10203107Camera and Flash Essentials
Course Information
Description
Basic theory and practical application of the fundamentals of photography.  Students will learn the basics of DSLR cameras, lenses, the light meter, digital exposure and capture, basic studio lighting with hot lights and studio equipment handling.
Total Credits
3

Course Competencies
  1. Use the basic digital camera
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, quiz
    Criteria
    Identify the components of a camera
    Set up the battery, date/time, memory card capacity, file format

  2. Create focused and exposed photographs
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, quiz, digital image
    Criteria
    Demonstrate the "half-press" shutter technique
    Adjust exposure by using the flash (based on lighting conditions)
    Digital image

  3. Use metering techniques when photographing
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, quiz, digital image
    Criteria
    Read the exposure scale
    Compare reflectance vs. reality
    Select metering modes
    Measure light from a specific, small area
    Manually override the meter
    Digital image

  4. Use lighting techniques
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, quiz, digital image
    Criteria
    Determine flash's effective distance
    Minimize red eye
    Use the on-camera flash for snapshots or as a "fill light"
    Use a diffuser to soften flash harshness
    Balance flash with ambient light
    Digital image

  5. Use on and off camera flash
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, quiz
    Criteria
    Adjust flash power independently of the camera's exposure
    Identify "bounce surfaces" to redirect light
    Operate within the camera’s maximum sync speed
    Sync the camera and flash using wireless triggers
    Position the flash at varying angles
    Set flash power manually
    Use off-camera modifiers to control the spread and softness of the light

  6. Process and print digital files
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, quiz, digital image
    Criteria
    File is named using a convention specified by the instructor
    Format is [2500 pix layered psd or tif]