Photography 101 - Introduction
Photo: Rainer Ebert used under CC licenseThe following post is from Australian photographer Neil Creek who is part of the recently launched Fine Art Photoblog, and is participating in Project 365 - a photo a day for a year - on his blog.
A couple of weeks back, Darren asked readers to “Ask a Digital Photograhy Question” to give the new DPS writers an idea of what you would like to learn about digital photography. As one of the new writers, I read the comments on the thread with great interest. They spanned the whole range from beginner to advanced, but the major recurring theme was settings, settings, settings.
The increasingly complex digital cameras on the market today offer a bewildering variety of ways to control their operation, and understanding how turning dials and flipping switches affects the images you end up with can make your head spin.
To get the most out of your photography and to best use your camera as a tool to create beautiful imagery, you really need to go back to the beginning and learn all about the basics. A strong grounding in the fundamentals in photography is essential to make this possible. When you know how it all works, then you know how to make it work. You will know how to set your exposure to capture the detail you want. You will know how to control light to show people what you want them to see. You will know how to react to unexpected situations and fleeting opportunities.
Back to class
Cross ReferencingThe DPS archives have a broad range of useful articles on photography from the basic to the advanced. Some of what I intend to cover in this series may already have been discussed in other articles. I do not wish to create redundancy, however I want this course to be comprehensive.
As with many things, there are different ways of looking at the same topic. I hope that by offering another perspective, I will be able to complement the existing DPS articles. I will link to relevant articles whenever it would be helpful.
Starting next week (Monday), I will be writing an ongoing weekly series of articles titled Photography 101 - A Basic Course on the Camera. In perhaps about a dozen parts, we’ll cover all the basics of camera design and use. We’ll talk about the ‘exposure triangle’: shutter speed, aperture and ISO. We’ll talk about focus, depth of field and sharpness, as well as how lenses work, what focal lengths mean and how they put light on the sensor. We’ll also look at the camera itself, how it works, what all the options mean and how they will affect your photos.
When we finish our first ’semester’ course of Photography 101, depending on how successful the series has been, I have ideas for future semesters: Photography 102 - A Basic Course in Taking Photos, Photography 103 - A Basic Course in Processing and Photography 104 - Increasing Your Options with Gear. I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on the idea of such a series of courses, and what you hope to get out of it. Please leave a reply to this post with your comments!
Alright, sharpen your pencils, and see you next week!
Next Week
Photography 101 - Light and the Pinhole Camera.
In addition to posting his Project 365 photos to his blog, Neil also runs a monthly photography project. This month’s topic is Iron Chef Photography - The Fork.
Read more posts like 'Photography 101 - Introduction'
March 7th, 2008 at 12:39 am
Wow this is great I can’t wait until Monday!
I use a point and shoot at the moment but I’m looking to buy a DSLR. And I need information on using them so this has come at the right time for me.
I’ve had cameras and taken photographs for years, but starting with a DSLR I want to learn the basics of using them straight off, so I can enjoy the camera and taking photographs more.
thanks I’ll definitely be following the course
March 7th, 2008 at 12:46 am
Very cool. I’m looking forward to it. Sometimes, with all of the the pressures of keep up with the latest in technological advancement, it helps to be reminded of the basics. My pencil is sharpened and ready to go!
March 7th, 2008 at 12:47 am
This sounds great - I got a DSLR a few weeks ago because I was geting frustrated that my compact couldn’t do what I wanted it to - it would be great to fine out exactly how to control the DSLR.
March 7th, 2008 at 12:56 am
So we should wait for Photography 105 for an intermediate course and ph106 for an advanced? :D
March 7th, 2008 at 1:04 am
Excellent idea!
As a regular reader of this site, I think adding photography 101 will come in very useful for the seasoned and amateur photographer alike. I recommend this site to many of my friends who have varying degrees of photography related skills and I know they will appreciate the lessons. Can’t wait to get started!
John
March 7th, 2008 at 1:06 am
I am very interested in this series. I’m sure it’ll help me tremendously. I’m nervous about messing up my travel pictures of New Zealand so the timing is right too as I’m leaving in a few weeks.
March 7th, 2008 at 1:24 am
I’ve been waiting for something like this! Can’t wait until next week!
March 7th, 2008 at 1:49 am
This is great! I love receiving and learning from my daily tips from dPS because there is always, always something to learn. However, a structured path to feeding the brain all this wonderful knowledge will likely help me produce better quality shots on a consistent basis.
