Here is a link to a copy of CoreFTP, free FTP software for Windows machines that you can use at home to upload your assignments to the class website. Right-click on the file name and choose the option to save the file to your disk. Save it to your desktop or documents or downloads folder, then double-click on the file to begin installation.
Mac users: Fetch is an FTP software that is free to students. You can download a 15 day free trial and register for a free educational licence. The licence serial number is then sent to you by email.
Course Overview
This introductory course teaches beginning photographers how to improve their photographic technique and use digital cameras for effective visual communication. Working with their own digital cameras, students will practice professional shooting strategies and produce weekly practical and creative photo assignments. Students will use image-editing software for creatively improving communication, composition, tone and color, focusing on the basic tools and techniques most valuable to the digital photographer.
All the images from daily assignments will be brought into professional imaging software to recompose, resize, crop, color correct and sharpen. Topics include camera theory, useful formats, composition basics, composing within the frame, using natural and artificial lighting, texture, shape, form, and line in the photograph, framing, useful tonal ranges, digital darkroom techniques, repair and retouching, compositing, portraiture, scenic and nature photography, using available light, action photography, close-up photography, and shooting products.
Activities also include delivery of files via the Internet, creating slide shows, creating secure PDF files, and preparing files for different media, including printing and web.
Prerequisites
Participants should bring their own digital camera to this class and should come prepared with the knowledge of how their camera works. Minimum requirements for the camera are: 3 megapixel or larger format, White balance controls, Manual exposure and shutter controls, Manual or lockable focus, Operation manual in hand. Students should come prepared with the basic knowledge of how their camera works.
Anyone with an interest in this subject is encouraged to register for this course. However, we require at least basic experience using a Macintosh (OS X preferred) or Windows based PC. Because they are the dominant industrial tools, we will be using Macintosh computers and Photoshop in our labs.
