Course Content
Introduction
A pre-lesson to help prepare you for Lesson 1.
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Introduction
About Anne
Lesson 1: Getting Started
Collect the photography gear that you'll need for the course
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Essential Photography Gear
Optional Photography Equipment
Assignment
Lesson 1 Quiz
Lesson 2: The Workings of a Camera (Technical Lesson 1)
In this lesson, we'll discuss how a camera works - including digital cameras!
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Introduction
The Four Types of Cameras
How a Camera Works
Sensor Size
Lesson 2 Assignment
Lesson 2 Quiz
Lesson 3: Background vs. Foreground (Composition 1)
In this lesson, we will look at the three basic elements of every photograph - the foreground, the background, and the subject.
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Foreground, Background, and Subject
An Example of Background, Foreground, and Subject
Lesson 3 Assignment
Lesson 3 Quiz
Lesson 4: Light (Technical Lesson 2)
Everything in a photograph is based on light. In this lesson, we will study light and how to use it to your advantage while taking pictures.
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Introduction
Light vs. Darkness
The Strength of Light
The Dynamic Range of Light
Lesson 4 Assignment 1
Lesson 4 Assignment 2
Lesson 4 Quiz
Lesson 5: Tell a Story (Composition 2)
In this lesson, we will discuss how to compose pictures in such a way as to draw viewers into the photo via the story it tells.
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Introduction
A Sense of Place
Authenticity
Don’t Be Afraid to Break the Rules
Lesson 5 Exercise
Lesson 5 Quiz
Lesson 6: The Direction of Light (Technical Lesson 3)
In this lesson, we will look at how the direction of light affects our photographs - and why this is important.
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Introduction
Secondary Light Sources
Direction of Light: Which direction is best?
When do you need to worry about the direction of light?
Lesson 6 Exercise
Lesson 6 Quiz
Wilderness Photography 101
About Lesson
Artist Ridge, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington
Snow and water can both reflect light – washing out this photo. Artist Ridge, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington

When shooting outside, there is usually only one source of light: the sun.  But there can be other light sources.  For example, if the sun is reflecting off of a lake or other surface (snow, for example), light may be coming from more than one angle.  And if you’re doing night photography, you might have light from the moon, flashlights, headlights, or other light sources to reckon with.  And don’t get me started when it comes to indoor lighting!

Indoor lighting made photography difficult at Franklin Court, Pennsylvania, when I tried to take pictures of Ben Franklin's printing press
Indoor lighting made photography difficult at Franklin Court, Pennsylvania, when I tried to take pictures of Ben Franklin’s printing press

Once you have determined the main light source and the direction of its light, look around for other light sources (reflections, etc.)  What direction are they coming from?  How does this affect your photograph?

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