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Online Photography Course
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| Benefits: You get direct feedback on your photos from world-acclaimed, professional photographers. You can learn photography in this way from anywhere in the world. |
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Peter K. BurianAs a writer and editor, Burian is co-author of several books, including the National Geographic Photography Field Guide and ten Magic Lantern Guides to SLR camera systems (including Sony Alpha, Pentax Digital and Maxxum/Dynax digital cameras).
His book covering all digital aspects has received numerous favorable reviews. Mastering Digital Photography and Imaging (Sybex)covers the technology, equipment and techniques, providing 270 pages of practical advice for photo enthusiasts.
Burian is a regular contributor with several magazines: SHUTTERBUG, PHOTO LIFE, Australian Photography and HERE'S HOW! He is also one of the Panel of Experts for Microsoft Home answering readers' questions about digital cameras and photography at: http://www.microsoft.com/canada/home/expertadvice/default.asp#3
He also provides editing and technical editing services to publishers of books on photography and digital imaging.
Finally, Peter Burian is also a BetterPhoto.com course instructor. Sign up today to learn how to make great photos with your digital camera
 © Peter Burian |  © Peter Burian |
Lesson 1: Introduction to the Cameras
An overview of shooting modes and primary controls with recommendations on setting up your EOS camera for taking great digital photos without complexity. You'll learn which operating modes to use, or to avoid... when, where and why. Then, we'll begin to consider the two most important aspects of SLR photography: how and why to control aperture (f/stop) and shutter speed. Using the semi-automatic modes, you'll find it easy to make images with just the right range of sharpness and the right depiction of motion: as "frozen" (sharp) or blurred for creative effects. Throughout the lesson you'll find a great deal of practical advice as well as problem-solving tips.
Assignment: First, you'll shoot the same scene with several operating modes to fully appreciate the difference they produce in background control (depth of field.) Then, you'll try shooting a moving subject with two different Program modes: one that might be acceptable and the other that should be just perfect.
Lesson 2: Controlling Exposure
Here we will explore the most valuable functions for taking over control of image brightness. We'll discuss the three light metering options, the most intuitive way to make a brighter or darker photo as well as the more advanced overrides. Then we'll consider the value of ISO control for technical and creative purposes. This lesson takes a problem-solving approach, providing tips as well as practical solutions for making better exposures in difficult shooting conditions.
Assignment: First you'll use exposure compensation for taking beautiful photos with just the right brightness for the subject. Then, you'll try night photography, learning to appreciate the pros and cons of ISO 100, ISO 800 and ISO 1600.
Lesson 3: Image Formats, White Balance and Flash
The cameras provide many JPEG size/quality combinations, as well as RAW capture and we'll discuss the pro's and con's of the available options. Then we'll move to another important digital topic, white balance. You'll learn how to make images without a strange color cast under various types of lighting. And finally, you'll find a wealth of advice about flash photography in the various camera operating modes with practical tips for getting the best results. You'll also benefit from problem-solving techniques that can make flash photography more effective and predictable.
Assignment: You'll shoot the same scene with a variety of white balance options to develop an appreciation for the value of the overrides in making images with pleasing color balance. Then you'll try flash photography in low light, using basic techniques for making visually pleasing people pictures.
Lesson 4: The Best Features, Techniques and Accessories
In this lesson, we'll build on the basics discussed earlier for greater technical and creative control using the semi-automatic modes. You'll develop a deeper appreciation for techniques that allow for controlling depth of field (the range of acceptable sharpness) as well as motion in a still image. The right techniques and camera controls will allow you to make images that are technically and visually excellent. Then, we'll move on to Autofocus, with a problem-solving approach, using specific modes and overrides to achieve just the right focus for a still subject or an action subject.
Digital SLR camera owners always want advice on the most useful accessories including the various types of zoom lenses from Canon and other manufacturers. We'll also consider optional flash units and essential Canon accessories such as power and remote control options. As a bonus, you'll find a lot of practical advice about the one filter that every EOS camera owner needs. The lesson will take a problem-solving approach to the effects that a certain type of lens or accessory can produce, with tips on how to use it for the best possible results in your own type of photography. In addition to recommended techniques, you'll find specific suggestions as to several models (and brands) of accessories that would suit your needs and budget.
Consider the following issues and make better decisions regarding what lens, flash and accessory will give you the most bang for the buck:
Assignment: You'll start with advanced motion control for creative effects and move on to problem solving with a wide angle lens, making images with pleasing (not "distorted") perspective.
 © Peter Burian |  © Peter Burian |
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 © Peter Burian |  © Peter Burian |
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