This course is part of the Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization

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Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR SpecializationMichigan State University

About this Course

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Welcome to Course Two of Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR!  Now that you have a broad understanding of the various types of cameras, the importance of setting up Menus and Functions to gain control in your photography, and the difference between Auto and Program exposure modes, you are ready to move into even greater Camera Control!  
In these 4 Modules we will concentrate on gaining the knowledge necessary to make use of Exposure Modes, Light Metering, Effects of various ISO settings, Lens options, using Shutter Speeds to convey aspects of Time in both documentary and creative ways, and exploring the controlled focus effects that Depth of Field Principles make possible.   You will also continue to make new photographs and, if you are a subscriber to the specialization, continue interacting with your fellow learners as you share photographs for Peer Review.  You will also confirm your knowledge through completion of quizzes and written responses.  Let's get started with Module One!

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Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Course 2 of 5 in the

Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization

Approx. 13 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Spanish

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 2 of 5 in the

Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization

Approx. 13 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Spanish

Instructors

Instructor rating

4.85/5 (208 Ratings)

Peter Glendinning

Professor

Art, Art History, & Design

258,550 Learners

5 Courses

Mark Valentine Sullivan

Associate Professor

Music / Innovation Hub

258,550 Learners

5 Courses

Offered by

Michigan State University

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 150 years.

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating96%(6,272 ratings)

Week

Week 1

4 hours to complete

WELCOME, OVERVIEW, and FUNDAMENTALS

Welcome to Course TWO! From previous lessons, you have learned to set your camera menus and functions so your camera is ready to use. Beginning with Module 1, we'll add to the camera knowledge you gained in Course ONE to increase your understanding of critical exposure factors so you can create predictable results through confident control. If you are fully participating in the Course, you will also have the opportunity to test your knowledge through Quiz questions, and share your photographs in Peer Review and learn from the photographs of fellow Learners. As you learn about different exposure options, the concept and effects of Depth of Field, and begin to study the visual elements in a more concentrated manner, you will be developing the skills to "put it all together," to create pictures you will be proud to share that go beyond the snapshot to more fulfilling expression.

4 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 50 min), 1 reading, 6 quizzes

7 videos

MEET MSU and THE SPECIALIZATION3m

MEET THE PROFESSORS: Peter Glendinning and Mark Sullivan12m

MEET THE COURSE: an overview by Peter and Mark4m

Under Exposure and Over Eposure4m

Reflected Light Meter & Meter Modes6m

Equivalent Exposure Combinations & MAPS-prob9m

Stop Action and Blur8m

1 reading

About Peer Review10m

5 practice exercises

Exposure Quiz30m

Reflected Light Meter & Meter Modes - Quiz30m

Equivalent Exposure Comb & Shooting Modes - MAPS -Quiz30m

Stop Action, Camera Blur - Quiz30m

Exposure - Summative Quiz30m

Week

Week 2

3 hours to complete

Elements of Camera Control 2.0: The Lens

In Module 2 you will learn how changes in focal length of the camera lens can have dramatic effects on both the ways that perspective is rendered, and the ways that content of a scene can be altered.

3 hours to complete

12 videos (Total 89 min)

12 videos

Focal Length:"Normal," sensors, and angle of view9m

Focal Length: Perspective effects7m

Peter discusses Focal Length Pictures3m

Focal Length Series from a Single Vantage Point9m

Focal Lengths: Fixed or Zoom10m

Special Lenses: Macro5m

Special lenses: Fisheye6m

Special Lenses: Tilt-Shift10m

Smartphone Specialties6m

Protecting the Lens: shades and filters6m

Polarizing and Specialty Filters8m

Lens Adapters3m

4 practice exercises

Focal Length Basics30m

Focal Length Effects30m

Lens Specialties30m

Lens Summative Quiz30m

Week

Week 3

3 hours to complete

Elements of Camera Control 3.0: Depth of Field

In Module 3 you will learn about the meaning of "Depth of Field," and how it can be controlled to create areas of focus that are perfect for the type of content you wish to convey in your photographs, whether they are for business or pleasure, art or industry.

3 hours to complete

3 videos (Total 9 min), 2 readings, 5 quizzes

Week

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Picture Decisions:

In Module 4 we return to studying concepts related to the way photographs look, and how practical decisions that are unique to photography can have dramatic effect in terms of what their objective or creative content might be. We examine the aspect of Time as an essential choice that must be made by photographers no matter what their ultimate goal for image-making. We continue the Peer Review process for paid-Learners.

2 hours to complete

3 videos (Total 17 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

Reviews

4.8

425 reviews

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3 stars
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TOP REVIEWS FROM CAMERA CONTROL

by DAFeb 12, 2018

The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable. The projects are instructional and test you to learn, try, etc. It made me think of new ways to capture images and inspired me to photograph every day!

by ATDec 1, 2017

Great course structure. Great Professors and Mentors. This course has really help me grow a lot as a photographer. I'm so thankful to Coursera & MSU for putting such a great course for learners.

by JGOct 6, 2016

This has an really great course of this Specialization, one the best I've ever taken, online or 'real' (and I have taken a lot, two Masters Degrees and PhD studies). Peter and Mark are awesome!

by CCSep 20, 2020

Helped me become a more detailed photographer, had a few setbacks but still made great photos in the end. Hope to have muscle memory of this knowledge and continue to be a better photographer.

View all reviews

About the Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization

Whether your camera is a Smartphone or DSLR, a Compact or Mirrorless model, you will learn to gain control of exposure and understand fundamentals of composition, while exploring documentary and creative concepts to make the kinds of photographs you have always wanted.

This Specialization covers a broad range of fundamental principles in photography, from camera control to principles of composition and creativity, providing you with a foundation for growth in making photographs you’ll be proud to share. In the Capstone you will develop a final project of photographs related to your individual needs, whether practical or purely expressive, and share ongoing feedback with fellow learners. In addition to the awarding of a Certificate of Specialization from Michigan State University, each Learner who subscribes to and completes the entire Specialization, including Capstone, will receive substantial discounts on equipment, accessories, and membership benefits through Industry Partners from among the premier manufacturers of photography equipment: Fracture, Gary Fong, Gyst, Lensbaby, LensPen, Lume Cube, Photo District News, PhotoVideoEdu.com, Pixsy, and Think Tank.

Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

Camera Control

About this Course