Principles of Photo Composition and Digital Image Post-Production

  • 4.7
Approx. 16 hours to complete

Course Summary

Learn how to take better photos by understanding composition techniques, with this course on photo composition.

Key Learning Points

  • Discover the key principles of photo composition and how they can be used to create compelling images.
  • Learn how to use lines, shapes, and colors to create a strong visual impact in your photos.
  • Explore the different types of composition, including symmetry, balance, and the rule of thirds.

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the key principles of photo composition and how to apply them to your own work.
  • Learn how to use color, shape, and lines to create strong visual impact in your photos.
  • Develop a critical eye and be able to analyze and evaluate the composition of other photographers' work.

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • A camera (DSLR, mirrorless or smartphone)
  • Basic understanding of photography concepts

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner/Intermediate

Course Format

  • Online self-paced course
  • Video lectures
  • Assignments and quizzes

Similar Courses

  • The Art of Photography
  • Photography Basics and Beyond
  • Introduction to Graphic Design

Related Education Paths


Notable People in This Field

  • Annie Leibovitz
  • Chase Jarvis

Related Books

Description

Welcome to Course THREE! In the first two Modules you will gain a more professional-level understanding of the Design Elements that artists have used throughout history to create successful compositions. Arranging the Elements in ways that lead viewers through their compositions is an essential craft for photographers no matter whether their subject matter is pure documentary or vividly exotic personal expression. In Modules 3 & 4 we survey the essential elements of post-photography image management, using Adobe(tm) LIGHTROOM(tm). Image adjustment software designed for Smartphone photographers rounds out the Course. Since even photographers whose mainstay is a high-end DSLR also must admit to Smartphone use occasionally, and photographers who only use a Smartphone will usually admit that they want to step over to a "regular" camera at some point, there is something for everyone here! Let's get started with Module One!

Outline

  • Elements of Design: Building Blocks of Composition
  • MEET MSU and THE SPECIALIZATION
  • MEET THE PROFESSORS: Peter Glendinning and Mark Sullivan
  • MEET THE COURSE: an overview by Peter...
  • MEET THE COURSE: ...and an overview by Mark
  • MAKING not TAKING pictures.
  • The Process of Composition and the first element, Shape.
  • FORM: the 3-dimensional aspect
  • TEXTURE: the untouched aspect
  • TONE: aka VALUE, the whites, blacks, grays
  • LINE: the visible and the implied
  • PATTERN: recognition of relationships
  • COLOR: rainbow of meanings
  • ZONE SYSTEM CHART OF GRAY VALUES & EVs
  • The COLOR WHEEL
  • About Peer Review
  • Design Elements 1 quiz
  • Design Elements 2 Quiz
  • Design Elements 3 quiz
  • DESIGN ELEMENTS Final QUIZ
  • Composition means putting the Elements of Design together!
  • VISUAL WEIGHT: attraction and interest
  • Composition is a "map," balance is bike riding
  • Perspective: Drawing us through space
  • Symmetry: a bike ride straight ahead
  • ASYMMETRY: turning on a bicycle
  • Peter discusses some photographs and compositions
  • Mark discusses some photographs and compositions
  • About Peer Review
  • Composition Quiz
  • Photo Editing Fundamentals 1.0: "Workflow," from Exposure through Adobeâ„¢ Lightroomâ„¢ Classic
  • Lightroom Interface: Modules,Panels,and Workspace
  • Lightroom: Importing Files, Catalogues, Naming Files & Directories
  • LibMod: Nav,Cat,Folders,Collec,PubServ
  • LibMod: Quick Dev,Keywords, List, Meta
  • LibMod:Grid,Loupe,Compare,Rename, Find
  • LibMod: Rank,Rate; Collections; Metadata
  • DevMod-Navigator, Presets,Snapshots,History,Collection
  • DevMod-Histogram-Crop,Spot Rm,Red Eye,GradFilt,RadFilt,AdjBrush
  • DevMod-WB,TempTint,Exposure,Contrast,HiLight,Shadow,Whites, Blks;Clar,Vib,Sat
  • DevMod-ToneCurv,HSL-Color-B&W,SplitTone,Detail,LensCor,Efx,CamCalb
  • DevMod-Exporting,ImageSizing
  • Overview: Remaining Modules
  • Map, Book Modules
  • Slideshow,Web Modules
  • Address: Free Trial Version of Adobe Lightroom (now called Adobe Lightroom Classic)
  • Lightroom: Overview, Importing, Organizing - Summative Quiz
  • Lightroom: Library Module - the Panels - Summative Quiz
  • Lightroom: View Modes, Ranking, Flags, Collections, Meta - Practice Quiz
  • Lightroom: Library Module - Summative Quiz
  • Developer Module - Summative Quiz 1
  • Developer Module 2 - Summative Quiz 2
  • Lightroom: the Develop Module - Overall Summative Quiz
  • Lightroom - The Remaining Modules -Summative Quiz
  • Photo Editing Fundamentals 2.0: SmartPhone Apps
  • Alternative Post-processing - Pixlr Overview,Web Ed
  • Pixlr Pro-Desktop - VSCO-Pixel - Camera+ - Pixart
  • About Peer Review
  • SmartphoneApps - Processing - Summative Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the art of photo composition with this comprehensive course on Coursera. Users have found this course to be a great resource for improving their photography skills. One key aspect that many users thought was good is the quality of the instructors who are professional photographers with years of experience. Here are some of the most commonly mentioned pros and cons:

Pros from User Reviews

  • Instructors are knowledgeable and experienced photographers
  • Course content is easy to understand and follow
  • Great resource for improving photography skills
  • Interactive quizzes and assignments help to reinforce learning

Cons from User Reviews

  • Some users found the course to be too basic
  • Not enough practical exercises for some users
  • Limited feedback from instructors
  • Lack of advanced techniques for more experienced photographers
English
Available now
Approx. 16 hours to complete
Peter Glendinning, Mark Valentine Sullivan
Michigan State University
Coursera

Instructor

Peter Glendinning

  • 4.7 Raiting
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