Introduction to Digital Photography

Class Title: Introduction to Digital Photography
Duration: 6 Weeks
Schedule: Weekly (e.g., Sundays, 2-hour sessions)
Level: Beginner

Objective: 
To equip students with the foundational skills and knowledge to capture stunning
digital photographs using their digital camera.

Course Outline
Week 1: Understanding Your Camera
• Topics:
◦ Overview of digital camera types (DSLR, mirrorless)
◦ Key camera components: lens, sensor, shutter, and viewfind
◦ Introduction to camera settings: manual mode, aperture, shutter speed, ISO
• Hands-On Activity:
◦ Practice manual camera mode and light metering.
◦ Experiment with auto vs. manual focus.

Week 2: Mastering Exposure
• Topics:
◦ The Exposure Triangle: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO
◦ How light affects exposure
◦ Introduction to metering modes
• Hands-On Activity:
◦ Capture three photos of the same subject, adjusting each component of the
exposure triangle to see the effects.

Week 3: Composition Techniques
• Topics:
◦ Rule of thirds
◦ Leading lines and framing
◦ Balance and symmetry in a photograph
◦ Using negative space effectively
• Hands-On Activity:
◦ Take photos using various composition techniques to tell a story.

Week 4: Light and Color
• Topics:
◦ Understanding natural vs. artificial lig
◦ Golden hour, blue hour, and harsh light considerations
◦ White balance.
• Hands-On Activity:
◦ Capture photos using different lighting scenarios (indoors and outdoors).
◦ Adjust white balance settings for creative effects.

Week 5: Introduction to Editing
• Topics:
◦ Basics of photo editing software (e.g., Lightroom, Photoshop, or free alternatives)
◦ Adjusting brightness, contrast, and color balance
◦ Cropping and straightening for better composition
• Hands-On Activity:
◦ Edit 2-3 images using basic editing tools.

Week 6: Telling a Story Through Photography
• Topics:
◦ How to create a photo series or mini portfolio
◦ Tips for capturing emotions and moments
◦ Review of concepts learned throughout the course
• Final Project:
◦ Photography Show/Presentation of a 5-photo series on a chosen theme (e.g.,
nature, cityscape, or portraits).
◦ Group critique and discussion.

Materials Needed
• A digital camera that has manual mode.
• Notebook and pen
• Access to a computer with basic editing software (optional but recommended)
Course Deliverables
• A foundational understanding of digital photography concepts
• A mini portfolio of edited photographs
• Confidence in using your camera and editing too