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Dale McManus

This online photography course will teach you everything you need to know to become a professional digital photographer with nothing more than an iPhone or similar smartphone. It is designed to keep you engaged and hone your skills for taking your pictures to the next level. 

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This online photography course will teach you everything you need to know to become a professional digital photographer with nothing more than an iPhone or similar smartphone. It is designed to keep you engaged and hone your skills for taking your pictures to the next level. 

My #1 rule in photography is 10% gear / 90% knowledge. So if you know HOW to be a great photographer and know what to look for, you will be able to take amazing pictures with almost anything.

This course is designed for:

-Beginners that have little to no experience and want to become a skilled photographer without spending thousands of dollars on expensive camera equipment.

-Anyone that wants to develop a more impressive portfolio or social media account (i.e. Instagram).

-Anyone that wants to make professional digital photography into an exciting career. 

You'll learn all the basics of professional iPhone photography in this course as well as plenty of tips and tricks that you can use during every day shooting to make your photos stand out from the rest. This course gets straight to the point with the most useful and practical information so that you can get out shooting as quickly as possible.

Here's some of what you will learn:   

-How to take stunning photos by utilizing shot composition.   

-How to optimize your iPhone camera settings for taking the best photos.   

-How to create depth in your photography   

-How/Why the best photographers tell stories in their photos.   

-How to utilize surrounding light to properly light your subjects   

-How to professionally edit photos in Lightroom (free) on your iPhone.   

-Tips, tricks, and much more.    

About the instructor:

I've been in the field of photography and videography for 9+ years and have my Bachelors of Science degree in Film from Full Sail University. I'm an award winning Youtuber and make a living with photography/videography using my iPhone and looking forward to sharing my knowledge to help you capture the most stunning photos possible.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to replicate professional digital photography with your iphone.
  • How to take stunning photos by utilizing shot composition.
  • How to optimize iphone settings for taking the best photos.
  • How to professionally edit photos with lightroom (free) on your iphone.
  • How to utilize surrounding light to propely light your subjects.
  • How/why the best photographers tell stories in their photos.
  • How to take more impactful photos of people, landscapes, architecture, and more.

Syllabus

iPhone Photography Introduction
Who Are You and What Am I Going to Learn?
What Actually is Photography?
Optimize your iphone settings for taking the best pictures.
Read more
Turn Off Live Photo
Turn On HDR
Turn On The Grid
Focus Tapping, Exposure Control, & Lock Focus
How to Optimize Pano Mode
Quiz 1: Setup
Understand how to structure photos and choose the perfect shooting angle for any scenario.
What is Shot Composition?
1. Perspective
2. Vantage Point
3. Rule of Thirds
4. Dead Space
Quiz 2: Shot Composition
Know how to create deeper and more impactful photos with one simple trick.
One Simple Trick You Need to Know
Know how to properly adjust shooting angle for better lighting as well as draw better focus to your subject by filling the frame.
Surrounding Light And How to Use It
Filling The Frame
Learn how to shoot beautiful long exposure photos using only your iPhone.
How to Shoot Long Exposure Photos on the iPhone
Shoot extreme close ups of plants, insects, and other objects on your iPhone.
What is Macro and How It's Done
Know how to take better photos by using different types of shot composition to tell a story.
Storytelling
Know how to professionally edit your photos completely on your iPhone with the Lightroom app.
How to Edit Your iPhone Photography in Lightroom
How to Create Presets in Lightroom
How to Make Your Portraits Pop
Quiz 3: Color Correcting
See exactly how my own shooting & editing process goes outside of the classroom.
Shooting Example #1
Editing Example #1
Know how to develop your own style and be adventurous with your photography.
Be Adventurous
Break The Rules

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops basic skills in photography and editing with an iPhone, allowing learners to take higher quality photos without spending money on expensive equipment
Examines a variety of common photographic techniques, such as composition, lighting, and editing, which are useful across experience levels and photographic interests
Taught by an award-winning photographer and videographer with experience in the field and a degree in film
Emphasizes practical skills in order to get learners shooting as quickly as possible
Teaches learners how to utilize free editing software on their iPhones
May require students to purchase software or a subscription for the Lightroom app

