Get to Know Your Camera
Creative Photography & Technical Mastery
Course Overview
Understanding the foundations of photography
Creative Photography
- •Understanding the art of photography
- •How cameras see vs. how we see
- •Introduction to visual storytelling
- •Finding your creative voice
Technical Mastery
- •Key controls: Dials, buttons, and menus
- •Understanding switches and modes
- •Camera handling and ergonomics
- •Essential settings configuration
Practical Exercises
Hands-on camera practice to build your skills
Practical Session: Hands-On
Exercise 01: Aperture Control
Shoot the same subject at three different apertures:
- f/3.5 (wide aperture - shallow depth of field)
- f/8 (mid-range - balanced depth)
- f/16 (narrow aperture - deep depth of field)
Exercise 02: Shutter Speed Control
Capture motion at three different shutter speeds:
- 1/30s (motion blur visible)
- 1/250s (balanced motion capture)
- 1/1000s (frozen action)
Mastering Exposure Modes
P (Program)
Camera chooses aperture and shutter speed, you control ISO and exposure compensation
S/Tv (Shutter Priority)
You set shutter speed, camera adjusts aperture automatically
A/Av (Aperture Priority)
You set aperture, camera adjusts shutter speed automatically
M (Manual Mode)
You control both aperture and shutter speed for complete creative control
Practical Session: First Steps & Lightroom Intro
Exercise 01: Orientation
Familiarize yourself with your camera's main controls
Exercise 02: First Shots
Take your first photographs using different exposure modes
Exercise 03: Lightroom
Import your images, explore the Library module, and discover the Develop module basics
Image Review & Critique Framework
How we evaluate your work throughout the course
Image Review & Critique
Throughout the course, your work will be evaluated using this comprehensive framework:
Subject Clarity
Is the main subject clear and well-defined? Does it command attention?
Exposure Balance
Are the highlights and shadows properly balanced? Is detail preserved?
Focus Precision
Is the intended subject sharp? Is depth of field used effectively?
Compositional Flow
Does the composition guide the viewer's eye? Are elements well-balanced?
Visual Storytelling
Does the image convey emotion or tell a story? Is there impact?
Homework & Weekly Projects
Your assignments for this week and beyond
Homework & Weekly Projects
Primary Assignment (Weekly)
Each week, capture 3-6 images that demonstrate the techniques learned in that module. Focus on quality over quantity.
Creative Project: "My Week in Six Pictures"
Tell a visual story of your week using exactly 6 photographs. This ongoing project helps you develop narrative skills and see photographic opportunities in everyday life.
- •Document moments that represent your week
- •Think about the sequence and how images relate to each other
- •Practice consistent style and vision across the series
- •Share and discuss with fellow students
The 10-Week Subject Project
Choose a single subject to photograph consistently throughout the 10-week course. This long-term project helps you develop depth, consistency, and mastery.
Subject Inspiration:
Nature & Flora
A specific tree, garden, or natural area through the seasons
Animals & Pets
Your pet or local wildlife in different contexts
Urban & Architecture
A building, street corner, or urban landscape
People & Portraits
A willing friend or family member
Objects & Still Life
A favorite object photographed in various ways
Abstract & Conceptual
Light, shadow, reflections, or patterns