Looking forward to next Monday. Thank you.
March 7th, 2008 at 1:54 am
Excellant idea. I can’t wait. Just itching to get to know all that stuff so I can take my DSLR off the auto settings.
March 7th, 2008 at 2:03 am
This sounds awesome! I took a photography class back in college, but it was before the day of digital photography. I just bought my first “nice” camera since then and I’m very excited to learn how to use it.
March 7th, 2008 at 2:13 am
Great! I have a “bridge” camera and since participating in the weekly assignments here at DPS (3+ months) I have really learned how to stay off the “Auto” part of the dial. Since film is free, I really do a lot of adjusting and shooting to get a “good” shot (read acceptable!), but still would like to get a better idea of what I’m doing. I’m looking forward to a series.
March 7th, 2008 at 2:14 am
Sounds like a great series. I am definitely looking forward to this one as I think that knowing the basics of taking a picture is one of the most important things in photography. I know that having a series like this would have helped me immensely in the last year that I’ve been learning.
March 7th, 2008 at 3:08 am
I, too, am hoping to upgrade to a DSLR soon, so this is very good timing. I’m sure these lessons will be very helpful!
March 7th, 2008 at 3:12 am
Great idea!
Although I am self thought starting with a Nikon FM2 in full manual mode there are times when I don’t get the shot I was hoping for. With this series I hope to fill in the blanks and bring structure to what I have already learned.
Charles
March 7th, 2008 at 3:21 am
This is a fantastic idea!!
I too am about to purchase my first DSLR and I just enrolled in the photography program at the Art institute. This will be an extremely valuable series.
March 7th, 2008 at 3:32 am
I can hardly wait! I got a new camera (Nikon D40) for my birthday, and am struggling with all the options available on it. Sure, I could just set it to point and shoot, but that is not why I wanted this camera. I want more control.
March 7th, 2008 at 4:11 am
This is a great idea! I just purchased my first DSLR a month ago. The timing of your planned intro course couldn’t be better for me. And definitely, please, keep them coming (102, 103, ….).
March 7th, 2008 at 4:18 am
I just got a DSLR for Christmas and I’m eagerly awaiting your “Photography 101″ series! Thanks!
March 7th, 2008 at 4:53 am
I can’t wait! I’ve just recently upgraded to a DSLR and need as much help as I can get!
March 7th, 2008 at 5:05 am
so looking forward to this…!! I read, I practice, I try again…:)
March 7th, 2008 at 5:33 am
I can’t wait for your “Photography 101″ series! Thank you!
March 7th, 2008 at 5:48 am
I agree with all the comments sounds like a great idea. Let me add that it would be helpful to have a series of where and when to go to Av or Tv since I know the pros often use some “shortcuts” in those settings too.
March 7th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Fabulous idea. This will be well received. Can’t wait to hear more.
March 7th, 2008 at 6:15 am
For me this couldn’t be a better time for these seminars… I just bought my first DSLR (Canon 400D)yesterday!!!
Superb!
March 7th, 2008 at 6:19 am
I look forward to all the upcoming series (101, 102, 103 and 104)!
March 7th, 2008 at 6:27 am
That’s a brilliant idea! Thank you very much for organising this - I really look forward to all the series you are planning. I am a keen photographer but have many ‘holes’ in my photographic knowledge - I hope you can help me (and others!) ‘plug’ these holes and get even more out of my Photography! Thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge.
March 7th, 2008 at 6:48 am
Oh, I am definitely interested in this and need the basics very much!
Thanks for doing this…
Nancy
March 7th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Yes! Yes! Yes! i just bought a Canon XTi (hasn’t even arrived yet) and i have no clue what to do with it, but am a very willing learner.
thanks - timing, timing, timing :)
March 7th, 2008 at 6:59 am
Just in time my wife has just given me My first DSLR Canon 400D i cant wait to start the course.
March 7th, 2008 at 6:59 am
Wow! I am looking forward to this series. I’ve always wanted to learn about pinhole cameras.
March 7th, 2008 at 7:31 am
This is a wonderful idea. I’m fired up and ready to go! I’ve shared this with a friend. Thanks so very much. Oh by the way, Be safe and happy returns.
March 7th, 2008 at 7:46 am
Looking forward to this. I need to improve my technical skills and this is exactly what I need. Thanks!