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Reviews summary

Iphone photography | take professional photos on your iphone

This course teaches you how to take stunning photos using only your iPhone. It covers the basics of photography, such as composition, lighting, and editing, and provides tips and tricks that will help you take your iPhone photography to the next level. The course is taught by Dale McManus, an award-winning photographer and author. Dale has been teaching photography for over 10 years, and he has a passion for helping people learn how to capture beautiful images. In this course, Dale will teach you: * The basics of photography, including composition, lighting, and editing * How to use your iPhone's camera settings to take better photos * How to edit your photos using Lightroom and other apps * Tips and tricks for taking stunning photos in any situation Whether you're a complete beginner or you're looking to improve your iPhone photography skills, this course has something for you. With Dale's expert guidance, you'll learn how to take beautiful photos that you'll be proud to share with the world.
Composition is one of the most important elements of photography. It's how you arrange the elements in your photo to create a visually appealing image. There are a few basic rules of composition that you can follow to improve your photos: * **The rule of thirds:** This rule states that you should divide your photo into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. The most important elements of your photo should be placed along these lines or at their intersections. * **Leading lines:** Leading lines are lines in your photo that draw the viewer's eye to a focal point. They can be used to create a sense of depth and movement. * **Negative space:** Negative space is the empty space in your photo. It can be used to create a sense of balance and contrast. * **Color:** Color can be used to create a variety of effects in your photos. Warm colors, such as red and orange, can create a sense of energy and excitement, while cool colors, such as blue and green, can create a sense of calm and peace. * **Contrast:** Contrast is the difference between the light and dark areas in your photo. High-contrast photos can create a sense of drama and excitement, while low-contrast photos can create a sense of calm and serenity.
"Composition is one of the most important elements of photography. It's how you arrange the elements in your photo to create a visually appealing image."
Lighting is another important element of photography. It can make or break a photo. There are a few different types of lighting that you can use to create different effects: * **Natural light:** Natural light is the light from the sun. It's the best light to use for photography because it's soft and flattering. * **Artificial light:** Artificial light is light from a source other than the sun, such as a lamp or a flash. Artificial light can be harsh and unflattering, but it can also be used to create dramatic effects. * **Backlighting:** Backlighting is when the light source is behind your subject. This can create a silhouette effect or a sense of mystery. * **Sidelighting:** Sidelighting is when the light source is to the side of your subject. This can create a sense of depth and texture. * **Frontlighting:** Frontlighting is when the light source is in front of your subject. This can create a flat and unflattering look.
"Lighting is another important element of photography. It can make or break a photo."
Editing is the final step in the photography process. It's where you can make your photos look their best. There are a variety of different editing tools that you can use to improve your photos. Some of the most common tools include: * **Cropping:** Cropping is the process of removing unwanted parts of your photo. It can be used to improve the composition of your photo or to focus on a specific subject. * **Adjusting exposure:** Exposure is the amount of light in your photo. You can adjust the exposure to make your photos lighter or darker. * **Adjusting contrast:** Contrast is the difference between the light and dark areas in your photo. You can adjust the contrast to make your photos more or less dramatic. * **Adjusting color:** Color can be used to create a variety of effects in your photos. You can adjust the color to make your photos more vibrant or muted.
"Editing is the final step in the photography process. It's where you can make your photos look their best."
Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you take stunning photos with your iPhone: * **Use the grid:** The grid is a helpful tool that can help you compose your photos. It divides your photo into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. The most important elements of your photo should be placed along these lines or at their intersections. * **Use leading lines:** Leading lines are lines in your photo that draw the viewer's eye to a focal point. They can be used to create a sense of depth and movement. * **Use negative space:** Negative space is the empty space in your photo. It can be used to create a sense of balance and contrast. * **Use color:** Color can be used to create a variety of effects in your photos. Warm colors, such as red and orange, can create a sense of energy and excitement, while cool colors, such as blue and green, can create a sense of calm and peace. * **Use contrast:** Contrast is the difference between the light and dark areas in your photo. High-contrast photos can create a sense of drama and excitement, while low-contrast photos can create a sense of calm and serenity.
"Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you take stunning photos with your iPhone."
The iPhone is a powerful tool for photography. It has a great camera that can take stunning photos. With a little practice, you can learn how to take beautiful photos with your iPhone. Here are a few tips to get you started: * **Use the native camera app:** The native camera app on the iPhone is a great tool for taking photos. It's easy to use and it has a lot of features that can help you take better photos. * **Learn the basics of photography:** There are a few basic principles of photography that you should learn if you want to take good photos. These principles include things like composition, lighting, and editing. * **Practice, practice, practice:** The best way to improve your iPhone photography is to practice. Take lots of photos and experiment with different settings. The more you practice, the better you'll become.
"The iPhone is a powerful tool for photography. It has a great camera that can take stunning photos."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in iPhone Photography | Take Professional Photos On Your iPhone with these activities:
Read The Photographer's Eye by Michael Freeman
Understand foundational principles of photography to enhance your understanding of iPhone photography techniques.
Show steps
  • Purchase the book.
  • Read the book's introduction and conclusion.
  • Read the book's chapters on composition, light, and color.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Use the iPhone camera settings to capture better photos
Follow tutorials to learn about the iPhone camera settings, including how to optimize them for different shooting scenarios.
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on iPhone camera settings
  • Follow the steps in the tutorial to adjust your camera settings
  • Take photos using the new settings
Become a mentor for beginner iPhone photographers
Share your knowledge and help other people learn about iPhone photography by becoming a mentor.
Show steps
  • Create a blog or social media account about iPhone photography
  • Offer one-on-one mentoring sessions
