Photography Capstone Project from Coursera

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Syllabus

CAPSTONE PROJECT LAUNCH!

The Capstone Project is your opportunity to take advantage of the knowledge you have gained through our journey in learning about photography, to develop a meaningful set of 10 photographs in a final project . Of course, you may well expose hundreds of photographs to get to that final number! This course is where you will combine your passion for a particular content with the skills and knowledge you have developed as a photographer through this Specialization. This is also where you will share your insights with a community of equally passionate photographers through peer review, as they learn from you and you learn from them. Perhaps the project is based in your passion for artistic expression, or for a documentary subject in your community that you feel is worthy of exploration. Maybe you feel moved to create a series of insightful portraits centered on people who are part of a group or of a certain type, or create photographs that are important for your non-photography career (beautiful photos of houses and their details if you are a realtor for example). Whatever the content or subjects, whatever the lighting, exposure, or other techniques used, it begins with an outline, what we call a Project Plan. It goes without saying that all the photographs for this project must be new pictures, created on or after the date of the start of this course. This is not the place for photographs you have created previously, although your new photographs may be related to an area of interest you had before you began this final course. In this first Module you will point your creative compass in a general direction, and with the help of your fellow photographers' feedback gradually create a more narrow, straight, and true path of photography as the weeks of effort go forward. You'll learn from Peter and Mark's mistakes and review a valuable lesson, "Responding to Photographs," from the past. Of course, you will also begin making photographs in that general direction too! Let's get started!!!

Learning from others

In this Module, Peter and Mark will comment on projects created by two MSU students and alumni, discussing the strengths they see in form and content to help you begin to form your own judgments as you either agree or disagree with their responses. The process of analyzing one's own preferences, and then actively agreeing and disagreeing about effective camerawork, composition, and content approaches, are key elements in the growth of any photographer. When we convey our honestly held responses in ways that are helpful, we not only give the photographer whose work we are commenting on greater insight into how their work is perceived, but also help open ourselves to new levels of understanding too. The Photographer's Statements by those students are also posted for you to consider, as you prepare to form your own in the future. Our Lesson Review of "Making not Taking Photographs," relates to the purposeful nature of the Capstone Project. In Peer Review, you will help each other gain insights into Project Plans, help each other by making comments and offering suggestions related to the Plans, and share first photographs with each other as well. Remember, the Capstone experience is a Journey, not a Race! If you missed the Reading in Week One, a Fable by Aesop awaits your attention! Take each week for what it is, an opportunity to grow in knowledge, creativity, and photographic technique.

Learning more about critically analyzing

Peter and Mark will review two more MSU student projects to help you understand what they see as markers of success in a body of related photographs. Once again, the students' Photographer's Statements are presented as examples of the diversity with which such things may be written. Peter will also discuss the purposes of "critique," also known as constructive criticism, and strategies for analyzing the works of others. Our Lesson Review in this Module is again from Course Three, entitled "Composition is a "Map," Balance is Bike Riding." Finally, you will practice your "critique skills" in a Peer Review exercise. Of course, during this week you will keep photographing to develop your project further.

Mid-Term review time!

At the midway point in this Capstone Course, you will "get over the hump" and continue your progress toward the completion of your photography projects! Peter and Mark will each discuss a project that had "humps" to get over. This is also the week where you will upload a large set of new photographs, ten to be exact, using the Discussion Forum as our "gallery," and the Peer Review process as a way to share and receive feedback from as many of your fellow photographers as you like. You will not only gain from the perspectives of others, but grow in your abilities to engage the processes of critical thinking and dialogue so necessary to developing your own sense of what makes a photograph a "success."

Questions and Answers

In your fifth week of the Capstone, you are just beyond the half-way mark but quickly closing in on the time when you will have to upload your final portfolio project. There is still time to make adjustments, to fine tune the course you charted in your original Project Plan. With the feedback you received in the Midterm Review, and the experience of reviewing your peers' projects, the full meaning of a "project" should be much more clear to you now. This is a perfect time to switch from project planning statements to writing a "Photographer's Statement" that conveys in words the significance in your pictures, and we will concentrate on that this week.

Inspiration and Perspiration!

As Thomas Edison, the great 20th Century American inventor said, "Creativity is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration," and you can surely appreciate the meaning of that at this point in the development of your projects! In the last two weeks, you have had the opportunity to share and receive comments on your project's progress. There are no doubt questions that have been raised in your own mind about the project. There are also answers that you have found valid in regard to your goals. Use this week to create more photographs and to revise your Photographer's Statement in response to the feedback you have received from Peers. Your Capstone project pictures will be due by the end of next week, the 7th week of this Course 5. You should be making final photographs, fine tuning your Photographer's Statement, and making final decisions about which 10 pictures will comprise your final project. Be inspired!