March 7th, 2008 at 8:40 am
It’s great to see everyone enthusiastic about the upcoming series! It’s always much easier to teach a class that’s motivated to learn ;) I’ll be setting homework assignmnets, and starting with the absolute basics, but working up towards more challenging topics.
It’s encouraging to hear how many have or are buying DSLRs, and they will help in the learning process because of the control they give you. However, the principles I’m covering will even help you get more out of your compact and bridge cameras.
Looking forward, an extended series of courses should be fun! But you have to walk before you run, or you’ll be tripping up a lot. :) If all goes well, there may well be “intermediate” and “advanced” courses, but that’s a way off yet.
Looking forward to seeing you all in class Monday!
March 7th, 2008 at 9:05 am
This sounds great! I am really looking forward to it. I took a photography course a couple years ago, but it is always great to review. Some of the things that were confusing the first time hopefully will click if I get it a second time. :)
After a while, it seems that I get in a rut and forget some of the things I learned. Hopefully this will bring it all back and put a new spark into my photography.
March 7th, 2008 at 10:05 am
the idea is GREAT! i’m a new user of DLSR, and i’m just trying to educate myself by getting ideas like this site! i have no one to talk to like for sharing one on one. but this site already helped a lot! starting from the beginning is the best idea! excited to start this already!
MORE POWER!
March 7th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Just what I need.
Just graduated to a DSLR and looking forward to learning anything about photography.
Hopefully I can print the courses you propose and use it for future reference and as a knowledge base.
Thanks for an excellent photo site and all your efforts to help all the aspiring amateurs and pros.
March 7th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Awesome. Now I have a reason to look forward to Mondays!
I’m looking forward to a good refresher course!
Thanks for taking the time to write one up for us.
March 7th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Wow, I’m glad there are so many who share my sentiments! Can’t WAIT– I really need this!
March 7th, 2008 at 11:05 am
I personally think that is a wonderful idea, we as beginners are in need of just such a thing as this. I for one won’t miss a single class. I just want to say think you in advance for even thinking of those of us who need the help.
March 7th, 2008 at 11:37 am
I have been waiting to seize the moment and you guys have made it come true. Thanks
March 7th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Yay!! Just what I need. Only recently got my dSLR so it’s great timing!
March 7th, 2008 at 11:52 am
This is a great idea, this site just gets better and better glad I was able to find it while browsing the net.
March 7th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Great! thanks for this, looking forward to Monday!
March 7th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Cool. I love DPS and this will be a great course. I am trying (in my free time) to get better use out of my D80, but with so many settings and buttons… I am looking forward to Monday.
March 7th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
I can’t wait for your class. The information I’ve learned so far has been invaluable. See you next Monday!
March 7th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
This is absolutely awesome! I’m looking forward to these series of courses! I will surely not miss a class. :) By the way, can you also include the meaning of some jargons that we hear/read from photo-related materials? I think that will help us better understand these materials. :)
Can’t wait for the first session… More power Neil!
March 7th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I think this will be great
March 7th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
As an enthusiastic but not particularly talented amateur photographer I am very much looking forward to learning from your proposed course.
Good luck with your ventures.
March 7th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Excellent Neil. I’m looking forward to this. I’m betting these lessons from basics will come in handy when I get my Nikon D40x next weekend.
March 7th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I am a newcomer to this place, where I found very useful and interesting for learning taking photos. To know the ideas and processes behind those cool pictures are alwasy attractive and challenging, bettern than searching and checking the prices of new-launced DSLR and strong lens behind the laptop.
I am extremly looking forward to the coming series.
P.S I’ve got my nikon D50 two years ago(nikon 50mm/1.8,tarmon 17-50mm/2.8 ) , most pics were taken during my travelling.
my photoblog :kevinchen.photo.pconline.com.cn, pls come and visit my photoblog when available. Cheers:)
March 7th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
great idea i need something like this .it takes me lots of time to go through all the blogs looking for what i need. Time i would rather spend taking photos,roll on Monday {cant believe i just wrote that}
March 7th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I can hardly wait! I bought a nice camera with all these different settings and a wide angle lens and have no idea what it can really do.
March 7th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
great! I am looking forward to it…
March 7th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
This is a fantastic idea Neil! I am new to the world of dSLRs. I’ve been trying to tweak with my settings, but I get so overwhelmed. I usually can only tweak one setting at a time. I’d love to learn how to use combinations of setting to improve my pictures. I’m even looking forward to the homework!
