinder before you click the shutter.

• Lesson 2.2 Image Capture

  Lesson 2.2: Image Capture focuses on how an image is recorded digitally with a bit of context on how it’s captured on film. Understanding the intricacies of image capture is vital to the understanding of photography and will enable you to take better photos.

• Lesson 2.3 Exposure

  Lesson 2.3: Exposure will help you make the most of your tools so you can get the exposure you’re looking for—and that is precisely what proper or correct exposure is: the exposure that you have in mind for your image. Explore this lesson and take your photographic understanding to the next level.

• 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. A pro photographer’s work isn’t over after the image is captured. This lesson will introduce you to a workflow and help you make the post-production process more efficient.

• Lesson 2.5 Evolution of a Photographer

  In Lesson 2.5: Evolution of a Photographer, we’ll add more traits and qualities to the list of what it is to be a pro photographer. Passion, or a deep-down love for photography, is the beginning point in the evolution of a photographer. And if you’re a passionate beginner, you’re starting from the exact same place.

Unit 3 Harnessing the Light

• Lesson 3.1 Natural and Available Light

  In Lesson 3.1: Natural and Available Light, we’ll show you how to use sunlight creatively, guiding you toward a better understanding of its characteristics. You’ll also learn how to use other types of light that already exist in a scene. You’ll actually start to see light—really see it—for the first time.

• Lesson 3.2 Artificial Light

  Lesson 3.2: Artificial Light will introduce you to the bread-and-butter staple of many professionals. From wedding photography to advertising to portraits to pet shots, a large part of a photographer’s work is done in the studio or other indoor locations where artificial lighting often plays a key role.

• Lesson 3.3 Flash and Strobe

  In Lesson 3.3: Flash and Strobe, we’ll delve into artificial lighting that occurs in brief bursts: electronic flash. We’ll examine various types of flash units and how they work and we’ll teach you how to use flash lighting to its best advantage. Additionally, we’ll introduce you to the studio strobes and how the pros use them.

• Lesson 3.4 Travel Photography

  Whether you want a photographic record of a special trip or sell your photos for profit, your objective should be to make photos you’d be proud to hang on the wall. But real travel photography begins once you’ve gotten those “tourist” photos out of the way, and that’s what Lesson 3.4: Travel Photography is all about.

• Lesson 3.5 Landscape and Nature Photography

  When you come across a breathtaking scene, instead of grabbing your camera and hoping for the best, pause and think for a moment. Lesson 3.5: Landscape and Nature Photography will help you identify the element that you want to capture and what photographic techniques to use to accentuate it.

Unit 4 Photographing People

• Lesson 4.1 Basic Portrait Lighting

  Lesson 4.1: Basic Portrait Lighting will guide you through the basic techniques you can use with any number of contemporary lighting solutions in the home or professional studio. To start acquiring this valuable photographic skill, we begin with the basics of portrait lighting.

• Lesson 4.2 Studio Portraiture

  Lesson 4.2: Studio Portraiture will guide you through the studio portraiture process and show you the techniques and tips that you’ll use again and again. We’ll show you how to develop skills in portraiture that will enable you to use all the professional’s tricks of the trade.

• Lesson 4.3 Environmental Portraiture

  In Lesson 4.3: Environmental Portraiture, you’ll learn how to focus on key props, dress and background elements to create location portraits that capture on-site action and give us windows into a subject’s personality. And most important, you’ll learn how to simplify your composition for greatest visual impact.

• Lesson 4.4 Child and Pet Photography

  Successful child and pet photographs can be created with training and preparation. In Lesson 4.4: Child and Pet Photography, we will go over the techniques you need to know down pat because your subject will demand all your concentration once the photo session begins.

• Lesson 4.5 Wedding Photography

  Wedding photography encompasses every aspect of photography, from portraits to groups, interiors to candids and photojournalism. In Lesson 4.5: Wedding Photography, we’ll give you a general idea of what it takes to succeed as a wedding photographer.

Unit 5 Broadening Your Subject Range

• Lesson 5.1 Photojournalism

  Simply put, photojournalism is the craft of storytelling with pictures and words. Whether you aspire to becoming a photojournalist or you want to make pictures and organize them in a more compelling way, by the time you’ve finished Lesson 5.1: Photojournalism, you’ll be on your way to achieving your goals.

• Lesson 5.2 Fashion Photography

  In Lesson 5.2: Fashion Photography, flair is just as important as experience, technique, or an art background. If you’re to be successful in the fast-paced world of fashion photography, you must have a genuine passion for high-fashion clothing.

• Lesson 5.3 Macro Photography

  Macro photography is something that most serious photographers will experiment with at some point in their careers. In Lesson 5.3: Macro Photography, we’ll examine several different photographic specialty areas related to taking photographs of tiny objects as well as those that are close to the camera ... or very far away.

• Lesson 5.4 Advertising and Still-Life Photography

  In Lesson 5.4: Advertising and Still-Life Photography, we will focus on how to make a product look desirable and amazingly attractive. Additionally, we will take an in-depth look at the world of lifestyle advertising and how you, the photographer, can hope to get into this amazing industry

• Lesson 5.5 Architectural Photography

  Lesson 5.5: Architectural Photography will focus on how to record the outward appearance and proportions of the building in proper perspective and how to capture the mood and presence that the architect intended for the structure in its surroundings.

Unit 6 Professional Pathways

• Lesson 6.1 Freelance Opportunities

  In Lesson 6.1: Freelance Opportunities, we will explore numerous professional photography genres and give you a well-informed outlook towards your own professional career path. This lesson will cover a range of topics from stringers to stock photography.

• Lesson 6.2 Portfolio Development

  A portfolio is the quintessential item a photographer will need to showcase their work. In Lesson 6.2: Portfolio Development, we’ll discuss in detail how to develop and maintain a portfolio, from how to select images and shape your portfolio to how you can identify your target audience of potential clients.

• Lesson 6.3 The Business of Photography

  Lesson 6.3: The Business of Photography will introduce you to essential photography business skills. There’s a very blurry line between the amateur—who does it for love—and the professional who shoots for both love and money. This lesson will guide you through the steps it takes to become a professional

• Lesson 6.4 Introduction to Marketing and Branding

  Self-promotion is one of the keys to success as a professional photographer. In Lesson 6.4: Introduction to Marketing and Branding, we start thinking about identifying particular markets, learning what that market needs and then producing images that fill those needs.

• Lesson 6.5 Clients and Pricing

  Outside of the shoot itself, a critical part of professional photography is dealing with clients and pricing your work. Lesson: 6.5: Clients and Pricing will show you these final components and give you the necessary tools for success as a professional photographer in any field.