Intro

Welcome video: a short introduction to who I am, my story in photography, and what you can expect from this course

Cameras and Lenses

We explore the main types of cameras — full-frame, and crop-sensor—and how each affects your photography. You’ll also learn about lenses, including zoom vs. prime options, and the difference between fixed and variable aperture designs. This lesson gives you the essentials to understand your gear and choose the right setup for your style.

Homework

Shoot in Automatic mode (Auto)—no manual settings.

1. Field of view (zoom)

• From the same spot, photograph the same scene at 18 mm → 35 mm → 50 mm (Auto).

• Notice how the background and the “width” of the frame change.

• Turn in: 3 photos + 1 sentence on which focal length you liked and why.

2. Portrait: step closer vs. zoom in

• Take a half-body portrait at 18 mm (step closer) and at 50 mm (step back and zoom) so the person is the same size in the frame (Auto).

• Compare the background and facial proportions.

• Turn in: 2 photos + 1–2 sentences on which version looks better.

3. Close-up and autofocus

• Choose a small subject (flower/watch). Move closer until the camera still focuses, shoot at 50 mm, then repeat at 18 mm (Auto).

• Decide which focal length makes it easier to get a large, sharp shot.

• Turn in: 2 photos + 1 sentence with your conclusion.

Tips

• If your camera has APS-C/Crop mode, turn it on to avoid dark corners at 18 mm.

• Shoot in good light, flash off (if possible), and hold the camera steady.

Camera settings

In this video, I explain how to use your camera’s shooting modes and adjust key settings like ISO, white balance, focus, and burst shooting. You’ll learn when and how to choose the right options to get sharp, well-balanced photos in any situation.

Homework

Learn to quickly choose shooting modes, set ISO and white balance correctly, and use AF modes and burst shooting for different situations.

1) ISO and sharpness in low light

• Mode: P / Auto.

• Photograph the same still indoor scene three times: ISO 100 → ISO 800 → ISO 3200 (everything else automatic).

• Evaluate noise and sharpness differences.

• Turn in: 3 photos + 2 sentences with conclusions (where the sharpness/noise balance is best and why).

2) White balance (WB) in mixed lighting

• Mode: P / Auto.

• Find a scene with warm light (lamp) and daylight from a window.

• Shoot with WB: Auto, then Daylight/Cloudy, then Tungsten/Incandescent.

• Compare skin/wall tones.

• Turn in: 3 photos + 2 sentences on which WB gave the most natural colors.

3) Motion: autofocus and burst

• Mode: S/TV or Auto, AF-C/AI-Servo (continuous), Burst/Continuous on.

• Photograph a walking or running person in a 5–8 frame burst.

• Check what fraction of frames are sharp on the eyes/face.

• Turn in: 5–8 photos (or your best 4) + 1–2 sentences on what improved sharpness.

4) (Optional) Exposure compensation for tricky scenes

• Mode: P / A/Av, enable Exposure Compensation (±EV).

• On a bright background (white wall/snow) take 3 shots: 0 EV, +0.7 EV, +1.3 EV.

• On a dark background take: 0 EV, −0.7 EV, −1.0 EV.

• Turn in: 4–6 photos + 2 sentences: when and why compensation helps.

Tips

• Watch your shutter speed: for hand-held, aim for about 1/focal length or faster. If it’s too slow—raise ISO.

• For motion, use AF-C/AI-Servo + Burst; for static scenes, use AF-S/One-Shot.

• If colors look off, try a WB preset instead of Auto.

Shutterspeed. Aperture. ISO

In this video, we break down the exposure triangle—Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO—and see how they work together to control light and creative effects. You’ll learn how each setting affects brightness, motion, and depth of field, and how to balance them for perfectly exposed photos

Homework

Learn to control depth of field and brightness in Av mode, and understand how ISO and shutter speed adjust to your chosen aperture.

1) Depth of field: portrait and background

• Mode: Av, ISO: Auto (optionally cap at max ISO 3200), AF-S/One-Shot, single focus point on the eyes.

