What will you learn

Skills and knowledge you will gain after completing this course:

  • Understand the 'Exposure Triangle' and get out of the Auto mode.

  • Working with natural light and dealing with the sun and get incredible natural portrait lighting with this one simple pro tip that will flatter your subjects

  • Use composition to take more dramatic and creative images

  • Use flash photography by controlling depth of field and the 'block of focus'

  • Take better photos in the snow. fireworks avoiding camera shake and get sharper images

Course curriculum

    1. Use the Exposure Triangle to understand exposure and get out of the Auto mode

    2. Lens apertures, learn about one of the most important camera settings

    3. Shutter Speed Basics

    4. The ISO setting, what is it and what’s it for?

    5. Exposure Compensation, why you sometimes need to darken or lighten your images

    1. 5 Tips for tack sharp focussing

    2. Choose the right shutter speeds to avoid camera shake & get sharper photos

    3. Use your histogram to nail the exposure for those important images.

    4. Aperture & depth of field – start getting creative (DSLRs)

    5. Scene modes & depth of field (Compact cameras)

    1. Top Shade, the professional’s portrait lighting secret

    2. Dealing with the sun when taking a portrait

    3. Direction of light and the effect it has on your photos

    4. Get nice blue skies in your photos and avoid white skies

    5. How to retain the ambient light of a nicely lit room

    6. Better indoor portraits using window light – pt 1 of 2

    7. Better indoor portraits using window light – pt 2 of 2

    8. Create a great look using backlighting

    9. How to improve your natural light portraits using a reflector

    1. Use the rule of thirds for improved composition

    2. Better composition using diagonal lines

    3. Use ‘Leading Lines’ to create more dramatic images

    4. Use repeating patterns for more impact

    5. Improve your composition using the ‘frame within a frame’ trick

    6. Blur the background for more impact (DSLRs)

    7. Blur the background to isolate your subject (Compact Cameras)

    8. Don’t let cluttered backgrounds ruin your portraits

    9. Improve your portraits using unusual backgrounds

    10. Improve your portraits using nature’s own abstract backgrounds

    1. Flatter your individual subject with these full length posing tips

    2. Family or small group poses – Pt I Standing poses

    3. Family or small group poses – Pt II Seated poses

    4. Individual natural and relaxed female poses

    5. Ideas for photographing children, 4-6 months old

    6. Ideas for photographing children, 9-12 months old

    1. Landscape photography tips, a walkthough with Barbara

    2. How to take better photos in the snow

About this course

  • £32.99
  • 53 lessons
  • 5.5 hours of video content

Discover your potential, starting today

You'll learn from

Award winning portrait photographer Bernie Raffe AMPA

Bernie is a professional photographer based in the UK, and has been passionate about photography ever since his parents bought him his first camera when he was just 11 years old (a Kodak Brownie 127)! He's qualified as a photographer to 'Associate' level with both the MPA (Master Photographers Association), and the SWPP (Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers) in the UK. Bernie loves sharing his passion for photography, and students really enjoy his fun teaching style which has earned him over 100 five star reviews. These entertaining and informative films will demonstrate, without blinding you with science, how you can be a better photographer, taking more creative and dramatic photos that will wow your friends and family. He is in demand as a speaker to other professionals and to beginner and keen amateurs at camera clubs... he's also an occasional guest speaker on cruise ships.

FAQ

More about this Become a Better Photographer – Part I course

  • Do I need any prior experience to take this course?

    No, you don't need any prior experience to take this course. It's designed for beginners and will guide you through the basics of photography.

  • What will I learn in this beginner photography course?

    Master the fundamentals of photography with this Part 1 course! You'll learn 50+ tips and tricks on essential topics like camera settings, composition, and lighting. Capture stunning photos and elevate your skills to the next level.

  • Does this course cover popular photography styles?

    Yes, Part 1 offers a taste of popular photography styles like portraiture, landscape, and street photography. Explore different approaches to spark your creative vision.

  • 4. What camera settings should I learn first?

    This course demystifies camera settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Learn how to adjust them for different situations and achieve your desired creative effects.

  • Will I receive a certificate upon completion?

    Yes, upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion.

  • Who Will Benefit from "Photography – Become a Better Photographer – Part I"

    This course is ideal for: Absolute Beginners: If you're new to photography and want a solid foundation, this course is perfect for you. Smartphone Photographers: Learn how to take stunning photos with your smartphone camera, no matter the model. Hobbyist Photographers: Take your photography to the next level with practical tips and techniques. Travel Enthusiasts: Capture breathtaking travel photos with expert guidance. Anyone seeking to improve their photography skills: Whether you're a casual photographer or aspiring professional, this course will help you enhance your skills and creativity.

  • Potential Career Paths for Photography Enthusiasts

    Photography-Specific Careers Professional Photographer: Specialize in areas like wedding, portrait, landscape, or commercial photography. Photojournalist: Capture news events and stories through images. Food Photographer: Create visually appealing food images for menus, cookbooks, and food blogs. Fashion Photographer: Work in the fashion industry to capture models and clothing. Real Estate Photographer: Photograph properties for sale or rent. Stock Photographer: Sell your photos to stock agencies for use in various media.

  • What are the related creative fields can benefit from this course?

    Graphic Designer: Combine photography with design elements to create visual content. Web Designer: Use photography to enhance website design and user experience. Video Editor: Work with photos and videos to create engaging visual content. Social Media Manager: Utilize photography skills to create visually appealing social media content. Art Director: Oversee the visual aspects of various creative projects.