Course Outline
Advanced Modules
Module 1
Cameras & Lenses
Get to know the author, George Seper, before he introduces you to the world of professional photography as it exists today. This module is an extensive look at the equipment you will use, covering cameras, how they function and when to take advantage of the broad range of lenses available to you.
Introduction to the Course
About The Author
The Still Image
The Digital Camera
Camera Overview
Amateur Cameras
Phone cameras
Point and shoot
Micro four third
Bridge and Super Zoom Cameras
Enthusiast VS Pro Cameras
Mirror-less or CSC Cameras
The DSLR
Recent Camera Developments
Which Camera Should I Buy?
Camera Features
Service and accessories
End usage
Parts of a camera
Camera Body
Digital Sensor
Lens
Shutter
Memory card
Important Features of the Modern Camera
Megapixels
Sensor size
Frames Per Second (Fps)
ISO
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Light meter
MASP
Recommendations regarding cameras
Some general observations on cameras
The Pro Camera
The Small Format Camera
The DSLR Camera
The Rangefinder Camera
A Friendly Caution
The Medium Format Camera
The Large Format Camera
Small & Medium Format DSLR Features
Interchangeable Lenses
Adjustable ISO
Depth of Field Preview
Integrated Light Meters
Mirror Locking
Self-Timer
Lenses
Uncovering the Lens
Lens Overview
The Science of lenses
Focus
Focal Length
Aperture
Angle of View
Lens Types
The Normal Lens
Telephoto Lenses
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Wide-Angle Lenses
Specialty Lenses & Attachments
Macro Lenses
Extension Rings, Tubes & Bellows
Zoom Lenses
Reflex Lenses
Tilt-Shift Lenses
Lens Faults & Flaws
Spherical Aberrations
Chromatic Aberration
Barrel & Pincushion Distortion
Flare & Vignetting
Advanced Features of Modern lenses
Multi-coating
Auto focus (AF)
Image stabilisation (IS) or Vibration reduction (VR)
Filters
Polarising Filters
Nuetral Density (ND) Filters
Taking Care of your Equipment
Practical Lens Choices
Food Photography
Fashion Photography
Portrait & Beauty Photography
Architecture & Interior Photography
Travel Photography
Sport & Wildlife Photography
Module 2
Shutters, Aperture & Their Relationships
Learn how to control your camera and capture the images you have always imagined. George introduces powerful previsualisation techniques and provides an in-depth understanding of the settings available through your camera to achieve what you want, when you want.
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Shutters, Aperture & Stops of Light
Shutter Types
Focal Plane Shutters
In Lens Shutter
Exposure Stops
Shutter Speed Stops
Aperture Stops
F/Stop Values
The Advantage of Using F/Stops
Full & Third Stop Reference Table
Relationships & Depth of field
Reciprocity
What is depth of field?
Depth of field (DOF) Overview
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Circles of Confusion
Perceiving Sharpness
Sharpness
Depth of Field (DOF) Scale
Hyperfocal Distance
DOF Preview Button
DOF Preview & DSLR Cameras
DOF & The View Camera
Digital Sensors & The View Camera
DSLR Shooting Modes in Practice
Manual (M)
Aperture Priority (AV) or (A)
Shutter Priority (TV) or (S)
Program Mode (P)
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Exposure Compensation
Composition
The Rule of Thirds
Leading lines
Symmetry
Negative Space
Use the Foreground
Shapes, Patterns & Repetition
Orientation
Fill the frame
Putting It All Together
Previsualisation
Module 3
Exposure & Metering
Accurate exposure is the basis for all photography and this module draws on methods popularised by the great Ansel Adams, modernised to give you an edge in a competitive world. As a professional or advanced amateur you will be able to capture any subject consistently and with growing confidence.
Light Meters
Overview
Hand Held Meters
In Camera Light Meters
Average Reflective Metering
Scenario 1: Light Scenes
Scenario 2: Dark Scenes
Incident Metering
Spot Metering
Digital ISO
Understanding ISO
Increasing Light Sensitivity
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Digital Noise
High ISO, Contrast & Colour Distortion
Auto ISO
The Shutter Speed, Aperture & ISO Relationship
The 18% Grey Card
Palm Metering
Dynamic Range & My Studio Light Metering Method
What is Dynamic Range?
Using Dynamic Range
The Zone System
An Introduction
The Stepped Greyscale Test
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Zone System Basics
RGB & Colour Basics
RGB, Greyscale & Colour Bias
Custom White Balance
Building Your Zone Ruler
The Initial Procedure, Compiling Exposure Data
The Final Procedure, Constructing The Zone Ruler
Understanding our Results
Metering Colours & Other Tips
On Metering
The Sunny F/16 Rule
Module 4
The Film & Digital Process
A short step back in time provides the basis for effectively working and photographing in a digital world. In understanding what comes before, we are able to take full advantage of the tools we have at our disposal today for ever improving photographs.
