DSLR photography can be a daunting task for beginners, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right guidance, anyone can learn the fundamentals and start taking stunning photos. Justin Bridges, a professional photographer with years of experience, has created a comprehensive Skillshare course covering everything from camera settings to composition.
Through Bridges’ course, students will learn how to use their DSLR cameras to their full potential. They will learn about aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and other important settings that can make or break a photo. Additionally, Bridges covers composition techniques such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to help students create visually appealing photos.
For those new to Skillshare, the online learning platform offers a free trial to test out Bridges’ course and other photography courses. However, if students are looking for a more structured learning experience, they can also check out photography certification programs offered by universities such as Michigan State or online platforms like Coursera and Alison. With so many options available, anyone can become a master at DSLR photography through online courses.
Overview of DSLR Photography
DSLR photography is a popular and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by beginners, intermediate learners, and experts alike. It involves using a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera to capture high-quality images with a range of customizable settings.
DSLR photography offers a wide range of styles, from landscape and portrait photography to macro and street photography. It allows photographers to experiment with different lighting conditions, shutter speeds, ISO settings, and aperture values to achieve their desired effect.
Compared to iPhone photography, DSLR photography offers more control over the final image. While iPhone photography is convenient and can produce high-quality images, DSLR photography allows for greater creative freedom and customization.
For beginners, DSLR photography can seem daunting at first. However, with practice and patience, anyone can learn the fundamentals and start taking beautiful photos. Intermediate learners can build on their skills and experiment with more advanced techniques, while experts can push the boundaries of what is possible with their camera.
In the following sections, we will explore the fundamentals of DSLR photography, including camera settings, composition, and post-processing techniques. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there is always something new to learn in the world of DSLR photography.
Understanding DSLR Cameras
DSLR cameras are popular among photographers due to their versatility and ability to capture high-quality images. However, understanding how these cameras work can be overwhelming for beginners. In this section, we will explore the parts of a DSLR camera, the different types available, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Parts of a DSLR Camera
A DSLR camera consists of several parts that work together to capture an image. These include:
- Sensor: The sensor is the component that captures the light and converts it into an image.
- Mirror: The mirror reflects the light from the lens up to the viewfinder.
- Focal plane: The focal plane is where the sensor is located, and it’s where the light is focused to create an image.
- Lenses: Lenses are interchangeable and allow you to change the focal length and perspective of your shots.
- Camera Equipment: Other equipment, such as tripods, flashes, and filters, can be used to enhance your photography.
Types of DSLR Cameras
There are several types of DSLR cameras available, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Some of the most common types include:
- Entry-level: These cameras are designed for beginners and offer basic features and functions.
- Mid-range: These cameras offer more advanced features, such as faster shutter speeds and higher ISO capabilities.
- Professional: These cameras are designed for experienced photographers and offer the highest quality images, as well as advanced features like weather sealing and dual memory card slots.
- Travel/Lifestyle: These cameras are designed for photographers on the go and are typically smaller and more lightweight than other types of DSLRs.
Choosing the Right DSLR Camera
Choosing the right DSLR camera can be a daunting task, but there are a few key factors to consider:
- Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend and look for a camera that fits within your budget.
- Experience Level: Consider your level of experience and choose a camera that matches your skill level.
- Photography Style: Think about the type of photography you want to do and choose a camera that has the features and capabilities you need.
- Brand: Different brands offer different features and functions, so do your research and choose a brand that fits your needs.
Basic Photography Concepts
Before diving into the world of DSLR photography, it’s important to understand some basic concepts that will help you take better photographs. In this section, we’ll cover the Exposure Triangle, Understanding Exposure, and White Balance.
Exposure Triangle
The Exposure Triangle is made up of three elements: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. These three elements work together to control the amount of light that enters the camera and strikes the sensor. The aperture determines how much light enters the camera, the shutter speed determines how long the sensor is exposed to that light, and the ISO determines how sensitive the sensor is to that light.
Understanding Exposure
Exposure is the amount of light that reaches the camera’s sensor. A properly exposed photograph has a balance of light and dark areas. If a photograph is too bright, it’s overexposed, and if it’s too dark, it’s underexposed. To get a proper exposure, you need to balance the three elements of the Exposure Triangle.
Aperture controls the depth of field, or how much of the image is in focus. A smaller aperture (larger f-stop number) will result in a larger depth of field, while a larger aperture (smaller f-stop number) will result in a shallower depth of field.
Shutter speed controls the amount of time the sensor is exposed to light. A faster shutter speed will freeze motion, while a slower shutter speed will create motion blur.
ISO controls the sensitivity of the sensor to light. A lower ISO will result in less noise (graininess) in the photograph, while a higher ISO will result in more noise.
White Balance
White balance is the process of adjusting the colors in a photograph to accurately represent the colors in the scene. Different light sources have different color temperatures, and if the white balance is not set correctly, the colors in the photograph will be off. Most DSLRs have preset white balance settings for different lighting conditions, such as daylight, cloudy, and fluorescent.
It’s also important to note that shooting in RAW format allows for more flexibility in adjusting white balance in post-processing, as opposed to shooting in JPEG format.
Composition and Framing
When it comes to DSLR photography, composition and framing are essential aspects that can make or break a shot. Proper composition and framing can help create a visually appealing image that tells a story and captures the viewer’s attention.
Basic Rules of Composition
There are some basic rules of composition that every photographer should know. The rule of thirds is a popular one, which involves dividing the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically, and placing the subject or point of interest at the intersection of these lines. This creates a more balanced and visually appealing composition.
Another rule is leading lines, which involves using lines within the image to lead the viewer’s eye to the subject or point of interest. This can be a road, a fence, or any other line that can guide the viewer’s gaze.
