Principles of Photo Composition and Digital Image Post-Production

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/photo-composition

Introduction

### Course Review: Principles of Photo Composition and Digital Image Post-Production Photography is not just about clicking a button; it’s about capturing emotions, telling stories, and expressing artistic vision. Coursera’s "Principles of Photo Composition and Digital Image Post-Production" is a fantastic course designed for aspiring photographers and seasoned artists looking to refine their skills in composition and image editing. This course promises to equip learners with essential design principles while providing insights into post-production techniques that can elevate their photography. #### Course Overview The course is divided into four modules, each meticulously crafted to provide a professional-level understanding of visual composition and post-photography processing. Whether you are capturing stark reality through documentary photography or expressing your artistic voice, understanding the principles that govern design and composition is crucial. **Module 1: Elements of Design – Building Blocks of Composition** The journey begins by exploring the fundamental elements of design that are vital for creating compelling photographs. Much like a writer must know how to construct sentences, photographers need to understand the building blocks of visual storytelling. This module lays the groundwork by teaching how to effectively arrange these elements to convey the photographer's intended message, making it easier for viewers to engage with the content. **Module 2: Composition – Putting the Elements Together** In the next module, learners delve deeper into the art of composition. Successful photographs often arise from meticulous organization, a keen control of exposure, and a sharp focus on content. This module emphasizes the significance of the prior knowledge gained in Module 1, helping students identify which design elements resonate most with their personal style and story they wish to convey. **Module 3: Photo Editing Fundamentals 1.0 – Workflow with Adobe Lightroom Classic** Transitioning from capturing images to refining them, Module 3 focuses on the vital aspects of post-production. Utilizing Adobe Lightroom Classic, students will establish a foundational understanding of how to process and organize their photographs effectively. This module highlights the importance of a structured workflow, ensuring that learners are adept at managing their digital assets and honing their editing skills in a future-oriented manner. **Module 4: Photo Editing Fundamentals 2.0 – Smartphone Apps** With smartphones becoming ubiquitous in photography, the final module of this course underscores the potential these devices hold. Participants will discover how to maximize their smartphone’s capabilities, transforming it into a powerful editing tool through the use of various photo editing applications. This module is particularly beneficial for casual photographers who wish to make the most out of their devices without needing to invest in more complex equipment. #### Recommendations I highly recommend the "Principles of Photo Composition and Digital Image Post-Production" course to anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding of photography. Here are a few reasons why this course stands out: 1. **Comprehensive Curriculum**: Each module is thoughtfully constructed, progressing from fundamental concepts to practical applications in post-production. 2. **Accessible to All Levels**: Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to polish your skills, the course caters to all levels of photographic experience. 3. **Hands-on Learning**: The course incorporates practical assignments, allowing students to apply their learnings effectively and see real-time improvements in their work. 4. **Post-Production Insights**: Understanding the role of editing in photography is crucial; this course offers valuable insights into both professional and smartphone editing techniques. 5. **Flexible Learning**: As with all Coursera courses, students can learn at their own pace, making it accommodating to various schedules. In conclusion, "Principles of Photo Composition and Digital Image Post-Production" is a well-rounded course that not only teaches essential skills but also fosters creativity and a deeper appreciation for the art of photography. Enroll today and take your photography skills to the next level!

Syllabus

Elements of Design: Building Blocks of Composition

A writer must understand what nouns, adjectives, adverbs, and other word forms are, before putting them together in sentences that make sense to a reader. Similarly, an artist must understand the essential elements of design that must be put together to create a composition that will "make sense" to a viewer of their artwork. In this first module you will learn about the Elements of Design so you can understand their functions and use them effectively to guide your viewers to the content you wish to be conveyed by your photographs, whether it be creative, or documentary, regardless of the subject matter.

Most successful photographs are the result of impactful content, control of exposure and focus, and well designed composition. When you finish the courses and lessons in this Module, you will have the understanding of fundamental principles in those essential areas to begin creating expressions you can be proud of. From the knowledge you gained in Module 1, you can now identify Design Elements that are most significant to you and your content. In this Module, you will learn fundamental principles of organization of those Elements through the purposeful communication that comes from Composition.

In this Module you will learn the fundamental elements of "post-production workflow," for image files created with a digital camera. We will cover the fundamental aspects of the widely accepted software tool Lightroom™. Whether you are using a point-and-shoot, mirrorless, compact, or DSLR camera, the resulting pictures are of limited value unless they are organized and edited beyond the camera in a computer-based environment. You will begin learning the "best practices" involved in using the most widely accepted software platforms, and have a foundation from which you can begin the journey of growth in skills in future efforts and studies of "post-production."

Whether you are an iPhone, Galaxy, or other SmartPhone user, you know you have an exciting device to use as a camera, but you probably feel that you are not using all of its potential. You will learn how the addition of solid Photo "APPs" can extend the capability of your device, turning it into a powerful photo-editing computer as well as a more sophisticated camera.