Fundamentals of Photography – Homeschool Edition

Fundamentals of Photography for Homeschoolers: Capturing the World Through Your Lens

Course Overview:

Designed specifically for homeschool students, this course offers an enriching journey into the world of photography. By starting with the basics and evolving into more advanced techniques, students will grasp the mechanics of a camera and the artistry behind capturing compelling photographs. The flexible online format allows for individual pacing, making it perfect for the self-motivated learner.

Duration: 30 weeks
Format: Online, Self-paced, with Instructor Support

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand and operate a camera.
2. Manipulate camera settings to achieve desired effects.
3. Utilize various camera modes effectively.
4. Apply principles of composition to create visually engaging photos.
5. Recognize and experiment with different types of photography.
6. Edit photos using standard software tools to enhance and refine images.

Course Breakdown:

Weeks 1-4: Camera Fundamentals

• Understanding your camera.
• Camera Features.
• Camera Care.

Weeks 5-12: Photography Fundamentals

• Camera Modes (Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual Modes).
• Camera Settings (Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO).
• White Balance.

Weeks 13-19: Composition Fundamentals

• The rule of thirds.
• Leading lines, symmetry, and framing.
• Experimenting with angles and perspectives.

Weeks 20-25: Capture Fundamentals

• Portrait photography.
• Landscape photography.
• Macro photography.
• Candid photography.
• Sports and action photography.
• Night and low-light photography.

Weeks 26-28: Introduction to Photo Editing

• Basics of photo editing software (like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop).
• Enhancing colors, shadows, highlights, and contrasts.
• Retouching, cropping, and resizing.

Weeks 29-30: Final Projects and Portfolio Development

• Conceptualizing and shooting a personal photography project.
• Curating a portfolio.
• Receiving feedback and final thoughts.

Projects:

At the end of each section, students will have a hands-on project allowing them to apply their knowledge. For instance, a portrait assignment after the portrait photography section, or a landscape photo mission following the landscape lessons.

Course Final:

The culmination of the course will require students to create a personal photography project showcasing what they’ve learned. This project will be shared within the course group for feedback and appreciation.

Course Group Interaction:

Students have the option to join a dedicated course group. This platform encourages interaction, sharing of personal work, seeking feedback, asking questions to the instructor, and supporting fellow learners. It’s a vibrant community where learning extends beyond the structured lessons, fostering a collective passion for photography.

Whether taken alone or in a group setting, this course aims to spark the artistic spirit within and turn everyday moments into extraordinary visual stories.

FAQ’s

When does the course start?

Enrollment for this course is open and can be started any time. This is a self-paced course but is designed to be taken over a 30-week period of time. Ambitious students can move at a faster pace if they wish.

What age range is this course appropriate for?

Some of the photography concepts in this course might be hard to grasp for kids under ten.

What kind of camera do I need?

This course is designed to teach photography using any type of camera from smartphone to Mirrorless/DSLR style cameras.

What happens if we get behind the curriculum schedule?

The course is self-paced. Pick up where you left off if you get behind. Don’t worry about catching up. Go at a comfortable pace.