March 7th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Neil,from what has already been posted I am sure you get the impression that this would be a very good series. Along with everyone else, I am looking forward to next Monday. It is always good to go back to basics once in awhile.
All my pencils are sharpened & ready to go.
March 7th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
This is a fantastic idea I recently bought a EOS 400D and its a great camera but I want them perfect shots and you are helping me accomplish just that, with this course it will allow me to understand my camera allot better, so thank you and my pencil and paper are at the ready.
Keep up the good work.
March 7th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
This is a fantastic idea. The more we learn about something the more likely it is that we forget the basics.
March 7th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Fantastic!! This is really what i wanted to learn: How to use and most important understand ‘the triangle’ relationship and how to capture the effects you imagine in the sensors of the camera.
I can’t wait until monday to start learning!
Best Regards!
March 7th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Coool…
I await ‘Photography 101 - Introduction’ with great excitement!
As a beginner who bot the Canon 40D last Nov and took it to a few trips, I’m still very much bewilded by the many settings it offers… and all the time sticking to Program mode to play safe.
I believe with Photo101, i’ll be able to learn right from scratch the basics of photography and not be dominated by my camera but instead be a master of it… (grin).
On future series, maybe on “Applied Photography”? Teaching application stuff - like tips on how to take great product pics for ebay, or stock photos for iStockphotos (As a beginner, the very clean pics in iStockphotos amazes me very much n keeps me wondering how the hell they did it).
Thanks Neil!
March 7th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Yeah… me too. I have a new digital camera about 3 months ago but still did not get what I want and I felt so lucky to know DPS because I believe DPS can enhance my digital photography skill. Now, I am looking forward for the upcoming series.
March 7th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Looking forward to being taught properly as i’ve taught myself and sure to have things inside out and upside down back to front,you get the idea.Good move Neil.
March 7th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Neil, thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. I will be waiting for your lecture.
March 7th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
This is what Ive been waiting for!
March 8th, 2008 at 12:35 am
Thank you Thank you Thank you.I am a beginner and i soooooo need this.
Jeff
March 8th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Add me to the list of people looking forward to this. Will it come as part of my subscription to dps or do I need to sign up somewhere?
March 8th, 2008 at 12:42 am
Thanks! I am overwhelmed by all the settings on my D80. What a great site for me. Thank you!
Dara
March 8th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Can’t wait for these classes!! Will they come to my email like this did or is this only an announcement and we need to go get these classes at a different url?
March 8th, 2008 at 1:01 am
Its a great idea. Until last year I had a canon EOS300 film camera which produce great fotos for the last 5 years(in my point of view,I am not a professional but I love photography). Now I have the canon EOS 400 D XTi which I was dreaming for, but I am battling to print a nice or a photo with good colours without editing on computer. I am sure this will help a lot.
Regards,
Ajith
March 8th, 2008 at 1:06 am
Awesome! I really look forward to this and thanks (in advance) for sharing your knowledge!
March 8th, 2008 at 1:08 am
what a blessing! i’ve been waiting for something like this! Can’t wait until Monday!!!
March 8th, 2008 at 1:36 am
Sounds great! I’ve been working with a bridge camera since 2002. I’ve upgraded twice as the cameras evolved and my V-LUX 1 is great but still leaves something to be desired. I just bought a Olympus E-510 about three weeks ago and need all the help I can get. I’m having trouble adjusting and find myself reaching for the old camera before the new DSLR. Here’s hoping the new class will help me understand the camera better and increase my abilities.
March 8th, 2008 at 2:03 am
Add me to the list of ‘happy to see’ this type of column. I have already created a word document to save these into so that I can refer to them as I need them. Thank you, looking forward to all of them.
March 8th, 2008 at 2:22 am
Based on how well written your description is concerning your upcoming semesters, I anticipate that this will be one of the most informative and enjoyable information sharing efforts I’ve seen for some time.
I’m a fairly experienced photographer, with quite a few years of study, practice and experience in my history; however, it is always a good thing to be reminded of the basics and to keep abreast of the rapid and forever changing technologies and equipment that we photographers have to be aware of to be good at our craft.
I really look forward to reading what you have to offer us.
March 8th, 2008 at 2:24 am
SIGN ME UP! I can’t wait!
March 8th, 2008 at 3:07 am
This is great! I am just starting to get into photography, so this sounds like it will be a real help for me! Thanks so much!! I can’t wait!