A Brief History of the Photographic Process
The Optical Process
The Chemical Process
Analogue Image Capture
The Composition of Film
The Wet Process
Film Fogging
Darkroom Printing
The Digital Darkroom
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Early Photo Manipulation
The D-log E Curve of Film
Digital Image Capture
Digital Sensors
CCD & CMOS Compared
Tri-Linear Array Scanning Backs
Film vs Digital
Digital Advantages Over Film
Digital Disadvantages
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The D-Log E Curve of Digital
The Histogram
In Camera Controls & What to do With Them
RAW
Adobe 1998 RGB
sRGB
Greyscale
Saturation, Contrast & Sharpening
Module 5
Light & Colour
After understanding photographic equipment and exposure, light and colour is explored as defining factors in professional photography. Refine your ability to previsualise, see and think like a camera, then delve into post production techniques for monochromatic images.
Light & Colour
The Colour Spectrum
Colour Temperature
Early Colour Theory Development
Maxwell’s Triangle & Modern Colour Theory
Additive & Subtractive Colour Systems
The CIE & LAB Colour
Photographic Filters
Useful Filters in The Digital World
The Mired Scale
Wratten Filters
Managing Colour & White Balance
The Colour Temperature Meter
Digital White Balance
Custom White Balance
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Seeing Like a Camera
Colour Perception
Depth Perception
Dynamic Range
Some Useful Tricks
Squint
Look Through a Filter
Close One Eye
Make a Fist
Rotate the Image
Squat
Previsualisation
Setting Shadows & Highlights
Black & White Photography
A Brief Personal Tour
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B&W Photography In The Digital Era
Method One: In Camera B&W
Method Two: Camera RAW Saturation
Method Three: Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer
Method Four: Greyscale Colour mode
Method Five: Photo Filter
Method Six: Black & White
Method Seven, My Favourite: Channel Mixer Adjustment Layer
Utilising Colour Channels
The Red Channel in RGB
The Green Channel in RGB
The Blue Channel in RGB
The L Channel in Lab
Module 6
Lighting
What is the world’s best lighting? This module takes an in depth look at natural and artificial lighting and how you can use these to your advantage. Explored in the context of portraiture, this knowledge is applied to all genres of photography and it is a crucial part of any good photographer’s education.
About Light
The Sun
Colour
Blue / Amber
Green / Magenta
Light Quality
I Love Daylight
Artificial Light Sources
Using Flash Light
Lighting Outdoors
Time of Day
The Weather
Lighting People & Small Moveable Objects
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Fill In Flash
Mirrors
Scrims
Reflectors
Backlighting
The World’s Best Lighting
The Daylight Look Indoors
Lighting Method 1: Simulated Hazy Day
Lighting Method 2: Simulated Overcast Day
Lighting Method 3: Simulated Full Sun
Continuous Lights
Hot Lights
Tungsten Lighting
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Cool Lights
Fluorescent & LED Lighting
Fluorescent Lights
LED Lights
Balancing Flash & Daylight
Flash Duration
Portrait Lighting
Unisex Portraiture Lighting Scheme
The Vanity Index
Lighting Men & Women
The Law
Module 7
How To Take Better Photos
George explains, through his extensive experience, the commercial realities surrounding photography and methods to help produce the best images you can. Learn from photographers you admire, analyse images to improve technique and recognise what they can be used for.
The Big Question
Commercial Reality
Travel Photography
Photojournalism
Magazine Photography
Advertising Photography
The Little Photoshop on the Corner
Back to Business - Taking Pictures
Educate Yourself
A Process for Photographing Objects
A Mental Shooting Checklist
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Thinking Like a Lens
Previsualisation
Colour Management in Camera
Adobe RGB (1998)
sRGB
ProPhoto RGB
Image Preview
In Camera Tools
Low Resolution LCD Colour Preview
Histograms
Exposure Warning
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Working Tethered
Improving your Photography
The Photoshop Trap
Warning, Danger Ahead!
Sticking to a Subject
Be Honest With Yourself
Be Realistic
A Word on Plagiarism & Improving Technique
A Cut–Out Portfolio
A Style To Call Your Own
Module 8
Equipment & Software
Where is technology going and what do you really need to be a successful photographer? Develop a clear understanding of the advantages and disadvantages that different equipment provides, for now and in the future.
Camera Choices
Format Size
The Small Format Camera System
Advantages
Disadvantages
The Medium Format Camera System
Advantages
Disadvantages
The Large Format Camera System
Advantages
Disadvantages
My Choice of Camera System
Small Format DSLR System
Small Format Compact Systems (CSC’s)
Medium Format System
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Large Format System
Questions & Considerations
Buying Vs Hiring
Buying Considerations
Hiring
Which Lenses Do I Need?
Where is the Technology Going?