Reveal the Capstone Projects!

You have done it! It's time to share your photographs and statements. Following the process described by Prof. Glendinning in his Lecture, you will use the Week 7 Discussion Forum to post your pictures for others to see and reflect on. After we take this week to post pictures and view those of classmates, you'll have the opportunity to share comments in Peer Review in Module 8. You'll also have the opportunity at that later time to make comments directly within this Discussion Forum... but please follow the lecture instructions, and don't post comments too early here!

Review, Reflect, and Go Beyond!

Well, here we are at the end of one journey together but at the beginning of another! In this final week, you will continue the process of learning by sharing and receiving comments through the Peer Review process. It will not only give you the chance to formally review 9 of your fellow Learners' projects, but also to make a direct comment to all participants in the Discussion Forum about how your photography will be improved by what you learned from their projects. Going "beyond" is something that you have embraced throughout this Specialization, and in reviewing the works of peers you have learned about your own tastes, your own standards of excellence. Your efforts are rewarded not only by the growth in creative and critique abilities however. In addition, you will be receiving an email giving you instructions on how to access the substantial discounts that our Industry Partners have provided. Finally, look for an invitation to the secret Facebook group where you can continue to interact with your peers if you like. In the future, as new groups of Learners complete the Capstone and join the "Alumni" Facebook Group, you will be joined there by other enthusiastic photographers who have also journeyed through Photography Basics and Beyond, to continue sharing together. Peter and Mark are active members of that Facebook group, and we look forward to our future interactions with you there as well. THANKS for all you have done to make this a positive learning experience throughout all 5 courses. We look forward to continuing the journey in photography with you in the future too!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the art and science of photography, developing creative, documentary, portraiture, and work-related projects

Involves sharing photographs and ideas through peer review

Equips students with industry-recognized skills in photography

Instructed by Peter Glendinning and Mark Valentine Sullivan, renowned photographers and educators

Offers substantial discounts on equipment and membership benefits from leading industry partners

Requires students to have access to a camera and photography equipment

Reviews summary

Learners say captivating capstone

Learners say this course is largely positive with engaging assignments that helped them grow in photography. The course covers lectures, readings, assignments, exams, quizzes, homework assignments, instructors, deadlines, and certificates. Its assignments foster collaboration as learners must review each other's work to build and improve their projects. Learners also interact with one another outside of assignments in discussion forums where they share ideas and provide feedback. Instructors are described as supportive and organized, and the course helped learners develop technical and artistic skills. However, some learners encountered technical problems and expressed disappointment with the lack of instructor feedback on final submissions.

Instructors are supportive and organized.

" I found my professors knowledgeable, clear in instruction and charming"

"Peter and Mark are great teachers and mentors were guardian angels all the step of the way"

"Professors are wonderful; the skills taught really helped me"

Learners develop technical skills in photography.

"I learned so much from the videos, readings"

"know my camera better"

"their classes are very complete"

This course fosters collaboration among learners.

"peer review feedback I received was very helpful"

"interaction with peers in the class"

"They were talented photographers, and I learned so much from them"

Some learners encountered technical problems.

"some technical issues with the platform did appear"

"Week 4 requires ten photos for embedding that does not work"

"Outdated video presentations from Peter Glendinning and Mark Sullivan doe s not correspond to the Coursera online learning method"

Some learners expressed disappointment with the lack of instructor feedback on final submissions.

"I did not receive any reviews from the professors which was a bummer"

"It would have been helpful to receive it, but I did not hear from either of them"

"no feedback from the professors"

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 Photography Capstone Project with these activities:

Photography Fundamentals

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Refresh your understanding of fundamental photography concepts like composition, lighting, and exposure to build a solid foundation for the course.

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Review your old photography notes or materials
Skim through online articles or tutorials on photography basics

Experiment with Camera Settings

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Practice adjusting camera settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in different lighting conditions to improve your technical proficiency.

Browse courses on Camera Settings

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Set your camera to manual mode
Experiment with different combinations of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
Take photos in various lighting conditions, such as bright sunlight, shade, and indoors

Develop a Photography Project Idea

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Brainstorm and develop a compelling photography project idea that aligns with your interests and the course objectives, providing you with a clear direction for your coursework.

