PHOTOGRAPHY DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSE -Online course version also available.
ACS graduate comment: "I found it to be an excellent course in basic Film Photography. The section on exposure was very clear. I appreciate the diagrams and clear concise directions in developing and enlarging film. The staff were very kind and my tutor was very encouraging and always gave clear feedback. I was very happy with the flexibility of the course. I moved to a different country and was able to continue with the course." Emma Day, USA - Introduction to Photography course.
LEARN THE FUNDAMENTALS OF PHOTOGRAPHY!
This course will take you step by step through the basics of photography. It is a great foundation course for the beginner photographer!
You will be given instructions throughout this subject guide to do various things ... you may be asked to contact an organisation, you may be given something to read, or some information to research. Various tasks will be given to you to develop your knowledge and abilities in photography care. Along with these tasks, you will also be given a number of questions to answer at the end of each lesson. You are required to submit them as an assignment to your tutor.
Lesson Structure
There are 8 lessons in this course:
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Origins of Photography
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To discuss the principles those underpins photography and examine the evolution into digital technologies.
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Film
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To explain how photographic images are able to be captured on film. This lesson will also explain how photographic images are able to be captured by digital cameras.
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Photo Equipment: Cameras
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To provide you with a firm understanding of how you can work at improving your capabilities with respect to taking photographs
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Photo Equipment
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To determine appropriate application for a range of common items of photographic equipment and develop an understanding of how digital images can be transferred effectively from a digital camera
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Developing Film
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Developing Different Film Types, Processing Solutions, Fixer, Developer, Stop Bath, Fixing, Washing, Wetting Agents, Drying, etc.
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Enlarging
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Describe the process by which photographic film may be enlarged. Also explains techniques that can be used to process digital photographs within a computer to achieve improved or changed images.
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Lighting
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To work more effectively with light when taking photographs.
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Fault Finding
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Common Problems, and how to deal with them.
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
EQUIPMENT
This course can be undertaken successfully without sophisticated camera equipment, however you do need the use of a camera. An SLR camera is best but any camera will do. You can do this course using either a film or digital camera; or both.
If you use film, you will need to purchase a minimum of 5 rolls of film and have them developed. (Inexpensive proof prints are acceptable). All photos and written work submitted will be returned to you.
Tips for Better Photography
In general the same principles apply when taking digital photos, as apply when taking photos with a film camera.
COMPOSITION
• You should have a focal point a centre of interest in the photograph to which the eye is drawn. The other things in the photo should complement that central focus. (eg: a large tree, surrounded by less awesome vegetation, a grand building, surrounded by garden, or by less dominating architecture, a person surrounded by the furniture in a room).
• The elements which go to make up the picture should not detract from each other.
• RULE OF THIRDS can be a useful procedure. This is applied as follows...
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Imagine the viewfinder divides the picture into 3 equal sections horizontally and 3 sections vertically. There would be 2 vertical lines and 2 horizontal lines, intersecting each other at 4 points.
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Locate the centre of interest centring it over one of these 4 intersections. Supporting elements should be arranged at other points. This rule is used mainly in landscape photography.
• Give due consideration to the power of colour...red objects for instance draw attention more than dull colours. (A red object can appear more prominent and closer than it really is).
• If the horizon is placed low on a photo, it creates a feeling of spaciousness. If high in the frame it creates a more confined feeling.
TIME
The time of day you take a photo will affect the result dramatically.
Very early morning or late afternoon, are generally (but not always) the best times.
Consider what the shadows might be in the place where you are taking a photograph. Shadows might be more interesting or dramatic at a certain time of day.