• Photograph the same person in the same pose/location at f/2.8 → f/4 → f/5.6 → f/8.

• Keep composition and subject distance the same.

• Turn in: 4 photos + 2 sentences on which f-stop separates the background most pleasingly and why.

2) Scene sharpness vs diffraction (landscape/city)

• Mode: Av, ISO: Auto, focus about one-third into the scene.

• Shoot the same scene at f/4 → f/8 → f/11.

• Compare foreground/background sharpness; note if micro-contrast softens at very small apertures.

• Turn in: 3 photos + 1–2 sentences with your “go-to” landscape aperture.

3) Backlight and exposure compensation

• Mode: Av, ISO: Auto, use Exposure Compensation (±EV).

• Choose a scene with a bright background (window/sky).

• Take 3 shots: 0 EV → +0.7 EV → +1.3 EV.

• Evaluate where the face/subject looks most natural without crushed shadows.

• Turn in: 3 photos + 1–2 sentences on when and why you add positive EV.

(Optional) Motion in Av

• In shade or indoors, shoot the same frame at f/2.8 and f/8. Observe how the camera changes shutter speed and ISO.

• If the shutter gets too slow (handheld blur), open the aperture or raise the minimum shutter in Auto ISO settings (if available).

Tips

• For handheld shooting, aim for a minimum shutter ≈ 1/focal length. In low light, open the aperture (lower f-number) or allow higher ISO.

• Portraits often work well at f/2.8–f/4; landscapes at f/8 (sometimes f/11).

• Keep focus on the main subject (eyes/key object).

Photography composition

In this video, we explore different types of composition in photography and how to apply them in practice. The main focus will be on the Rule of Thirds—the foundation of strong, balanced images

Homework

Goal

Practice deliberate framing: apply the Rule of Thirds, leading lines, symmetry/centering, framing, and negative space.

1) Rule of Thirds (foundation)

• Turn on the 3×3 grid in your camera/phone.

• Shoot 3 subjects (portrait, object, landscape), placing the main subject on an intersection or along a third.

• Turn in: 3 photos + 1–2 sentences on why this placement works.

2) Leading Lines

• Find lines (path, railing, bridge, rows of trees).

• Make 2 shots:

  1. Lines leading the eye to a subject placed on a third.

  2. Lines leading into depth with no dominant subject (to show perspective).

• Turn in: 2 photos + a short note on where the eye “travels”.

3) Symmetry vs. Rule of Thirds

• Pick a clearly symmetric spot (corridor/facade/bridge).

• Shoot the same scene twice:

  • Centered symmetry.

  • Offset on a third (to compare balance).

• Turn in: 2 photos + 1 sentence on which feels stronger and why.

4) Framing and Negative Space

• Use an arch, doorway, branches, or a window as a natural frame around your subject.

• Separately, shoot with negative space (lots of “empty” sky/wall), placing the subject on a third.

• Turn in: 2 photos + 1 sentence on how framing/empty space affects mood.

(Optional) Mini edit by cropping

• Take 1 photo and create two crops:

  • one using the Rule of Thirds,

  • one centered.

• Turn in: 2 crops + 1 sentence on which reads better.

Tips

• One scene → multiple options: move yourself, not just the zoom.

• Keep horizons level: fix in-camera or straighten in edit.

• Mind the background: remove distractions so the subject “breathes”.

Preparing and Planning an Outdoor Photoshoot

In this video, we cover how to prepare for an outdoor photoshoot—choosing the right time of day, selecting the best location, and planning your shots in advance. You’ll also learn how to build a photo series that feels consistent, engaging, and enjoyable to look through from start to finish.

Goal

Plan and execute a styled outdoor session (street or park) that looks portfolio-ready. Combine multiple composition techniques with a mandatory Rule of Thirds approach, and deliver a balanced shot set by framing types.

1) Concept & Prep (before the shoot)

• Pick a simple theme (e.g., cozy fall walk, urban minimalism, spring romance).

