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 Professional Photography Course
About The Author
The Still Image
The Digital Camera
Camera Overview
Amateur Cameras
Phone Cameras
Point & Shoot
Micro Four Third
Bridge & Super Zoom Cameras
Enthusiast vs Pro Cameras
Mirrorless Or CSC Cameras
The DSLR
Recent Camera Developments
Which Camera Should I Buy?
Camera Features
Service & 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
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
Recent Developments In Small Format Cameras
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
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
Neutral Density (ND) Filters
Taking Care Of Your Equipment
Lenses
Camera
Practical Lens Choices
Food Photography
Fashion Photography
Portrait & Beauty Photography
Architecture & Interior Photography
Travel Photography
Sport & Wildlife Photography
Wedding Photography
Stay Connected
Glossary
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.
Shutters & Aperture
Shutter Types
Focal Plane Shutters
In Lens Shutter
Exposure Stops
Traditional Shutter Speed Stops
Aperture Stops
F/stop Values
The Advantage Of Using F/Stops
Full & Third Stop Reference Table
Aperture & Depth Of Field
Reciprocity
What Is Depth Of Field?
Depth Of Field (DOF) Overview
Circles Of Confusion
Perceiving Sharpness
Sharpness
Depth Of Field (DOF) Scale
Hyperfocal Distance
DOF Preview Button
LCD Preview Button & 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)
Exposure Compensation
Composition
Helpful Guidelines
The Rule Of Thirds
Leading Lines
In The Middle / Symmetry
Negative Space
Use The Foreground
Shapes, Patterns & Repetition
Orientation
Fill The Frame / Try Getting in Closer
Putting It All Together
Pre-visualisation
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
Handheld Light Meters
In-Camera Light Meters
Average Reflective Metering
Scenario 1: Light Scenes
Scenario 2: Dark Scenes
Incident Metering
Spot Metering
Digital ISO
Understanding Digital ISO
Increased Light Sensitivity
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?
A Guide To Using Dynamic Range
The Zone System
An Introduction
The Stepped Greyscale Test
Zone System Basics
RGB & Colour Basics
RGB, Greyscale & Colour Bias
Custom White Balance (CWB)
Overview – Building A Zone Ruler
Compiling Exposure Data In The Zone Table
The Final Procedure, Constructing The Zone Ruler
Mechanical, Old-School Zone Ruler
Photoshop Zone Ruler Construction
Making Use Of Our Test Results
Practical Zone Placement
Lightroom Classic vs. Lightroom CC
Metering Colours & Other Tips
On Light Metering
The Sunny F/16 Rule
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 Photographic Film
The Wet Process
Film Fogging
Darkroom Printing
Darkroom Safety
The Digital Darkroom
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 Capture
Digital Capturer’s Advantages Over Film
Digital Disadvantages
The D-Log E Curve of Digital Sensors
The Histogram
In-Camera Controls & What To Do With Them
RAW
Adobe RGB (1998)
sRGB
Greyscale
Saturation, Contrast & Sharpening
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 and 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
A Colour Reality Check
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
Pre-visualisation
Setting Shadows & Highlights
Black & White Photography
A Brief Personal Tour
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 L*a*b
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
The Safe Use 0f Lighting Equipment
Lighting Outdoors
Time Of Day
The Weather
Lighting People & Small Movable Objects
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
Cool Lights
Fluorescent & LED Lighting
Fluorescent Lights
LED Lights
Balancing Flash & Daylight
Flash Duration
Portrait Lighting
Unisex Portraiture Lighting Scheme
The Vanity Index
Lighting People
The Law
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
Why A Duck?
My Guidelines For Photographing Objects
A Mental Shooting Checklist
Thinking Like A Lens
Pre-visualization
Color Management In-Camera
Adobe RGB (1998)
sRGB
ProPhoto RGB
Image Previews
In-Camera Tools
Low-Resolution LCD Color Preview
Histograms
Exposure Warning
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
Staying Current
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
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
LED & Fluorescent Lighting
Second Hand Gear
Computers & Monitors
The Calibration Device
Data Storage
Digital Video Disc (DVD’s)
Disc Do’s & Don’ts
Disk Do’s
Disk Don’ts
External Hard Drives
RAID Arrays
Solid State Drives (SSD’s)
The Future of File Storage
Future Proofing Your Files
My Storage System
The Graphics Tablet
Image Capture Software
Capture One Software
Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom & Camera RAW
Specialty Software Apps
New Technology
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 Classic (Lrc)
Capture One Pro
Corel PaintShop Pro 2020
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 Requirements
Photo Quality Inkjet Printers
Offset Printers
Lines Per Inch & DPI Conversions
The Professional Print Lab
Computer Monitors
Email & The Internet
Dot Gain
Your Workspace
Work In RGB
Gamma
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 Default File Format
TIFF
EPS
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
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 (Overview)
Selective Sharpening
Camera Raw Image Adjustment Basics
Camera RAW Tools
Adobe Lightroom Classic Image Adjustment Basics
Do Your Prints Look Like The Screen Image?
Greyscale Print Test
Calibration – The Whole Shebang
How to Construct a Greyscale Box In Photoshop
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
Studio Sharing
Living In
How Big A Studio Do I Need?
Working From Home
The Perils
The Joys
The Wedding & Portrait Studio
In Your Studio
The Question Of Daylight
Ceiling Height
Colours & Decorating
The Floor
Poly Boards
Must Haves
Equipment
Bus & Train Routes
Parking
Security
Hiring Out Your Precious Studio
Start Small
Where To Begin
Life & Business
The Rubber Meets The Road
Planning
The 5 Year Visualisation
The SWOT Analysis
The Business Plan
Money
More On Money
Royalties
Usage Rights
Collaboration
Business & The Taxman
Organisation
Balance
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.
Where To Begin
Selecting A Specialty Area
Fashion & Beauty
Portraiture
Weddings & Family
Nudes, Boudoir & Glamour
Photojournalism
Landscapes, Travel & Resort
Food
Products & Still Life
Architecture & Interiors
Art Photography
Industrial & Corporate
Cars
Real Estate & Drones
The Photographer’s Assistant
Continuing Education
Career Path Suggestions
Fashion & Beauty
Portraiture
Weddings & Family
Nudes, Boudoir & Glamour
Photojournalism
Landscapes, Travel & Resort
Food
Product & Still Life
Architecture & Interiors
Art Photography
Industrial & Corporate
Cars
Image Libraries
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
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 Newer Portfolio Approach
Advantages Of A Tablet Style Portfolio
Disadvantages Of A Tablet Style Portfolio
The Professional Website
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.
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
Fees & Charges
Agency Politics
Don’t Argue!
Photo Libraries & Picture Agencies In Conclusion
Protecting Our Profession
How To Submit Images
Getting Work & Keeping It
Do Your Homework
Write Down Names In The Lift
Sell Yourself!
Going It Alone
Befriend The Art Buyer...
Social Media
The Future
A Final Word