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Identify your interests and passions within photography
Research different photography genres and styles
Sketch out potential project ideas and explore their feasibility
Write a brief project proposal outlining your concept, goals, and execution plan

Four other activities

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Review Photography Books

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Gain inspiration and insights from renowned photographers by reading and critically analyzing their works, expanding your knowledge and refining your aesthetic sense.

View Michael Freeman On... Creative Exposure: The... on Amazon

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Choose a book that aligns with your interests and the course topics
Read the book attentively, taking notes and reflecting on key concepts
Write a short summary or review of the book, sharing your thoughts and takeaways

Connect with Photography Professionals

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Reach out to professional photographers in your community or online for guidance, support, and industry insights, enriching your learning experience and expanding your professional network.

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Identify potential mentors based on their expertise and experience
Reach out to them via email, social media, or networking events
Build a mutually beneficial relationship by seeking advice, sharing your work, and attending workshops or events

Peer Critique and Support

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Engage in constructive critiques of your fellow students' work, providing feedback and support to enhance your understanding of photography and develop your critical thinking skills.

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Actively participate in peer review sessions
Provide constructive criticism and offer suggestions for improvement
Seek feedback on your own work to gain different perspectives

Photography Portfolio

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Compile your best photographs and craft a cohesive portfolio that showcases your progress, skills, and artistic vision, demonstrating your mastery of the course material.

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Select your strongest photographs that align with the course objectives
Edit and refine your chosen photographs
Design and assemble your portfolio, considering layout, presentation, and impact

Career center

Learners who complete Photography Capstone Project will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Documentary Photographer

Documentary photographers create images and videos that tell real stories, often about significant issues facing society. This course places significant emphasis on the importance and creation of meaningful projects, which is key to success in documentary photography.

See salaries and explore the career path for Documentary Photographer

Commercial Photographer

Commercial photographers are responsible for capturing images to be used in advertisements, brochures, and other marketing materials. Developing an artistic vision, along with a deep understanding of the principles of photography, are required for success as a commercial photographer. This course's focus on developing your skills in photography, will help you understand the basics necessary to succeed in this profession.

See salaries and explore the career path for Commercial Photographer

Portrait Photographer

Portrait photographers are experts at capturing images of people. Success in this role requires a command of skills in photography. By taking this course, you will make strides in developing these skills, which can help you secure a job as a portrait photographer.

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Photojournalist

Photojournalists use photographs to capture and report on current events. Since this role requires an in-depth understanding of photography and visual storytelling, this course can help you build a foundation for a career as a photojournalist.

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Food Photographer

Food photographers capture images of food for use in cookbooks, magazines, and other publications. This course can help you launch your career as a food photographer by providing a strong foundation in photography as well as an understanding of food styling and composition.

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Architectural Photographer

Architectural photographers capture images of buildings and structures. This course provides you with the expertise to succeed in this role by providing a foundation in photography, including composition and lighting techniques.

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Product Photographer

Product photographers capture images of products for use in marketing and advertising. This course will help you succeed in this role by helping you master the skills necessary to take visually appealing product shots.

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Wildlife Photographer

Wildlife photographers travel to capture images of animals in their natural habitats. This is a competitive field that requires a strong understanding of photography and the behavior of animals. This course will help you build the skills required to succeed in this role.

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Technical Photographer

Technical photographers capture images for scientific, engineering, and medical purposes. This course can help you succeed in this role by providing a strong foundation in photography, as well as an understanding of the specific requirements of technical photography.

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Medical Photographer

Medical photographers capture images and videos to assist in medical diagnosis, treatment, and education. This course provides the basic photographic skills that are required for success in this field.

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Event Photographer

Event photographers capture images of events such as weddings, parties, and conferences. This course can help you succeed as an event photographer by providing a strong foundation in photography.

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Fine Art Photographer

Fine art photographers capture and create images for the purpose of artistic expression. Mastery of photography requires a strong understanding of photography. This course's emphasis on the fundamentals of photography will greatly contribute to your success in this role.

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Fashion Photographer

Fashion photographers capture images of clothing and models for use in magazines, advertisements, and other media. Since a successful fashion photographer must have a strong portfolio of work, this course may be useful as it provides an opportunity to develop your skills and build your portfolio.

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Stock Photographer

Stock photographers capture images that are sold to individuals and businesses for use in a variety of applications. This course may be useful as it will help you build a strong portfolio, which is essential for success as a stock photographer.

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Forensic Photographer

Forensic photographers use photography to document crime scenes and evidence. Success in this role requires a strong foundation in photography as well as an understanding of legal procedures. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in photography.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Photographer