Introduction to Digital Photography

Centre for Contemporary Photography (Melbourne)
09-10 February 2013
01-02 June 2013
07-08 September 2013
07-08 December 2013

This introductory weekend course presents a comprehensive overview of the practice and principles of digital photography.  It is specifically designed for photographers and artists relatively new to the world of digital imaging, who want a detailed introduction to working with digital SLR cameras.  The course also covers each stage of digital production, and provides a sophisticated guide to what is involved, what is possible and what is required.  Topics covered include:

The First Principles of Digital Photography
•  The digital transformation of continuous tone and resolution
•  Understanding JPEG, TIFF, PSD and RAW file formats
•  Image, screen and printer resolution
•  File size versus print size: How many pixels do I need?
•  Colour profiles: What colour space do I work in?

Working with Digital SLR Cameras
•  Aperture and shutter speed priorities
•  ISO settings and white balance considerations
•  Subject versus camera contrast
•  Artificial lighting and fill flash techniques
•  JPEG versus RAW workflows

Image Processing
•  Introduction to Adobe Lightroom™
•  Which image processing application is right for you?
•  Creative image editing
•  Slide shows and online image galleries
•  Printing with desktop inkjet printers

Setting up a Digital Imaging Workflow
•  Selecting, buying and maintaining digital imaging equipment
•  Working with minilabs and professional digital laboratories
•  Colour matching from screen to print
•  Cataloguing, storing and archiving digital images
•  Manuals, textbooks, forums and other sources of information

The course is based on practical explanations and ‘hands-on’ demonstrations, from image capture and processing to digital printing and web galleries.  While it is not essential for each participant to own a digital SLR camera, those who do are encouraged to bring it with them.  Participants might also enrol in this course to help them decide what equipment best meets their needs, and/or as an introduction to my more specialised courses.  Details course notes are provided.