Using Different Angles and Perspectives
Changing the angle and perspective of a shot can also greatly affect the composition and framing. Shooting from a low angle can make the subject appear larger and more imposing, while shooting from a high angle can make the subject appear smaller and more vulnerable. Experimenting with different angles and perspectives can help create unique and visually interesting shots.
Importance of Framing
Framing is the process of using elements within the image to frame the subject or point of interest. This can be done by using natural elements such as trees or doorways, or man-made elements such as arches or windows. Framing can add depth and context to the image, and draw the viewer’s eye to the subject.
Poses for Portraits
When it comes to portraits, the pose of the subject can greatly affect the composition and framing of the shot. It is important to consider the subject’s body language and facial expression, and to position them in a way that is visually appealing and tells a story. Experimenting with different poses can help create a unique and memorable portrait.
Shooting Modes and Settings
Overview of Shooting Modes
DSLR cameras offer various shooting modes that allow photographers to control different aspects of the camera settings. These modes include Auto, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual mode. In Auto mode, the camera automatically selects the settings based on the scene. Shutter Priority mode allows the photographer to control the shutter speed while the camera selects the aperture. Aperture Priority mode allows the photographer to control the aperture while the camera selects the shutter speed. Manual mode gives full control to the photographer to select both the shutter speed and aperture.
Using Manual Mode
Manual mode is recommended for experienced photographers who want to have complete control over the camera settings. In manual mode, the photographer needs to adjust the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to get the desired exposure. The exposure triangle is an important concept to understand when using manual mode. The exposure triangle is the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO relationship. Changing one of these settings affects the other two. For example, increasing the aperture size will result in a shallower depth of field, which means a smaller area in focus.
Focus Modes
DSLR cameras offer different focus modes to help photographers achieve sharp focus on their subjects. The most common focus modes are Single AF and Continuous AF. Single AF is used for stationary subjects, while Continuous AF is used for moving subjects. Some cameras also offer other focus modes, such as Manual Focus and Automatic AF point selection.
In conclusion, understanding shooting modes and settings is essential for DSLR photography. Photographers should experiment with different modes and settings to find the best combination for their needs. With practice and experience, photographers can master the art of DSLR photography.
Post-Processing Basics
After capturing a beautiful image, post-processing is the next step to make it stand out. Post-processing can help enhance the image by adjusting its contrast, clarity, and reducing digital noise. This section will discuss the basics of post-processing and how to use Adobe Lightroom to edit your photos.
Introduction to Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom is a powerful tool for photo editing that offers a wide range of features to enhance your images. It is a popular choice among photographers as it allows you to organize, edit, and share your photos in one place. Lightroom is user-friendly and offers a variety of presets to help you get started with editing.
Basic Adjustments
When editing your photos in Lightroom, it’s important to start with basic adjustments to improve the overall look of your image. Basic adjustments include adjusting the exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, whites, and blacks. Adjusting these settings makes your image brighter, increase contrast, and bring out details in the shadows.
Exporting and Sharing Photos
Once you are satisfied with your edits, it’s time to export and share your photos. Lightroom offers a variety of options to export your photos in different file formats and sizes. You can also add watermarks to your photos to protect your work. Sharing your photos on social media platforms or your website is a great way to showcase your work and connect with other photographers.
Overall, Adobe Lightroom is a powerful tool for post-processing your photos. By making basic adjustments and exporting your photos, you can enhance your images and share them with the world.
Conclusion
After completing this course on the fundamentals of DSLR photography, the student should have a solid understanding of the basic principles and techniques needed to take great photos with a DSLR camera. They should now be able to:
- Understand the exposure triangle and how to use it to achieve the desired exposure
- Choose the right lens for the scene and subject
- Compose a photo effectively using the rule of thirds and other techniques
- Use the camera’s autofocus system to capture sharp images
- Adjust white balance to achieve accurate colors in different lighting situations
In addition, the student should now be familiar with some of the more advanced features of a DSLR camera, such as manual mode, spot metering, and exposure compensation. With practice and experimentation, they can continue to improve their skills and take their photography to the next level.
Overall, this course has provided a solid foundation for anyone looking to get started with DSLR photography. With the knowledge gained from this course, the student can begin to explore their creativity and capture stunning images that they can be proud of.
Bonus Materials
As a bonus to the Fundamentals of DSLR Photography class on Skillshare, there are several resources available to help students continue their learning and improve their skills.
One of the best ways to continue learning about DSLR photography is by taking additional courses. Skillshare offers a variety of photography courses, including courses on specific camera models and photography styles. Some courses are even free with a Skillshare subscription.
Another valuable resource is JP Teaches Photo, a website and YouTube channel run by professional photographer JP Danko. JP offers a variety of free photography courses and tutorials, as well as more in-depth courses for purchase.
For those looking to get certified in photography, there are a variety of options available. Many colleges and universities offer photography classes and certification programs, as well as online classes and certification programs.
Marketing is also an important aspect of photography, and there are many tools available to help photographers promote their work. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook can be powerful marketing tools, as can websites like Flickr and 500px.
When it comes to shooting photos, shooting in RAW format can provide more flexibility and control over the final image. Additionally, using a digital camera with manual settings allows photographers to have more control over the exposure, focus, and other settings.
For beginners, an introduction to digital photography course can be a great way to learn the basics. Skillshare offers an excellent course called “Ditch Auto – Start Shooting in Manual” that covers the fundamentals of manual mode and how to take better photos.
Overall, there are many resources available to help photographers improve their skills and continue their learning journey. Whether it’s taking additional courses, using marketing tools, or shooting in RAW, photographers can continue to grow and improve their craft.