Principles of Photo Composition and Digital Image Post-Production from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Elements of Design: Building Blocks of Composition

A writer must understand what nouns, adjectives, adverbs, and other word forms are, before putting them together in sentences that make sense to a reader. Similarly, an artist must understand the essential elements of design that must be put together to create a composition that will "make sense" to a viewer of their artwork. In this first module you will learn about the Elements of Design so you can understand their functions and use them effectively to guide your viewers to the content you wish to be conveyed by your photographs, whether it be creative, or documentary, regardless of the subject matter.

Composition means putting the Elements of Design together!

Most successful photographs are the result of impactful content, control of exposure and focus, and well designed composition. When you finish the courses and lessons in this Module, you will have the understanding of fundamental principles in those essential areas to begin creating expressions you can be proud of. From the knowledge you gained in Module 1, you can now identify Design Elements that are most significant to you and your content. In this Module, you will learn fundamental principles of organization of those Elements through the purposeful communication that comes from Composition.

Photo Editing Fundamentals 1.0: "Workflow," from Exposure through Adobe™ Lightroom™ Classic

In this Module you will learn the fundamental elements of "post-production workflow," for image files created with a digital camera. We will cover the fundamental aspects of the widely accepted software tool Lightroom™. Whether you are using a point-and-shoot, mirrorless, compact, or DSLR camera, the resulting pictures are of limited value unless they are organized and edited beyond the camera in a computer-based environment. You will begin learning the "best practices" involved in using the most widely accepted software platforms, and have a foundation from which you can begin the journey of growth in skills in future efforts and studies of "post-production."

Photo Editing Fundamentals 2.0: SmartPhone Apps

Whether you are an iPhone, Galaxy, or other SmartPhone user, you know you have an exciting device to use as a camera, but you probably feel that you are not using all of its potential. You will learn how the addition of solid Photo "APPs" can extend the capability of your device, turning it into a powerful photo-editing computer as well as a more sophisticated camera.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores common building blocks of design that artists use to create successful compositions

Involves the effective usage of design elements to guide viewers through compositions, regardless of the subject matter

Delves into the fundamental principles of organization of design elements through purposeful communication

Introduces the primary aspects of a widely accepted software tool (Lightroom™)

Emphasizes the significance of "Workflow" in the post-production of digital camera image files

Involves the exploration of various photo-editing applications (APPs) to extend the potential of smartphones as photo-editing tools

Reviews summary

Composition and post production

According to students, composition and post production principles are presented in a useful way.

Students find the course content helpful.

"very usefull"

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 Principles of Photo Composition and Digital Image Post-Production with these activities:

Review Composition Principles

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Brush up on the principles of composition to establish a strong foundation for the course.

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Revisit basic principles of visual design, such as lines, shapes, and colors.
Analyze compositions in famous artworks or photographs, paying attention to how elements are arranged and interact.

Read 'Understanding Composition' by Bryan Peterson

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of composition principles and techniques.

View Learning to See Creatively, Third Edition on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, paying attention to the explanations and examples provided.
Apply the concepts learned to your own photographic practice.

Composition Exercises

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Put composition principles into practice through regular exercises.

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Take photographs or create mock-ups using different composition techniques, such as the rule of thirds or leading lines.
Seek feedback on your compositions from peers or mentors.

Three other activities

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Attend a Composition Workshop

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Receive personalized guidance and feedback on composition skills through a workshop led by experienced photographers.

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Research and find a composition workshop that aligns with your learning goals.
Attend the workshop, actively participate in discussions and exercises.
Seek feedback from the instructor and other participants on your compositions.

Document a Personal Story

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Put composition skills into practice by creating a series of photographs that tell a personal story.

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Identify a personal story or experience you want to convey.
Plan a series of shots that will effectively communicate the story, considering composition techniques and visual impact.
Capture the photographs, paying attention to composition and lighting.
Edit and sequence the photographs to create a cohesive narrative.

Develop a Personal Composition Style

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Identify and refine a unique composition style that reflects personal vision and artistic goals.

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Create a series of photographs that explore different composition techniques and styles.
Analyze and reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of each composition, identifying patterns and preferences.
Develop a personal composition style that combines effective techniques with unique vision.