• Create a mini mood board (3–6 images) on Pinterest to guide color palette, location, wardrobe, and vibe.

• Choose a time with good light (golden hour if possible).

2) Composition Checklist (use at least 3 in each scene)

• Rule of Thirds (required)

• Leading Lines (paths, fences, bridges)

• Framing (arches, trees, doorways)

• Symmetry or Centering (when it feels stronger than thirds)

• Negative Space (let the subject “breathe”)

• Foreground Layers (shoot through leaves/railings for depth)

3) Shot Plan by Framing Type

Aim for ~40 keeper photos (adjust numbers if needed), divided as:

• 30% Close-ups (faces, expressions, waist-up) → ~12

• 30% Medium shots (full/three-quarter body) → ~12

• 30% Wide shots (environmental portraits) → ~12

• 10% Details (hands, accessories, textures, shoes, hair, ring) → ~4

Tip: In each location, do a quick wide → medium → close-up → detail sequence to keep the set cohesive.

4) Flow of the Session (example)

1. Location A (park path): leading lines + thirds (wide/medium/close/detail).

2. Location B (under trees/arch): framing + negative space.

3. Location C (bench/steps): symmetry vs thirds (try both).

4. Backlight moment: add +EV if needed to protect faces.

5) Quality & Styling Notes

• Coordinate wardrobe colors with the mood board (avoid busy logos; use 2–3 harmonized tones).

• Clean background: remove clutter, watch for poles/branches “through heads.”

• Keep horizons level; vary angles (eye-level, slightly above, low angle for drama).

• Capture authentic micro-moments (walking, adjusting hair, laughter).

Deliverables

• Folders: CloseUps, Medium, Wide, Details.

• Count: ~40 best photos divided per the 30/30/30/10 rule.

• Notes (short): 5–8 sentences total:

  • Which compositions you used (with examples).

  • What made the set feel “portfolio-ready” (light, colors, posing).

  • One thing you’d improve next time.

Finding Your Style and Building Your Photography Brand

In this video, we discuss how to choose your direction in photography, define your niche, and build a personal brand that attracts clients. You’ll also learn where to look for new clients and how to position yourself in the market.

Homework: Look on Pinterest or Instagram at photos by photographers you like.
On Pinterest, you can search by the specific shoot theme (e.g., “fall couple session,” “urban portraits,” “newborn lifestyle”).
Decide which style you like the most—and plan to develop your photography in that style going forward.

Why I Chose Life-time Photography and Why Starting With One-Person Shoots Matters

In this video, I share my main direction as a lifetime photographer and explain why the easiest and most effective way to start is by photographing just one person. You’ll discover how one client can lead to many sessions and connections, helping you quickly grow your portfolio and client base.

Photo editing: Adobe Lightroom

In this video, we dive into Adobe Lightroom and learn how to edit photos step by step. You’ll discover how to build your own signature style and color palette, and why Lightroom is one of the most convenient tools for professional photo editing

Homework

1. Learn Lightroom from the lesson video
   Watch the video and follow along to practice the basic tools (Crop, White Balance, Exposure, Contrast, Highlights/Shadows, Whites/Blacks, Presence, HSL, Masking, and Export).

2. Edit your own photos

   • Pick 5 photos from previous shoots.

   • Edit them in Lightroom.

   • Export Before/After results (side-by-side or two separate files per image).

3. Create and save a preset

   • Start from my presets (tweak to your taste) or build one from scratch.

   • Save it as a new preset for future use (name it clearly, e.g., YourName_PortraitSoft_v1).

   • Apply it to at least 3 photos and fine-tune.

Turn in:

• A folder with:

  • 01_BeforeAfter → 5 photos (Before & After each).

  • 02_Preset → a short note (2–4 sentences) on what your preset does and when you’ll use it.

Photo editing: Reblum - automatic skin retouch

In this video, I introduce essential program that save time in post-production. We’ll look at a tool for quick automatic skin retouching that keeps portraits natural while reducing editing time.

Homework

Edit a series of portraits after you have already processed them in the Reblum app and save the results;

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