March 8th, 2008 at 4:45 am
Wow, this is an awesome idea. You can go ahead and sign me up for 102, 103 and 104!!
March 8th, 2008 at 5:17 am
I can’t wait!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
March 8th, 2008 at 5:23 am
Any information from DPS has always been great help to learn photography. I am sure this is gonna be one more great platform to learn photography.
March 8th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Fantastic ideas. I too can’t wait for Monday and beyond. Thanks!!!!
March 8th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Thank you so much!
I have a jumble of bits of information about photography whirling around in my head, but I never seem to be able to put it all together to take the kind of photos I want. I need to start again with all the basic info. and build on that. Your course sounds like just what I need.
Will it come through dps (which, by the way, is a wonderful help, and one of my favourites)or do I go to your website for the instruction?
Thank you, DPS, for telling us about this.
March 8th, 2008 at 8:37 am
nice, can’t wait! this type of information is golden and so rare to find a consistent course online and free! covering from start to finish.
March 8th, 2008 at 8:43 am
I can’t wait either. I am all for learning everything I can. Thanks
March 8th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Wonderful idea. I am in. I have trying to keep up with the daily updates and assignments from DPS. I have been with the sight since Dec.07, new to photography and I keep reading “keep it simple” “simple is better”. So my opinion is, is that it is good to be reminded, reschooled on basics, if you will.
I can’t wait. Thank you.
March 8th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Tho I have been taking pictures for a number of years and am now on my fourth dig. Camera I feel that a course like this will be a good refresher….too bad it was not around about 5-6 years ago!
I am looking forward to it
March 8th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Thanks! This is so generous of you to share your knowledge to amateurs like us! More power to you!
March 8th, 2008 at 11:34 am
That’s excellent! I can’t wait.
March 8th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Like everyone else above me - this is EXACTLY what I need and WANT!!!!
Ready and Waiting!
March 8th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I just found your blog and am SOO excited - I just got my first DSLR and am struggling a bit - I cant wait until monday!
March 8th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
This is absolutely a bliss! Can’t wait to get started.
March 8th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Harvey Says
This is great. I”ve been looking for somethink like this also would you go into what setting’s to use to take a picture. Looking forward to Monday.
March 8th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
this is great,i just got a new advanced point and shoot and i have realy been getting into photography,this would realy help me out!! thanks a lot!!
March 8th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Looking for to it and the planned follow ons….excellent idea.
March 8th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Sounds like an excellent series and I look forward to a great adventure viewing them. Keep up your excellent work on this site. I love it.
March 8th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Excellent!
I have just purchased my first DSLR and am learning how to use it properly. This could not have come at a better time.
Thank you!
March 8th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Great plan for Photography 101 and the following “semesters.” I NEED IT!!! THANK YOU!!!!
March 9th, 2008 at 3:28 am
This is a great idea!!! I can’t wait till Monday, I’m re-scheduling my work for the week in view of the home works you would assign!! Cool, Thanks for this great idea Neil.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:23 am
Woo Hoo! This is great. Can’t wait for Monday!
March 9th, 2008 at 6:38 am
Great idea, I’m looking forward to this series. The main point is as it was stated in the intro: “When you know how it all works, then you know how to make it work.” ;
Thanks in advance.
March 9th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Excellent idea! I’m a amateur in digital photography and I my dream is to become pro some day. I try to use my camera during the weekends and even after three years of practicing I came up with some pictures where I think I’d have a better understanding of the basics.
March 10th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
This is amazing. Perfect timing since I just bought a Rebel XTi. I’d be looking forward.
March 10th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
This is just SOOOOO right for me, and judging by the comments above, many more of us. I’m a new DSLR user (Pentax K10D with 70mm macro Sigma to make me ‘focus’ on composition with a prime rather than continually zoom!)and this series couldn’t have arrived at a better moment. Will be avidly looking for part one on Monday …
March 11th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Every one is sharing the same great feeling that your offering this series!!! and just wanted to let you count my voice in.
Thanks a lot.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Great Idee…..!! Now I can “study” photography in the comfort of my favourite chair!!
Thank you so much!!
March 13th, 2008 at 11:35 am
This sounds great, but I hope this is not going to be directed at only DSLR’s. I have a Panosonic FZ50 with converter lens, and find this satisfies my needs. I have had Slr’s for years, but have found them to be really over rated, admittedly they do give more flexibility. Ernie