Career center

Learners who complete Principles of Photo Composition and Digital Image Post-Production will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Photographer

Design and capture images using a camera, lighting, and other equipment. A Photographer may use natural light or artificial lighting and can work in a studio or outdoors on location. Some Photographers specialize in a specific type of photography, such as event photography, fashion photography, or photojournalism. Understanding the Elements of Design can help a Photographer better guide viewers to the content they wish to be conveyed by their photographs. Knowledge of post-production workflow and software platforms can help a Photographer edit and enhance their images to achieve the desired results.

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Graphic designer

Create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This course can provide a solid grounding in the Elements of Design, which are the building blocks of effective graphic design. The course also covers composition, which is critical for creating visually appealing and effective designs.

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Art Director

Collaborate with a team of artists, writers, editors, and other creatives to develop the visual concept of a project. Art Directors typically have a strong understanding of design principles, including the Elements of Design and composition. This course can help Art Directors enhance their skills in these areas.

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Creative Director

Develop the overall creative vision for a project, ensuring that all creative elements are aligned with the project's goals. Creative Directors often have a background in design or a related field, and this course can help them further develop their understanding of design principles and creative storytelling.

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User Experience (UX) Designer

Design user interfaces for websites, apps, and other digital products, focusing on the user's experience and satisfaction. UX Designers need to have a strong understanding of design principles, including the Elements of Design and composition. This course can help UX Designers enhance their skills in these areas and gain a deeper understanding of how to create user-friendly and visually appealing interfaces.

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Web Designer

Design and develop websites, ensuring that they are visually appealing, functional, and user-friendly. Web Designers need to have a strong understanding of design principles, including the Elements of Design and composition. This course can help Web Designers enhance their skills in these areas and gain a deeper understanding of how to create effective and engaging websites.

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Art teacher

Teach visual arts principles and techniques to students of all ages. Art Teachers need to have a strong understanding of design principles, including the Elements of Design and composition. This course can help Art Teachers enhance their skills in these areas and gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively teach art to students.

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Architect

Design and plan buildings, ensuring that they are functional, safe, and visually appealing. Architects need to have a strong understanding of design principles, including the Elements of Design and composition. This course can help Architects enhance their skills in these areas and gain a deeper understanding of how to create buildings that meet the needs of their users.

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Interior designer

Plan and design the interior spaces of buildings, including residential, commercial, and institutional spaces. Interior Designers need to have a strong understanding of design principles, including the Elements of Design and composition. This course can help Interior Designers enhance their skills in these areas and gain a deeper understanding of how to create functional and visually appealing interior spaces.

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Landscape Architect

Design and plan outdoor spaces, including parks, gardens, and other public spaces. Landscape Architects need to have a strong understanding of design principles, including the Elements of Design and composition. This course can help Landscape Architects enhance their skills in these areas and gain a deeper understanding of how to create outdoor spaces that are both functional and visually appealing.

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Industrial Designer

Design and develop products that are both functional and visually appealing. Industrial Designers need to have a strong understanding of design principles, including the Elements of Design and composition. This course can help Industrial Designers enhance their skills in these areas and gain a deeper understanding of how to create products that meet the needs of their users.

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Fashion Designer

Design and create clothing and accessories. Fashion Designers need to have a strong understanding of design principles, including the Elements of Design and composition. This course can help Fashion Designers enhance their skills in these areas and gain a deeper understanding of how to create clothing and accessories that are both stylish and functional.

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Multimedia Artist

Create artwork that combines different media, such as photography, video, and sound. Multimedia Artists need to have a strong understanding of design principles, including the Elements of Design and composition. This course can help Multimedia Artists enhance their skills in these areas and gain a deeper understanding of how to create artwork that is both visually appealing and meaningful.

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Animator

Create animated images and videos. Animators need to have a strong understanding of design principles, including the Elements of Design and composition. This course can help Animators enhance their skills in these areas and gain a deeper understanding of how to create animations that are both visually appealing and engaging.

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Game Designer

Design and develop video games. Game Designers need to have a strong understanding of design principles, including the Elements of Design and composition. This course can help Game Designers enhance their skills in these areas and gain a deeper understanding of how to create video games that are both fun and challenging.

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