Composition Basics: Making Great Photographs
Class Description
You are beginning digital photography and have just joined the world of amateur photography and bought yourself a new Digital SLR, but what do all those bits and buttons actually do? This class was created to be a quick and easy way to get acquainted with your digital camera's essential functions, learn how the camera “sees,” and begin taking great pictures.Are you new to digital SLR photography? Or are you simply ready to go beyond Auto mode to start using the real power of your camera?
In this class you will learn the basics of the dSLR, which menu items are the most important, and how to access and set them on your particular camera. You will learn how to take sharp, well-exposed images and how to create blur when and where you need it. You will learn basic principles of composition.
We will take time to experiment and shoot indoors and outdoors (weather permitting) what we’ve learned, then discuss as a group, and learn from each other’s work.
After shooting, we eat lunch provided by the Photo Center, followed by a discussion on light - creating ideal light conditions and working with a few lighting challenges when photographing people. Use of supplemental light including flash will be introduced.
The goal will always be to have fun with your camera and create pictures you will enjoy.
Topics Covered:
• Proper Exposure - the relationship
between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
• Camera modes - Manual, Aperture
Priority, Shutter Priority, “P” and different reasons for their use
• Use of aperture, focal length, and/or distance to creatively control the
area of acceptable sharpness (depth of field)
• Deciding which exposure items to set first
• Understanding memory cards and why using the appropriate shooting
mode matters
• Tripods - when do you need one and which type
Topics that will be discussed and demonstrated:
- The Rule of Thirds
- Working the Lines in Your Photography (how to use horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines)
- Finding Fresh Angles to Shoot From
- Photographing Children – Composition
- Getting Horizons Horizontal
- Getting Images Straight
- Fill Your Frame
- The Importance of Focal Points
- Creating Active Space – Photographing Moving Subjects
- Getting Backgrounds Right
- Framing Your Shots
- How to Use Converging Lines to Enhance Your Photography
- 4 Rules of Composition for Landscape Photography
- How to Break the ‘Rules’ of Photography
Class Requirements
Familiarity with your camera, camera settings, and basic camera functions. If you are not yet comfortable with your camera, we suggest that you take our Beginning Digital Photography class offered every month.
Digital SLR,zoom or assorted fixed lenses, memory cards and card readers.
The Mpls Photo Center has Digital SLRs for class use at $25/per session.
Class Schedule
Date |
Start Time |
End Time |
Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, January 24th, 2015 | 10:00 AM | 4:00 PM | Digital Learning Center |
About the Instructor
Curtis Juliber:
New York City native Curtis Juliber previously worked for 16 years at Apple Computer in various sales and marketing roles, working with many Twin Cities's ad agencies and publishing organizations. He has an MBA from Minnesota State University and a BSE from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Curtis has been working with digital images since 1994 and is always investigating software technologies to enhance his digital darkroom.
Register for this Class
The cost of the "Composition Basics: Making Great Photographs" class is: $165.00
Learn more about our membership and be eligible to receive a 10% on all MPC classes.
Please Note: This class is currently full. Please contact us if you would like to be placed on a waiting list and advised of the next scheduled class. In the meantime you might consider our One on One personalized education options with our trained professionals.
