Content
Our goal, in presenting this course is to help you understand the basics of photography and all of the technical stuff you will need to create great images.
All classes consist of (up to) 16 students, with each class being broken into 4 syndicates, and each syndicate having an experienced Team Leader, and an experienced Team Mentor. The Team Leaders and Mentors are former students who return time and again to share their knowledge with the new generation.
All of our team members give their time free of charge, simply for the enjoyment of seeing course members grow their skills. Whilst many of them completed the course years ago (and have been returning to help ever since), many others completed their courses just last year, and are completely empathetic with the students, who are always overwhelmed on the first sessions. All Team Members have volunteered to be available on-line and at classes to assist in a personal way, with the completion of your assignments, and making sure you have a solid understanding of all of the concepts presented.
The course consists of 10x1 hour lectures, and a fully escorted coach tour for an assisted photo-session in the Melbourne CBD.
This is an extremely ambitious course based on lectures followed by home assignments that are specifically designed to consolidate the knowledge imparted during the lectures. The time taken to complete the assignments varies, but most students spend about 6 hours per week completing the set work. The mentors and team leaders are constantly available to assist with any problems you may encounter.
On the first night, we will cover the following concepts:
- Philosophy of Photography
- Understanding light
- How Digital Cameras Work
- Focusing Systems
- Controlling Apertures
- Controlling Shutter Speeds
- Controlling ISO Settings
- Measuring Light
On the second night, we will cover the following concepts:
- Image Compression
- Dynamic Range
- Digital Asset Management (Filing Systems)
- Image Transfer Systems
- Data Transfer Systems
On the third night, we will cover:
- Focal Length & Zoom Lenses
- Depth of Field
- Camera Stability
On the fourth night we will meet for dinner (price is included) and embark on a coach for an exciting night photo-shoot in Melbourne CBD. We will be accompanied by many former students, as well as your team leaders and mentors, all of whom are ready to pass their knowledge and experience on to you. This night concludes at about 11 PM
On the fifth night, we will conduct a peer review and critique of the images created on our tour, and we will use those images in an introductory tour of The Photoshop Image Retouching Program. This will be done using the images you created. You will be offered the opportunity to join a follow-up in-depth Photoshop Course.
On the final night, we will cover:
- Complete revision of all concepts covered to date
- Using our digital imagery in programs such as Powerpoint, Email systems, Word, Page Layout and other document layout programs
- Advice of available supplementary courses such as Portraiture, Photoshop Retouching, etc.
- Introduction to FORCC (a club of former students who continue to meet to enhance their skills and grow their knowledge by arranging various photographic tours, both local and international, and events amongst themselves).
This picture was taken by Geoff White on DCC 63. See more of Geoff's course photos.