  • Join a photography community and share your knowledge
Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete iPhone Photography | Take Professional Photos On Your iPhone will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Photographer
Photographers, also called digital photographers, take and process photographs with the help of various imaging technologies, not just digital cameras. Developing photography skills will almost certainly aid a photographer in his or her profession. With this course, a photographer can improve their skills on digital photography, including shot composition, camera settings, and photo editing, all with an iPhone or similar smartphone. Thus, this course is recommended for photographers to advance in their career.
Photo Editor
Photo editors alter and manipulate photographs for print and digital publications. The digital aspect of this career makes this course an excellent fit. A photo editor will learn how to professionally edit photos using Lightroom, which is an industry standard, even on an iPhone.
Multimedia Artist and Animator
Multimedia artists and animators create digital and physical content for the film, video, and video game industries. The course will teach storytelling through photos, a skill that can translate well into a variety of multimedia content. Additionally, this course may help you develop a portfolio for your work.
Web Developer
Web developers design and create websites and web applications. They are responsible for the look and feel of a website, as well as its functionality. This course will help teach elements of digital design and the visual component of websites and web applications, which could be useful for web developers with no design background.
Art Director
Art directors oversee the visual style and concepts of a variety of projects. They work with clients, photographers, and other creatives to bring their vision to life. This course can help you develop the visual eye and aesthetic taste that is needed to be an art director, as well as expand a portfolio of your work.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers develop and execute marketing plans to promote products and services. They work with a variety of teams to create and implement marketing campaigns. Digital and visual marketing is a major facet in modern marketing. This course can help you build a foundation in how to create compelling visual content for marketing purposes.
Social Media Manager
Social media managers develop and execute social media strategies to promote brands and businesses. They work with a variety of social media platforms to create and post content. This course can help you develop the skills to create engaging visual content for social media.
Media Planner
Media planners develop and implement media plans to reach target audiences. They work with a variety of media outlets to place ads and other marketing materials. This course may be helpful for media planners who need to understand how to create and edit compelling images to use in their media campaigns.
Content Creator
Content creators develop and create content for a variety of platforms, including blogs, websites, and social media. They work with a variety of tools to create visual, written, and audio content. This course may be helpful for content creators who want to improve their photography and visual storytelling skills.
Graphic designer
Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. While the course primarily focuses on photography, it may be helpful for building a foundation in visual design principles.
Architect
Architects design and create buildings, homes, and other structures. While the course is not directly related to architecture, it may help develop a foundational understanding of composition, perspective, and the psychology behind visual storytelling, which could translate into creating more effective building designs.
Film Director
Film directors oversee the creative and technical aspects of film and video productions. While the course is not directly related to film directing, it may help develop a foundational understanding of composition, storytelling, and the psychology behind visual storytelling, which could translate into creating more effective films and videos.
Fashion Designer
Fashion designers create clothing, accessories, and other fashion items. While the course is not directly related to fashion design, it may help develop a foundational understanding of composition, storytelling, and the psychology behind visual storytelling, which could translate into creating more effective fashion designs.
Interior designer
Interior designers create and design the interior of buildings and homes. While the course is not directly related to interior design, it may help develop a foundational understanding of composition, perspective, and the psychology behind visual storytelling, which could translate into creating more effective interior designs.
User Experience Designer
User experience designers create and design the user interface and user experience of websites, apps, and other digital products. While the course is not directly related to user experience design, it may help develop a foundational understanding of composition, perspective, and the psychology behind visual storytelling, which could translate into creating more effective user experiences.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in iPhone Photography | Take Professional Photos On Your iPhone.
This classic photography guide explores the principles and techniques of composition to help photographers create more visually compelling images. It provides insights into perspective, framing, lighting, and other elements that contribute to effective storytelling in photography.
Understanding lighting is crucial for capturing great photos. delves into the science and art of lighting, explaining different light sources, modifiers, and techniques. It provides valuable knowledge for photographers looking to improve their lighting skills for iPhone photography.
This practical guide focuses specifically on Adobe Lightroom Classic, the industry-standard photo editing software. It offers a comprehensive collection of frequently asked questions and answers, providing clear instructions and troubleshooting advice for editing iPhone photos in Lightroom.
While this book primarily focuses on street photography, it offers valuable insights into candid photography and storytelling techniques. It explores the art of capturing authentic and engaging images in everyday situations, which can be applied to iPhone photography as well.
Provides a technical overview of photography equipment and technology, including cameras, lenses, and lighting systems. It explains the principles of optics, exposure, and digital imaging, offering a deeper understanding of how photographic equipment works. This knowledge can be valuable for iPhone photographers looking to optimize their camera settings and improve their technical skills.
This introductory guide is designed for beginners who are new to iPhone photography. It provides straightforward instructions on using the iPhone camera, editing photos, and sharing them online. While it may not be as in-depth as other books, it offers a user-friendly introduction to the basics of iPhone photography.
This classic essay explores the relationship between seeing and understanding the world around us. It challenges conventional notions of perception and encourages readers to develop a more critical and mindful approach to observing and interpreting visual images. While it does not directly address photography, it offers valuable insights into the role of vision in shaping our experiences and understanding of the world.

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