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Camera Control

Peter Glendinning and Mark Valentine Sullivan

Welcome to Course Two of Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR! Now that you have a broad understanding of the various types of cameras, the importance of setting up Menus and Functions to gain control in your photography, and the difference between Auto and Program exposure modes, you are ready to move into even greater Camera Control!

In these 4 Modules we will concentrate on gaining the knowledge necessary to make use of Exposure Modes, Light Metering, Effects of various ISO settings, Lens options, using Shutter Speeds to convey aspects of Time in both documentary and creative ways, and exploring the controlled focus effects that Depth of Field Principles make possible. You will also continue to make new photographs and, if you are a subscriber to the specialization, continue interacting with your fellow learners as you share photographs for Peer Review. You will also confirm your knowledge through completion of quizzes and written responses. Let's get started with Module One!

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What's inside

Syllabus

WELCOME, OVERVIEW, and FUNDAMENTALS

Welcome to Course TWO! From previous lessons, you have learned to set your camera menus and functions so your camera is ready to use. Beginning with Module 1, we'll add to the camera knowledge you gained in Course ONE to increase your understanding of critical exposure factors so you can create predictable results through confident control. If you are fully participating in the Course, you will also have the opportunity to test your knowledge through Quiz questions, and share your photographs in Peer Review and learn from the photographs of fellow Learners. As you learn about different exposure options, the concept and effects of Depth of Field, and begin to study the visual elements in a more concentrated manner, you will be developing the skills to "put it all together," to create pictures you will be proud to share that go beyond the snapshot to more fulfilling expression.

Elements of Camera Control 2.0: The Lens

In Module 2 you will learn how changes in focal length of the camera lens can have dramatic effects on both the ways that perspective is rendered, and the ways that content of a scene can be altered.

Elements of Camera Control 3.0: Depth of Field

In Module 3 you will learn about the meaning of "Depth of Field," and how it can be controlled to create areas of focus that are perfect for the type of content you wish to convey in your photographs, whether they are for business or pleasure, art or industry.

Picture Decisions:

In Module 4 we return to studying concepts related to the way photographs look, and how practical decisions that are unique to photography can have dramatic effect in terms of what their objective or creative content might be. We examine the aspect of Time as an essential choice that must be made by photographers no matter what their ultimate goal for image-making. We continue the Peer Review process for paid-Learners.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores how cameras work, which is standard in industry

Provides in-depth study of various ISO settings and aperture

Taught by Mark Valentine Sullivan and Peter Glendinning, who are recognized for their work in photography

Provides opportunities for peer review, offering valuable feedback and insights

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in photography

Examines shutter speeds, which is highly relevant to photography

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Reviews summary

Beginner level: camera controls

Based on largely positive reviews, learners say Camera Control is a beginner level course that is packed with information on the different controls of a camera. The instructors do a very thorough job. Consider enrolling in this course to gain more information about your camera

Instructors Have Expertise

"I enjoyed the cours and I appreciate the expertise of the tutors."

Packed with Information

"Camera Control is a wonderful beginner level class that is packed with information on the different controls of the camera."

Beginner Level

"Camera Control is a wonderful beginner level class that is packed with information on the different controls of the camera."

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 Camera Control with these activities:

Review basic photography concepts

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Reviewing basic photography concepts will help you understand the more advanced concepts introduced in this course.

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Read articles or watch videos on basic photography concepts.
Review your notes from previous photography courses.

Read a book on photography

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Reading a book on photography will help you gain a deeper understanding of the concepts and techniques discussed in this course.

View Understanding Street Photography: An... on Amazon

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Choose a book that covers the topics you're interested in learning more about.
Read the book and take notes.

Practice taking photos in different lighting conditions

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Practicing taking photos in different lighting conditions will help you improve your ability to capture great photos in any situation.

Browse courses on Lighting

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Find a location with different lighting conditions.
Take a series of photos of the same scene in different lighting conditions.
Analyze your results and make adjustments accordingly.

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Practice adjusting exposure settings

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Practicing adjusting exposure settings will help you gain confidence in controlling your camera and capturing the images you want.

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Set up a still life scene.
Take a series of photos using different exposure settings.
Analyze your results and make adjustments accordingly.

Join a photography club or online forum

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Joining a photography club or online forum will allow you to connect with other photographers and share your work for feedback.

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Search for photography clubs or online forums in your area.
Join a club or forum and introduce yourself.
Share your work and ask for feedback from other members.

Watch tutorials on advanced photography techniques

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Watching tutorials on advanced photography techniques will help you expand your knowledge and skills.

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Search for tutorials on advanced photography techniques.
Watch the tutorials and take notes.
Practice the techniques you learn.

Create a photo essay

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Creating a photo essay will help you apply the concepts you learn in this course to create a cohesive and visually appealing story.

Browse courses on Composition

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Choose a theme or topic for your photo essay.
Take photos that illustrate your theme or topic.
Edit and sequence your photos to tell a story.

Create a photography portfolio

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Creating a photography portfolio will help you organize your work and showcase your best photos.

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Select your best photos.
Edit and sequence your photos.
Create a portfolio website or online gallery.

Start a photography project

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Starting a photography project will allow you to apply the concepts and techniques you learn in this course to a real-world project.

