Back to Cameras, Exposure, and Photography
Michigan State University

Cameras, Exposure, and Photography

Welcome to Course One of Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR! In these first 4 Modules you will gain the knowledge and the confidence that will help you make good choices as you consider qualities of the camera you own, and the qualities of the other types of digital cameras you might be considering. You will learn about the basic functions that most digital cameras have in common. You will also go beyond the "technical" matters and learn about how you can make exciting pictures by emphasizing the aspects of Frame and Vantage Point to interpret old subjects in new ways. Discovering accessories that photographers find useful, and the types of camera bags from mini to carry-on sized, is also in store for you. You will also make your first photographs and, if you are a subscriber to the specialization, upload pictures to the web gallery and start interacting with your fellow learners in our "Gallery." Let's get started with Module One!

Status: Photography
Status: Peer Review
Course21 hours

Featured reviews

SN

4.0Reviewed Oct 11, 2020

I just Loved the way of teaching all the concepts in detail. This course will help me to capture the photographs in different manner. The perspective for capturing the moments has been changed.

LB

5.0Reviewed Sep 25, 2020

it definitely increases our enthusiasm and passion for photography, this course gives us the basics of photography and camera settings. thank you professors for your encouragement and efforts.

R

5.0Reviewed Dec 22, 2017

This course was very informative and provided just the right amount of challenge for me to stretch my creativity and newly obtained knowledge. I enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the next course.

EA

5.0Reviewed Nov 8, 2021

T​his is a great introduction to your camera and compsing photos. There are some aspects that are very basic, but that is needed so they can build on that knowledge. I am glad I took this course.

DF

5.0Reviewed Jan 18, 2023

Great way to reach many learning styles: video, with the dialog typed and the ability to copy the dialog to create notes. I really enjoyed your teach style breaking down every step. Thank you

OG

4.0Reviewed Jun 8, 2020

Course content is better and easy to understand...But I think they can make more relative photography content with giving the dilemna of perception with their experiences like last weeks content...

RT

5.0Reviewed Jan 7, 2021

My time spent studying this material was an investment in myself. I picked up several new ideas and added a deeper understanding of composition as well as the mechanical parts of my art. Thank you.

JS

4.0Reviewed May 14, 2017

A good course to start and a thorough refresher of (digital) photography basics a la 21st century. Sometimes a bit long winding for my taste, but quite acceptable overall. Topics well chosen.

MC

4.0Reviewed Jul 27, 2016

This was a fun course. Information is presented in digestible, bite sized pieces. The peer review process works fast and well--I was surprised how perceptive the critiques of my photos were.

JM

5.0Reviewed Dec 9, 2018

I ve learned so much through this course. I m able to set my camera, think about vantage points and framing of pictures now. I recommend this course to anyone who wants to take photography seriously.

JD

4.0Reviewed Mar 25, 2021

Generally a good beginner course for learning the principles of photography. I found the section about smartphones to be out of date and out of place for this course and a waste of my time.

RP

5.0Reviewed May 31, 2020

It's a very good course for beginners and I got to learn a lot and improve my photography in every way possible! I recommend it to everyone who's interested in Photography and want to do more with it.

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