Photography Techniques: Light, Content, and Sharing from Coursera

Welcome to Course FOUR! In Modules 1-4 you will cover the final elements of the Specialization necessary to round out this introduction to the fundamentals of Photography, and prepare you for creating your own exciting project in the Capstone! You have come a long way since the beginning of this journey from Smartphone Basics to DSLR and Beyond. Just think of all the information you have absorbed and put to use in your assignments and quizzes, and the confidence you have gained that you CAN control the camera to make pictures you are proud to share.

Here in Course Four you will start by gaining knowledge related to content in photography, from fact to fiction, documentary to purely expressive. Next you will learn principles, tips, and techniques for using the essential element of Light in Ambient/Natural settings.

The flash/strobe unit, whether it is built-in to your camera or an add-on "hotshoe" model, will finally be something you, not the camera, controls! You will prove to yourself that those former mysteries of Controlled Continuous and Strobe lighting will no longer be mysterious, as you apply your knowledge to creation of assignment photographs in various situations. Sharing those pictures in Peer Review will give you the opportunity to learn from your fellow photographers' solutions to lighting challenges, and to gain insight into your own work and creative approaches too.

There is an important word to share about Peer Review assignments for this course. As photographers who have accomplished the quiz and photography requirements of Courses One through Three, you have the knowledge and capability to create quality photographs at a much higher rate of success, and in a much shorter time, than when you began. You have also proven that you are a dedicated Learner, someone who has a passion for photography and is willing to put forth the extra effort necessary to accomplish your goals. This Course is the last before the Capstone Course, in which you will be tasked with creating a project over a 2-month period of dedicated photography. The Peer Review photography assignments have been structured with both your advanced capabilities and dedication in mind...in other words, they will require both! Be prepared to allocate more time than you have in previous Courses for the assignments, because they will take more time and because you will really enjoy them!

Course Four ends with an overview of methods for finalizing your pictures in print form, including simple but effective matting techniques, and in web page designs as well. The pleasures and perils of sharing in social media sites are also yours to discover. Protecting your copyrights by understanding that concept and the ways that you can assert them, being careful about blogs and other outlets, and recognizing you are part of a community that respects the individual's creative effort, well that is important knowledge to have in preparation for the Capstone too! Let's get started with Module One!

What's inside

Syllabus

The Content of a Photograph

What are the broad areas of content that are most closely associated with photography? Why is photography well suited to image-making in these areas, and where do your interests synchronize with those of photographers past and present? You will gain a greater understanding of those and other questions, and knowledge of a range of typical pictures in a variety of categories too, in this set of lessons. Understanding these broad categories will help you to form your own projects, including the Capstone Project in Course 5, with confidence that you are part of a stream of tradition, building on a foundation that you as a photographer are a part of!

Light Fundamentals 1.0: People, Places, Things under Ambient Light

In this Module you will begin with an overview of light itself, and learn to recognize the characteristics of typical "ambient," aka continuous light natural to the environment. From photographing early in the morning, through midday to evening, in exterior and interior environments, you will learn to recognize typical light/subject situations and be able to use new tips and techniques on how to get the best results. People, places, and things each require nuanced approaches, even under similar lighting, and you will learn to recognize opportunities in each category.

Light Fundamentals 2.0: People, Places, Things under Controlled Light

In this Module you will learn about essential light and exposure principles that are critical to your success in photography that is made with lights that you can control. From continuous-light to built-in-camera flash to auxiliary "hotshoe" strobes, you will establish a solid foundation of light and lighting principles and practices, especially related to the flash. With a built-in flash in most digital cameras, it is essential to have a full understanding of that important device. You will have much better control of the flash with the information you gain in this Module. Rounding out this module are lessons on practical photography activities that you will be able to apply to addressing your own individual needs for specialized picture situations, even with a Smart phone!