Browse courses on Documentary Photography

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Choose a topic or theme for your project.
Develop a plan for your project.
Take photos and edit them according to your plan.

Career center

Learners who complete Camera Control will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Camera Operator

Camera operators are responsible for operating cameras during film and television productions. The Camera Control course will teach you the basics of camera operation, including how to use different lenses and apertures to create different visual effects. This knowledge will be essential for camera operators who need to be able to quickly and efficiently capture the desired shots for a film or television production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Camera Operator

Cinematographer

Cinematographers are responsible for directing lighting and camera angles during filmmaking. The Camera Control course will teach you the basics of camera operation, including how to use different lenses and apertures to create different visual effects. This knowledge will be essential for cinematographers who need to be able to quickly and efficiently capture the desired shots for a film or television production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cinematographer

Lighting Technician

Lighting technicians are responsible for setting up and operating lighting equipment during film and television productions. The Camera Control course will teach you the basics of lighting, including how to use different types of lights to create different effects. This knowledge will be essential for lighting technicians who need to be able to create the desired lighting conditions for a film or television production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lighting Technician

Photojournalist

Photojournalists use cameras to capture images of news events and stories. The Camera Control course will teach you the basics of camera operation, including how to use different lenses and apertures to create different visual effects. This knowledge will be helpful for photojournalists who need to be able to quickly and efficiently capture the desired shots for a news story.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photojournalist

Medical Photographer

Medical photographers use cameras to take photographs of patients and medical procedures. The Camera Control course will teach you the basics of camera operation, including how to use different lenses and apertures to create different visual effects. This knowledge will be helpful for medical photographers who need to be able to capture clear and accurate images for medical records and research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Photographer

Forensic Photographer

Forensic photographers use cameras to take photographs of crime scenes and evidence. The Camera Control course will teach you the basics of camera operation, including how to use different lenses and apertures to create different visual effects. This knowledge will be helpful for forensic photographers who need to be able to capture clear and accurate images for use in criminal investigations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Photographer

Surveillance Photographer

Surveillance photographers use cameras to take photographs of people and activities for security purposes. The Camera Control course will teach you the basics of camera operation, including how to use different lenses and apertures to create different visual effects. This knowledge will be helpful for surveillance photographers who need to be able to capture clear and accurate images for use in security investigations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Surveillance Photographer

Wildlife Photographer

Wildlife photographers use cameras to take photographs of animals in their natural habitats. The Camera Control course will teach you the basics of camera operation, including how to use different lenses and apertures to create different visual effects. This knowledge will be helpful for wildlife photographers who need to be able to capture clear and accurate images of animals in their natural habitats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Photographer

Sports Photographer

Sports photographers use cameras to take photographs of athletes and sporting events. The Camera Control course will teach you the basics of camera operation, including how to use different lenses and apertures to create different visual effects. This knowledge will be helpful for sports photographers who need to be able to capture clear and accurate images of athletes in action.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Photographer

Fashion Photographer

Fashion photographers use cameras to take photographs of models and clothing for fashion magazines and advertisements. The Camera Control course will teach you the basics of camera operation, including how to use different lenses and apertures to create different visual effects. This knowledge will be helpful for fashion photographers who need to be able to capture clear and accurate images of models and clothing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Photographer

Portrait Photographer

Portrait photographers use cameras to take photographs of people. The Camera Control course will teach you the basics of camera operation, including how to use different lenses and apertures to create different visual effects. This knowledge will be helpful for portrait photographers who need to be able to capture clear and accurate images of people.

See salaries and explore the career path for Portrait Photographer

Product Photographer

Product photographers use cameras to take photographs of products for advertising and marketing purposes. The Camera Control course will teach you the basics of camera operation, including how to use different lenses and apertures to create different visual effects. This knowledge will be helpful for product photographers who need to be able to capture clear and accurate images of products.

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Architectural Photographer

Architectural photographers use cameras to take photographs of buildings and other structures. The Camera Control course will teach you the basics of camera operation, including how to use different lenses and apertures to create different visual effects. This knowledge will be helpful for architectural photographers who need to be able to capture clear and accurate images of buildings and other structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Photographer

Landscape Photographer

Landscape photographers use cameras to take photographs of natural scenery. The Camera Control course will teach you the basics of camera operation, including how to use different lenses and apertures to create different visual effects. This knowledge will be helpful for landscape photographers who need to be able to capture clear and accurate images of natural scenery.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Photographer

Underwater Photographer

Underwater photographers use cameras to take photographs of marine life and underwater environments. The Camera Control course will teach you the basics of camera operation, including how to use different lenses and apertures to create different visual effects. This knowledge will be helpful for underwater photographers who need to be able to capture clear and accurate images of marine life and underwater environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Underwater Photographer

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Camera Control:

Learning Photography

22 minute read

Reading list

We've selected 11 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 Camera Control.

Understanding Exposure, Fourth Edition

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Classic guide to understanding the fundamentals of exposure, and valuable resource for photographers of all levels. It covers the basics of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, as well as more advanced topics such as using histograms and understanding light meters.

Camera Control

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Beginner level: camera controls

Activities

Career center

Featured in The Course Notes

Reading list

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