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!
This course is part of the Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization
Camera Control
Offered By
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
14 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.
7 videos (Total 50 min), 1 reading, 6 quizzes
7 videos
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 Quiz8m
Reflected Light Meter & Meter Modes - Quiz14m
Equivalent Exposure Comb & Shooting Modes - MAPS -Quiz16m
Stop Action, Camera Blur - Quiz12m
Exposure - Summative Quiz36m
Week
22 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.
12 videos (Total 89 min), 4 quizzes
12 videos
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 Basics14m
Focal Length Effects8m
Lens Specialties12m
Lens Summative Quiz20m
Week
33 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 videos (Total 9 min), 2 readings, 5 quizzes
3 videos
Depth of Field and Aperture, Focal Length, & Focal Distance5m
Mark discusses DOF in a photograph2m
2 readings
Depth of Field - Further Notes10m
About Peer Review10m
4 practice exercises
Aperture and Depth of Field - Quiz8m
Focal Length and Depth of Field - Quiz6m
Focus Distance and Depth of field - Quiz4m
Depth of Field Summative QUIZ16m
Week
43 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.
3 videos (Total 17 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
3 videos
Photographs and Time As Fiction-4m
Peter discusses Time and his photography6m
2 readings
Time, Fact, and Fiction - Reading and Viewing10m
About Peer Review10m
4.7
197 Reviews43%
started a new career after completing these courses
43%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
33%
got a pay increase or promotion
Top Reviews
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!
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.
Instructors
Peter Glendinning
ProfessorArt, Art History, & Design
Mark Valentine Sullivan
Associate ProfessorMusic / Innovation Hub
About Michigan State University
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 150 years.
One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
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.
The 'top-10' peer-reviewed Capstone projects each year will be awarded the opportunity for individual reviews, with personal responses, by world renowned photographers who have been honored with the title of Canson-Infinity® Ambassadors.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
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.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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