Lighting Equipment
Studio Flash Units
Monobloc Studio Lights
Using Multiple Speedlights
Which Brand Should I Buy?
Portability
Tungsten Lighting
Second Hand Gear
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Computers & Monitors
The Calibration Device
Data Storage
Digital Video Disc - DVD’s
Disc Do's & Don’ts
External Hard Drives
RAID Arrays
Solid State Drives
The Future of File Storage
Future Proofing your Files
My Storage System
The Graphics Tablet
Capture Software
Capture One Software
Adobe Photoshop, Bridge & Camera RAW
Module 9
Retouching, Resolution & Printing
Since the dark room, post production and printing has been a defining part of all photography. This module addresses how to get the best out of your images when it comes time to edit and print your work.
Image Retouching Software
Adobe Photoshop (PS)
Adobe Photoshop Elements (PSE)
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom (Lr)
Capture One
Aperture by Apple
Corel Paint Shop Pro
Affinity Photo by Serif
Other Image Editing & Retouching Tools
The Interesting Issue of DPI & PPI
Image File Size… How Big is Big Enough?
Output Devices & Resolution Requirments
Photo Quality Inkjet Printers
Offset Printers
Lines Per Inch & DPI Conversions
The Professional Print Lab
The Web
Dot Gain
Your Work Space
Work in RGB
Gamma
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Gamut
Gamut Warnings
The CMYK Colourspace
Bit Depth
Colour Channels in Photoshop
File Formats for Digital Imaging & Printing
CAMERA RAW
DNG
JPEG
Print Bound Images
PSD Photoshop’s File Format
TIFF
EPS
PDF
GIF
JPEG 2000
Other Random File Formats
Working With 16 BIT Files
16-Bit Capture & ACR
Converting 8-Bit Images to 16-Bit
16-Bit Editing
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Photoshop Retouching
HDR for High Contrast SCenes
Interpolation
Photoshop Toolbox
Quick Masking
Photoshop’s Densitometer
Adjustment Layers
Sharpening
Every Digital Image Requires Sharpening
Unsharp Mask (USM)
Traps For Young Players
My Sharpening Methodology
Selective Sharpening
Camera RAW Image Adjustment Basics
Camera RAW Tools
Adobe Lightroom Image Adjustment Basics
Do Your Prints Look Like The Screen Image?
Greyscale Print Test
Calibration The Whole Shebang
Module 10
The Studio
Working in a studio has many advantages for a photographer. Whether this is full time or only a passing requirement of your photographic practices, it is important that you are familiar with a studio space and the equipment it contains.
The Photographer’s Studio
Do I Need a Studio?
Hiring a Studio
Sharing
How Big A Studio Do I need?
Working From Home
The Perils
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The Joys
The Wedding & Portrait Studio
In Your Studio
The Question of Daylight
Ceiling Height
Poly Boards
Must Haves
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Equipment
Bus & Train Routes
Parking
Security
Hiring Out Your Precious Studio
Start Small
Where to Begin
Module 11
Genres & Portfolios
Constructing a portfolio is one of the most important tasks a photographer carries out. This is ever changing and must develop as your photography develops. George explains the process and how to put your best foot forward in all circumstances.
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Where To Begin
Selecting a Speciality Area
The photographer’s assistant
Career Path Suggestions
Fashion & Beauty
Portraiture
Weddings & Family
Glamour & Boudoir
Photojournalism
Landscapes, Travel & Resort
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Food
Product & Still Life
Architecture & Interiors
Art Photography
Industrial & Corporate
Cars
The Professional Portfolio
Look at the Work of Other Photographers
Look at Stylist’s Portfolios for Ideas
How to Find the Right People to Schmooze
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Talk to Photo Agents
Be Ruthless - Do Not Dilute Your Portfolio
Is One Folio Enough?
Get Other Opinions
Think About Your Presentation
This is Where to Spend Money Wisely
Some Ideas on Marketing Tools
A New Portfolio Approach
Advantages of a Tablet Style Portfolio
Disadvantages of a Tablet Style Portfolio
Module 12
Photo Agents - Picture Agencies. How To Get Work & Keep It
As a professional or advanced amateur creating a style to call your own can help set you apart from the masses. Be an individual, work smart as well as hard and photography will be a lifelong passion as well as a rewarding career if you so choose.
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The Photographer’s Agent
The Role of the Agent
The Photographer/Agent Relationship
How to Find a Photo Agent
Avoid Mixed Agencies if You Can
Be Prepared for Your Interview… You Only Get One Chance
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Fees & Charges
Agency Politics
Don’t Argue!
Photo Libraries & Picture Agencies in a Nutshell
The Copyright Issue
How to Submit Images
Be Organised
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Do Your Homework
Write Down Names in the Lift
Sell Yourself!
Going It Alone
Befriend the Art Buyer
A Final Word