Pro-Level Photography for Graphic Designers

Learn the basics of photography, in this project-based course specifically crafted for graphic designers and other creative pros.

Introduction

• Welcome
• Getting the most out of this course

1. Equipment

• Which cameras and when
• Accessories and equipment: What you need and what you don’t
• What to bring along—a sometimes surprising photo shoot take-along list
• A smash course in photography basics

2. Projects for Practice

• Shooting a window-light still life
• Lighting objects directly and with reflection
• Great portraits—all you need is your camera, a friend, and walking shoes
• Photographing in public, without irritating people or breaking laws
• A fresh point of view for your next downtown picture-taking field trip
• Shooting indoors: ISO, aperture, and other considerations
• Big picture: Outdoor photography
• The photo opportunities around you
• Finding themes in your photos
• You can never have enough photographic textures

3. Project-Based Photography

• Ultra-quick photo solutions
• Capturing product shots for your clients
• Shooting natural-looking portraits without a studio
• No release forms needed
• Architectural and large object shots
• Making interior photos look great
• Capturing a feature photo: Landscapes and cityscapes
• Using detail shoots to fill the spaces in page layouts
• Getting it right by doing it wrong
• Adding photographic textures to layouts and illustrations

4. Post-Production

• Picking winners
• Post-production: Making the most of what you’ve shot
• Practicalities of web and print

5. Marketing Yourself and Expanding Your Skills

• Your online portfolio
• Great ways to sharpen and expand your photographic know-how