Practical Photography for Absolute Beginners: 9 Courses in 1

1. Fundamentals of Photography

   • Understanding the camera settings: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
   • The exposure triangle: how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO interact to affect exposure.
   • Introduction to different types of cameras and sensors (DSLR vs Mirrorless).

2. Lighting Essentials for Photography

   • Basic lighting principles: natural light versus artificial light.
   • Flash photography techniques and the use of reflectors and diffusers.
   • How to set up a home studio for product or portrait photography.

3. Macro Photography Mastery

   • Macro photography tips and tricks, including lens choice and focusing techniques.
   • Controlling depth of field for stunning macro shots.
   • Dealing with challenges in macro photography: wind, motion blur, and camera stability.
   • Enhancing your macro images with post-processing in software like Photoshop or Lightroom.

4. Black and White Photography

   • The power of black and white imagery to convey emotion and focus attention on composition and texture.
   • Black and white vs color photography: the differences and when to choose one over the other.
   • Tips and tricks for capturing compelling black and white images, including converting color photos to monochrome in post-processing.

5. Mastering Composition in Photography

   • Understanding the components that make a great photograph.
   • The importance of composition in creating visually appealing images.
   • Techniques for placing your subject within the frame, creating separation, balancing elements, and utilizing perspective to enhance your photos.

6. Stock Photography Success

   • Analyzing the stock photography market and learning how to sell your photos effectively.
   • How to increase your chances of having your images accepted by stock photo agencies.
   • Understanding what makes a photo marketable from a commercial perspective.

7. Portrait Photography

   • What constitutes portrait photography and its different styles (e.g., environmental portraits, studio portraits).
   • Key concepts for capturing great portraits, including lighting setup and subject interaction.
   • Analyzing common portrait photography mistakes and how to avoid them.

8. Deep Dive into Lenses

   • A comprehensive look at different types of lenses, their uses, and the benefits of prime versus zoom lenses.
   • Understanding lens terminology: focal length, aperture, image stabilization, etc.
   • When to use a tripod and what to do if one isn't available.

9. Long Exposure Photography

   • Introduction to long exposure techniques and their creative potential.
   • Guidance on using ND filters for controlling light during long exposures.
   • Tips for capturing stunning long exposure shots, including camera settings and composition advice.

10. Photo Editing in Adobe Photoshop

    • Step-by-step tutorials on creating various effects and enhancements in Photoshop.
    • Tips for creating vintage or black and white images with a warm tone.
    • Techniques for enhancing black and white photos using the Hue/Saturation feature.
    • Sharpening your images, creating matte effects, adding reflections to sunglasses, and more.

11. Photography Business and Marketing

    • Introduction to the business side of photography: pricing, client relations, and building a portfolio.
    • Marketing strategies for photographers: social media presence, networking, and personal branding.
    • Legal considerations: copyrights, model releases, and contracts.

12. Advanced Photography Techniques

    • Infrared photography and its unique effects.
    • Astrophotography and capturing the night sky.
    • Underwater photography tips and challenges.

13. Photography for Specific Uses

    • Architectural photography: capturing buildings and structures in their best light.
    • Food photography: techniques for making dishes look appealing and mouth-watering.
    • Wildlife and nature photography: ethical considerations and how to capture animals in their environment.

14. Emerging Trends in Photography

    • Exploring new photographic techniques such as drone photography, 360-degree panoramas, and mobile photography advancements.
    • The role of AI in photography: from automated editing to predictive shooting modes.
    • Staying current with camera technology and software updates.

This curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of the art and science of photography, covering both technical skills and artistic concepts. It's designed to take you from beginner to advanced photographer, while also preparing you for the business aspects of making a living in this field. Whether you're looking to improve your personal photography hobby or turn it into a professional career, these topics will help you grow as a photographer.