WEEK 2: Camera Basics and Editing Basics

This week we will be discussing the technical basics of creating a photograph. Properly exposing a photograph and recognizing when a photograph is overexposed or underexposed is the basic foundation of creating a technically sound photograph. We will also cover the basics of editing in post production, to help bring your photographs to life.

*There are 2 (TWO) Units and 2 (TWO) modules for this week

UNIT 1: Camera Basics

Module: WEEK 2: UNIT 1, Camera Basics

The lectures cover camera operations that are applicable to DSLR, Point and Shoot, and smartphone cameras. If you have specific questions about your camera, either consult your manual, the instructions in the app, or send me an email and I'll be happy to help you out.

Your first class activity for the week is a practice assignment to get you comfortable working with the manual controls. You'll find examples of this project from previous students in the module.

UNIT 2: Post Production Editing

Module: WEEK 2, UNIT 2: Post Production Editing

In the lectures, I will be discussing the difference between photographing in RAW camera file mode and jpeg and why RAW is best for post-production editing. Adobe Lightroom is the best program to use for RAW file editing but because of the way Adobe Lightroom Classic saves information to a computer's hard drive, it is not available through the college's computer lab. So, in addition to covering how to edit photos in Lightroom (for those that have their own copy of Adobe), I will also be showing you how to edit RAW photographs using Adobe Photoshop/Camera RAW and editing jpeg files in Photoshop, for those that are using the remote desktop as an alternative.

If neither of these options works, you can use another editing application outside of Adobe. Please note however, that this class specifically works with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, which is where my expertise lies. Here is a list of alternatives applications: RESOURCE: Photoshop and Lightroom Alternatives.

Your student fees cover the cost to allow you access to Adobe Creative Suite through Central's Microsoft Remote Desktop computer lab or for using the computer lab in person: see SUPPORT: In Person Computer Lab Access. You can also purchase a copy of Adobe Creative Suite at a discount through the college's software discount program. An email should have been sent to you to your college email address with a link to register for access to the Seattle College's webstore. If not, please contact Seattle College's IT support.

Your second class activity for the week will serve as an introduction to the basics of editing in Lightroom and Photoshop Camera RAW. With each subsequent assignment for the quarter, you'll have more opportunity to put these skills into practice.

TO DO LIST

READ & WATCH:

There are several lectures and demos on camera exposure basics, including:
- Parts of a camera
- Exposure definitions
- White balance
- The photographic triangle
There are several lectures and demos on basic editing in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, including:
- Digital Photo Basics
- Digital Editing in Adobe Photoshop
- Digital Editing in Adobe Photoshop Camera RAW and Lightroom

RESOURCES:

Exposure Cheat Sheets

COMPLETE:

All assignments for this week are Sunday DUE 1/16

EXTRA CREDIT OPTION