Back to Cameras, Exposure, and Photography
Michigan State University

Cameras, Exposure, and Photography

Welcome to Course One of Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR! In these first 4 Modules you will gain the knowledge and the confidence that will help you make good choices as you consider qualities of the camera you own, and the qualities of the other types of digital cameras you might be considering. You will learn about the basic functions that most digital cameras have in common. You will also go beyond the "technical" matters and learn about how you can make exciting pictures by emphasizing the aspects of Frame and Vantage Point to interpret old subjects in new ways. Discovering accessories that photographers find useful, and the types of camera bags from mini to carry-on sized, is also in store for you. You will also make your first photographs and, if you are a subscriber to the specialization, upload pictures to the web gallery and start interacting with your fellow learners in our "Gallery." Let's get started with Module One!

Status: Design Elements And Principles
Status: Creativity
Course21 hours

Featured reviews

R

5.0Reviewed Dec 23, 2017

This course was very informative and provided just the right amount of challenge for me to stretch my creativity and newly obtained knowledge. I enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the next course.

LB

5.0Reviewed Sep 26, 2020

it definitely increases our enthusiasm and passion for photography, this course gives us the basics of photography and camera settings. thank you professors for your encouragement and efforts.

JC

5.0Reviewed Jul 5, 2020

Better impossible, excellent teachers, very complete and clear explanations, adequate exercises, they touch all the subjects involved with much property and knowledge, congratulations !!!!

EA

5.0Reviewed Nov 9, 2021

T​his is a great introduction to your camera and compsing photos. There are some aspects that are very basic, but that is needed so they can build on that knowledge. I am glad I took this course.

DF

5.0Reviewed Jan 19, 2023

Great way to reach many learning styles: video, with the dialog typed and the ability to copy the dialog to create notes. I really enjoyed your teach style breaking down every step. Thank you

MC

4.0Reviewed Jul 28, 2016

This was a fun course. Information is presented in digestible, bite sized pieces. The peer review process works fast and well--I was surprised how perceptive the critiques of my photos were.

JM

5.0Reviewed Dec 10, 2018

I ve learned so much through this course. I m able to set my camera, think about vantage points and framing of pictures now. I recommend this course to anyone who wants to take photography seriously.

JS

4.0Reviewed May 15, 2017

A good course to start and a thorough refresher of (digital) photography basics a la 21st century. Sometimes a bit long winding for my taste, but quite acceptable overall. Topics well chosen.

ME

5.0Reviewed Sep 12, 2016

Very good coarse...I am now taking #3 soon be finished, its just keeps getting better all the time...its so good I may move to Michigan, .... but then who would root for USC (Trojans- the real USC

JD

4.0Reviewed Mar 26, 2021

Generally a good beginner course for learning the principles of photography. I found the section about smartphones to be out of date and out of place for this course and a waste of my time.

RT

5.0Reviewed Jan 8, 2021

My time spent studying this material was an investment in myself. I picked up several new ideas and added a deeper understanding of composition as well as the mechanical parts of my art. Thank you.

VG

5.0Reviewed Sep 29, 2017

Great course, with amazing faculty team. Very professional, well tailored content and helpful for any beginner to pro. Looking forward to stay on and complete the specialization. Am impressed.

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