Finishing Pictures: Options for Showing and Sharing

In this Module you will survey the ways that you can bring your digital images out of the world of zeros and ones that are stored in your computer, and bring them into the world through various means of sharing. Whether your interests are in producing prints of your photographs or quality web-based displays, you will have the knowledge to control their appearance through calibration that is essential for a professional presentation. You will also learn about the pitfalls and dangers of sharing in social media and other sites, and how to take precautions to protect yourself, your family and friends, and your photographs. You will also gain an understanding of standard options for dissemination of your photos in print form, on sharing sites, and even in your very own website.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the fundamentals of photography, preparing learners for a capstone project

Provides a comprehensive overview of photography content, including fact, fiction, documentary, and expressive

Develops principles, tips, and techniques for using light in ambient and natural settings

Teaches essential light and exposure principles for controlled continuous and strobe lighting

Covers options for sharing and displaying photographs, including print, web, and social media

Provides opportunities for peer review, allowing learners to receive feedback on their work

Reviews summary

Photography techniques: highly praised

Learners say this photography course earns its high ratings, being well-received for its engaging and practical approach to learning photography techniques. Students largely enjoyed the course content, lectures, and assignments, but found the tight deadlines to be a drawback.

Students enjoyed the course content and assignments.

"I like the course"

"The lectures were very clear and interesting."

"Assignments were helpful and engaging."

The deadlines were too tight for some students.

"I did non like the tight deadline."

"The deadlines were a bit too tight for me."

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 Techniques: Light, Content, and Sharing with these activities:

Read 'Understanding Exposure'

Show steps

Go over essential exposure, lighting, and composition principles to enhance foundational photography skills before starting the course.

View Understanding Street Photography: An... on Amazon

Show steps

Read Chapters 1-3 to refresh basics of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
Practice applying these principles while taking photos outdoors for 30 minutes.
Review photos and identify areas for improvement in exposure.

Composition Techniques for Photography

Show steps

Develop a strong foundation in composition techniques through guided tutorials that explore various elements and principles.

Show steps

Enroll in online tutorials or workshops on photography composition.
Study and practice different composition techniques.
Apply these techniques to personal photography projects.

Photography Journal

Show steps

Develop a habit of documenting photography ideas, techniques, and observations to reinforce concepts from lectures.

Browse courses on Journaling

Show steps

Set aside a notebook or digital journal for photography-related notes and reflections.
Establish a routine of writing daily entries, capturing ideas, and analyzing photos.
Review and reflect on journal entries to identify patterns and improve understanding.

Two other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all five activities

Lighting Practice Exercises

Show steps

Enhance lighting skills by completing practical exercises that apply different lighting setups to various subjects.

Browse courses on Lighting Techniques

Show steps

Set up different lighting scenarios using natural or artificial light sources.
Practice photographing subjects under different lighting conditions.
Analyze and compare results to understand the impact of lighting on the final image.

Photographic Essay

Show steps

Apply photography principles to create a compelling visual narrative that demonstrates understanding of light, composition, and storytelling.

Browse courses on Narrative Photography

Show steps

Choose a theme or concept to explore through photography.
Plan a photoshoot, considering lighting, composition, and subject matter.
Capture a series of photographs that visually convey the theme or concept.
Sequence and edit the photographs to create a coherent and impactful narrative.

Career center

Learners who complete Photography Techniques: Light, Content, and Sharing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Photographer

Photographers provide visual content across various media. They may capture current events, create artistic images, or take photographs for commercial use. This course begins with photography basics and leads learners through the fundamentals, including the content and composition of a photograph, as well as working with light and controlled lighting. By the end of this course, learners will be well-prepared to enter the field of photography or to advance their skills to create high-quality images for a variety of purposes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

Photojournalist

Photojournalists tell stories through images, capturing important events and issues. They may work for newspapers, magazines, or websites, and their work can inform and educate the public. This course provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of photography, including the content and composition of a photograph, as well as working with light and controlled lighting. These skills are essential for photojournalists who need to be able to quickly and effectively capture images that tell a story.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photojournalist

