Introduction to Photography: Capturing Creativity

“Introduction to Photography” invites students to embark on a captivating journey into the realm of visual storytelling through the lens. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in the art and technique of photography, encompassing both the creative and technical aspects of capturing captivating images. Through hands-on practice, critical analysis, and exploration of photographic history, students will develop an eye for composition, lighting, and subject matter that will shape their photographic journey.

Focus On Your Goals

Learn Photography from Beginner to Advanced Courses

Maintain Momentum

Stay on Track w/ Structured Weekly Classes

learn the creativity

Experienced Instructor.

Bringing a wide range of experience — both from the professional animation field and from being an expert homeschooling dad — into teaching students ages 11-18 about this fascinating art form.

  • 35 years of graphic design experience

  • Education and experience as an instructor

live the dream

Not A Class, A Community.

Each student attends a class full of students that are just like them. Taking a class isn’t just about learning skills; it’s also an opportunity to join a growing community of people who love animation.

  • Students interact with real people

  • Receive encouragement and guidance

love the passion

Real Skills & Real Careers.

Benefit from an instructor who has real experience and connections to the animation world. Students have the opportunity to get an idea of what it looks like to work in the animation field.

  • Receive one-on-one feedback

  • Lay the foundation for a real career

feel the excitement

A Photography course and a community created specifically for school-aged students.

Come learn the art of photography from a professional photographer and veteran homeschool dad, Dr. B.Kristoff Jóhannes, PhD! When you take a class with illuminology Ditigal Studios, you receive more than skills. You get the opportunity to…

  • interact directly with field professional and experienced instructor, Brent Johns
  • receive personalized video feedback by a professional photographer
  • interact with other students
  • have tons of fun
  • learn real skills and lay the foundation for a real career
  • create landscape, portrait, architectural, B&W, abstract, contemporary, still life and sports photos!

Introduction to Photography: Capturing Creativity

SUMMARY

Join us on a captivating visual journey as we delve into the art and techniques of photography. Unleash your creativity, hone your technical skills, and capture moments that tell stories that are uniquely yours. For 16 weeks, students are introduced to photography, understanding composition, exploring light and shadow, caturing portraits, exploring nature and macro photography, documenting everyday life, capturing architectural and urban settings, storytelling through photo essays, learning post-process and creative editing by utilizing Adobe Creative Suites programs Lightroom and Photoshop. Each lesson ends with a hands-on activity to solidify the lesson and an end of course final project.

COURSE OVERVIEW

By the end of this 16-week course, students will have a solid understanding of photography fundamentals, be able to capture evocative images, and have the confidence to express their unique creative perspectives.

Introduction to Photography: Capturing Creativity

  1. Weeks 1-2: Discovering Photography
    • Introduction to the history and significance of photography.
    • Types of cameras and their components.
    • Basic camera handling and operation.
    • Hands-on activity: Capturing everyday scenes using provided cameras.

    Weeks 3-4: Framing and Composition

    • Elements of composition: rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry.
    • Techniques for framing subjects to create dynamic compositions.
    • Hands-on activity: Photographing various subjects using different composition rules.

    Weeks 5-6: The Magic of Light

    • Understanding natural and artificial light in photography.
    • The impact of light and shadow on visual storytelling.
    • Hands-on activity: Experimenting with lighting scenarios indoors and outdoors.

    Weeks 7-8: Portraying People

    • Introduction to portrait photography.
    • Posing, expressions, and capturing emotions.
    • Hands-on activity: Capturing portraits of classmates and friends.

    Weeks 9-10: Exploring Nature

    • Techniques for photographing nature and outdoor scenes.
    • Macro photography: capturing close-up details.
    • Hands-on activity: Nature walk to capture landscapes and close-ups.

    Weeks 11-12: Documenting Life

    • Basics of documentary photography.
    • Capturing candid moments and storytelling.
    • Hands-on activity: Creating a visual narrative of a day in the life.

    Weeks 13-14: The Urban Lens

    • Techniques for urban and street photography.
    • Observing patterns, colors, and architecture.
    • Hands-on activity: Exploring the cityscape to capture urban scenes.

    Weeks 15-16: From Capture to Presentation

    • Introduction to basic photo editing techniques.
    • Selecting and curating a portfolio of best photographs.
    • Final portfolio showcase: Students present their work to classmates.

Who Should Enroll: This course is designed for middle school and high school students who are intrigued by the art of photography and wish to explore it further. Whether students are beginners or have some experience with photography, this course offers a solid foundation for understanding the technical and artistic aspects of the craft.

Prerequisites: For full program: GD101 (Intro to Graphic Design), SW101 (Comprehensive Screenwriting), AN101 (Animation Fundamentals)

Course Duration: “Introduction to Photography: Capturing Creativity” spans one academic semester, with approximately 16 weeks of instruction, hands-on projects, and discussions.

Course Materials: Students will need access to a smartphone, digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless), a computer with photo editing software (access to Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop is provided), and an internet connection. Additional resources, including photography books, online tutorials, and curated images, will be provided to enrich the learning experience.

Assessment: Assessment methods include participation, completion of hands-on photography projects, quizzes on photography concepts, and the quality of the final portfolio presentation.

To view work examples, check out the Portfolio page!

What are the courses like?

See Course Formats below for more information.

Other questions?

Take a look at our frequently asked questions or contact us directly.

Course Format

Live Classes – from $75/wk*

(outside instructor classes/camps priced differently)

  • There are three opportunities per year to attend a live 16-week session: Spring Session, Summer Session, and Fall Session.

  • Class meets once a week via Adobe Connect

  • Interact Live via Chat Box

  • Classes are recorded if student is absent

  • Class graphic design projects graded and reviewed by instructor

  • Full access to the teacher

  • Full access to tech support

  • Adobe Creative Suites is included

*$350/mo via autopay subscription or $1200 w/ one-time payment discount. Full and partial scholarships also available.

Other questions?

Take a look at our frequently asked questions or contact us directly.

Session Dates

Applies to Live Classes and Recordings With Grading

FALL 2023

Meets the weeks of September 4 – December 18

SPRING 2024

Meets the weeks of January 15 – April 29

SUMMER 2024

Meets the weeks of May 13 – August 26

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