Course Description

Unlock the art and science of photography through this hands-on short course designed for aspiring photographers and visual storytellers.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to polish your skills, the course provides technical knowledge, creative insight, and professional techniques to improve your photography.

Students will learn:

• Camera settings
• Lighting
• Composition
• Professional photography techniques
• Photo editing
• Real-world photography projects

By the end of the course, students will understand the foundations of professional photography and develop a portfolio reflecting their unique style.

1. Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Understand DSLR/Mirrorless cameras & lenses
2. Understand the exposure triangle:
   • ISO
   • Aperture
   • Shutter Speed
3. Apply composition techniques & visual storytelling
4. Set up and use natural & studio lighting
5. Perform:
   • Portrait photography
   • Landscape photography
   • Event photography
   • Product photography
6. Understand the basics of photo editing using:
   • Lightroom
   • Photoshop
7. Build a personal brand & photography portfolio
8. Understand freelancing tips and how to get first clients

2. Course Modules

Module 1 — Foundations of Photography

Lecture 1: Introduction to Professional Photography

• History
• Photography genres
• Scope of photography

Lecture 2: Understanding Your Camera

• Camera types & functions
• Manual vs. Auto mode
• How to hold and handle your camera

Lecture 3: The Exposure Triangle

• ISO
• Aperture
• Shutter Speed
• How they affect image quality

Lecture 4: Camera Modes & Settings

• White balance
• Focus modes
• Metering
• Introduction to RAW vs. JPEG

Assessment: Quizzes / Assessments & Graded Components

Module 2 — Composition & Lighting

Lecture 5: Principles of Composition

• Rule of thirds
• Symmetry
• Leading lines
• Framing

Lecture 6: Advanced Composition Techniques

• Negative space
• Patterns
• Depth
• Storytelling

Lecture 7: Natural Light Photography

• Golden hour
• Shadows
• Reflectors
• Working with outdoor environments

Lecture 8: Artificial Lighting Basics

• Flash
• Soft boxes
• LED lighting
• Introduction to studio lighting setup

Assessment: Practical Assignments

Module 3 — Photography Genres

Lecture 9: Portrait Photography

• Working with models
• Posing
• Lighting for faces

Lecture 10: Landscape & Nature Photography

• Composition tips
• Weather considerations
• Gear

Lecture 11: Product Photography

• Shooting for e-commerce & advertising
• Backgrounds
• Props
• Lighting

Lecture 12: Event & Candid Photography

• Techniques for weddings
• Parties
• Live events

Lecture 13: Street & Travel Photography

• Ethics
• People
• Storytelling through environments

Lecture 14: Mobile Photography Techniques

• Maximizing smartphone cameras
• Apps
• Accessories
• Editing on mobile

Assessment: Practical Assignments

Module 4 — Editing & Post-Production

Lecture 15: Introduction to Photo Editing

• File types
• Editing workflow
• Software overview

Lecture 16: Adobe Lightroom Essentials

• Color correction
• Exposure
• Presets
• Exporting

Lecture 17: Adobe Photoshop Basics

• Retouching
• Overlays
• Background editing

Lecture 18: Mobile Editing Apps

• Snapseed
• Lightroom Mobile
• VSCO
• Canva

Assessment: Practical Assignments

Module 5 — Branding & Professional Practice

Lecture 19: Building a Photography Portfolio

• Selecting your best work
• Structuring a portfolio

Lecture 20: Personal Branding for Photographers

• Creating your visual identity
• Website
• Social media

Lecture 21: Freelancing & Monetization

• How to get clients
• Pricing
• Contracts
• Licensing

Lecture 22: Photography as a Business

• Tools
• Client management
• Scaling up

Assessment: Practical Assignments

Module 6 — Final Project & Review

Lecture 23: Practical Assignment / Mini Portfolio Presentation

• Each student presents a curated project in their preferred photography genre.

Lecture 24: Feedback, Q&A, and Certification Guidance

• One-on-one feedback
• Next steps:
  • Internships
  • Contests
  • Career guidance