Basic Photography Skills
Understanding the fundamentals of photography is crucial as it forms the foundation for advanced techniques and thematic exploration you'll encounter in this course.
Familiarity with Camera Settings
You should be comfortable adjusting settings like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. This knowledge will enable you to experiment with advanced techniques effectively.
Understanding of Composition Principles
A solid grasp of composition is essential for creating visually compelling images. This course will build on these principles to enhance your thematic storytelling.
Advanced Photography Techniques
Why This Matters:
Reviewing techniques like long exposure and HDR will be beneficial as you will apply these skills to your thematic projects. Understanding these methods enhances your creative options.
Recommended Resource:
"Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson – This book offers clear explanations and practical exercises to refine your technical skills.
Visual Storytelling
Why This Matters:
Refreshing your knowledge of visual storytelling will help you effectively convey your chosen theme. This skill is crucial for creating a cohesive portfolio that resonates with viewers.
Recommended Resource:
"The Visual Story" by Bruce Block – A great resource that explores how to tell stories visually, which is vital for your portfolio.
Artistic Statement Writing
Why This Matters:
Brushing up on how to articulate your artistic vision will prepare you to write a compelling artist statement, which is key to presenting your work professionally.
Recommended Resource:
"Art/Work" by Heather Darcy Bhandari and Matthew L. H. Bhandari – This book provides insights on writing artist statements and navigating the art world.
Preparation Tips
- ⭐Set aside dedicated time each week for practice and project development to stay on track and fully engage with the course material.
- ⭐Gather your photography gear, including your camera, lenses, and editing software, to ensure you're ready for hands-on practice from day one.
- ⭐Create a mood board or journal to jot down themes and concepts that inspire you, which will help in the theme exploration module.
What to Expect
This course spans 8-12 weeks, requiring a commitment of 10-15 hours weekly. You'll engage in hands-on projects, peer feedback sessions, and reflective practices. Each module builds on the last, culminating in a gallery-style exhibition where you showcase your themed photo series and artist statement.
Words of Encouragement
Get ready to unlock your creative potential! By the end of this course, you'll not only refine your photography skills but also gain the confidence to present your unique artistic voice to the world.