Photography: Essential Skills and Creative Approaches (one week) - Nottingham Trent University

Description

Unlock the full potential of your DSLR camera and embark on a captivating journey into the world of photography. This comprehensive short course is tailored for beginners, providing an immersive experience in understanding and utilising the features of your DSLR camera effectively, moving away from shooting in automatic mode so you can take control of your photographs. Throughout this course, you will delve into the fundamental principles of photography, mastering essential techniques to capture stunning images in various settings. From exploring exposure settings to understanding composition principles, this course covers all aspects necessary to elevate your photography skills. This course is perfect for anyone eager to unlock the creative possibilities of their DSLR camera, regardless of previous experience or background. Whether you're an aspiring photographer looking to hone your skills, a hobbyist seeking to capture memorable moments with precision, or simply curious about the art of photography, this course welcomes enthusiasts of all levels who share a passion for visual storytelling and expression. You’ll receive hands-on practical help with your own camera equipment, and can borrow some of our professional lenses, lighting, and accessories to give your shots a boost, and get advice if you’re considering buying more equipment. Develop your creativity and establish your own unique photographic practice, investigating areas such as art, documentary, editorial, commercial, events, portraiture, urban, landscape and nature photography in the studio and around the city. If you want to know how to do things like; blur the background, blur some things whilst keeping others focused, get super sharp images, photograph small/big/fast/slow things, use flash, photograph people, or just do the simple things really well, then this course will give the opportunity to ask those burning questions before putting them into action. Topics will include: • what is a photograph and why do we take them? • contemporary digital photography and current technologies used • photographic exposure and how to control the light • developing compositional techniques to build stronger pictures • exposure, focus, aperture, shutter and shutter speed • shooting in a photography studio using flash and continuous lighting • editing images using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom • formatting images for social media and digital developing • printing in large format up to A0 in size • choosing and buying your equipment, after trying new kit on the course. You’ll gain experience working in a photography studio as well as on location, trying out some advanced features of your camera and gaining the knowledge of why you might want to use these over the automatic mode. You can borrow some of our professional lenses, lighting, or accessories to give your shots a boost. Or simply have a go shooting subjects you’d never considered. They’ll be some (non-compulsory) homework assignments and tasks you can continue after the course is finished, to keep practicing. By the end of the course, you'll have the opportunity to create prints of your favourite images, whether for your portfolio or to keep as artwork, showcasing the culmination of your newfound skills and artistic vision. Tutor Profile: Paul Carroll is a photographer, journalist and teacher with over 20 years of experience. He graduated from NTU with a First Honours degree in Photography and then went on to spend two years working on the UK's best-selling photography magazine ‘Digital Photo’ where he was responsible for planning, writing and illustrating articles regarding general camera skills and editing RAW files. Paul’s commercial photography experience spans advertising, PR, events, portraits and fashion. Capturing images of sports stars, politicians, business leaders, Paul has shot for clients such as: Sky Sports, Jaguar Land Rover, Budweiser, Natwest, The Labour Party, The PCA. The resulting images have appeared in newspapers, magazines, on billboards, in brochures, on the internet, even on the back of buses. A self-confessed geek, Paul loves camera gear, but his wide experience in the field has taught him the use of lighting, angles, composition and most importantly the ability to engage constructively with your subject are more important than camera settings. Paul is passionate about photography and having captured images in some pretty strange places (he’s got some stories) using loads of different types of kit he has a wealth of photo knowledge to share. Level: Beginner Entry requirement: No previous photography or software experience is required, although you must have basic computer skills. Need accommodation? You can book a self-catered, single room with private bathroom on our city campus, right next door to our studios and classrooms.

What's included in the price?

Teaching and learning experiences will include: • lectures and seminars • studio workshops • on location practical demonstrations • portfolio reviews • tutorials • peer and self-evaluation. A series of technical workshops will help you to develop practical skills, and will include: • exposure and metering • focus • aperture • shutter and shutter speed • subject lighting • digital developing and colour printing • digital workflow (scanning, processing, printing, and managing your digital images). This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus. You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor. 98% of previous course attendees were satisfied with the course, received the attention they needed and would consider doing another short course at NTU. You will also need to bring with you a Digital SLR or Mirrorless camera with a ‘kit’ lens.

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Nottingham Trent University

with Craft Courses since 2015

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