Fine Art Photographer

Fine art photographers create images for artistic purposes, often expressing their own unique vision or perspective. They may exhibit their work in galleries or sell it through other channels. This course provides a foundation in the fundamentals of photography, including the content and composition of a photograph, as well as working with light and controlled lighting. These skills are essential for fine art photographers who need to be able to create high-quality images that express their own unique vision.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fine Art Photographer

Commercial Photographer

Commercial photographers create images for advertising, marketing, and other commercial purposes. They work with clients to develop concepts and create images that meet specific needs. This course provides a foundation in the fundamentals of photography, including the content and composition of a photograph, as well as working with light and controlled lighting. These skills are essential for commercial photographers who need to be able to create high-quality images that meet the needs of their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Commercial Photographer

Art Director

Art directors oversee the visual aspects of a variety of projects, including advertising campaigns, magazines, and websites. They work with photographers, illustrators, and other artists to create a cohesive and visually appealing product. This course provides a foundation in the fundamentals of photography, including the content and composition of a photograph, as well as working with light and controlled lighting. These skills can be helpful for art directors who need to be able to communicate effectively with photographers and other artists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Photo Editor

Photo editors select, edit, and prepare images for publication in print or online. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other organizations. This course provides a foundation in the fundamentals of photography, including the content and composition of a photograph, as well as working with light and controlled lighting. These skills are essential for photo editors who need to be able to quickly and effectively select and edit images for publication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photo Editor

Web Designer

Web designers create and maintain websites. They work with photographers and other creatives to create visual content for websites. This course provides a foundation in the fundamentals of photography, including the content and composition of a photograph, as well as working with light and controlled lighting. These skills can be helpful for web designers who need to be able to incorporate photography into their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Graphic designer

Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as brochures, magazines, and corporate reports. This course provides a foundation in the fundamentals of photography, including the content and composition of a photograph, as well as working with light and controlled lighting. These skills can be helpful for graphic designers who need to be able to incorporate photography into their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Event Planner

Event planners plan and coordinate events, such as weddings, conferences, and parties. They may work for businesses, organizations, or individuals. This course provides a foundation in the fundamentals of photography, including the content and composition of a photograph, as well as working with light and controlled lighting. These skills can be helpful for event planners who need to be able to communicate effectively with photographers and other creatives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Event Planner

Social Media Manager

Social media managers create and manage content for social media platforms. They may work for businesses, organizations, or individuals. This course provides a foundation in the fundamentals of photography, including the content and composition of a photograph, as well as working with light and controlled lighting. These skills can be helpful for social media managers who need to be able to create and curate visually appealing content for social media.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Museum curator

Museum curators oversee the collections of museums. They may work with photographers and other creatives to create exhibitions and educational programs. This course provides a foundation in the fundamentals of photography, including the content and composition of a photograph, as well as working with light and controlled lighting. These skills can be helpful for museum curators who need to be able to communicate effectively with photographers and other creatives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists manage the public image of an organization. They may work for businesses, organizations, or government agencies. This course provides a foundation in the fundamentals of photography, including the content and composition of a photograph, as well as working with light and controlled lighting. These skills can be helpful for public relations specialists who need to be able to communicate effectively with photographers and other creatives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Communications Manager

Communications managers oversee the communication activities of an organization. They may work for businesses, organizations, or government agencies. This course provides a foundation in the fundamentals of photography, including the content and composition of a photograph, as well as working with light and controlled lighting. These skills can be helpful for communications managers who need to be able to communicate effectively with photographers and other creatives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products or services. They work with photographers and other creatives to create visual content for marketing materials. This course provides a foundation in the fundamentals of photography, including the content and composition of a photograph, as well as working with light and controlled lighting. These skills can be helpful for marketing managers who need to be able to communicate effectively with photographers and other creatives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They may work in public or private schools, or in other educational settings. This course provides a foundation in the fundamentals of photography, including the content and composition of a photograph, as well as working with light and controlled lighting. These skills can be helpful for teachers who want to incorporate photography into their teaching.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher