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Course

Photo I: Aperture, Shutter Speed & ISO

ART-40629

Photo I: Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO
9 Weeks | $425 | Online

Capturing a memorable photograph takes more than just pressing a button! Being a form of visual art, photography is often defined by the vision of the photographer – what they see, how they see it and decide to show it to the rest of the world. As a photographer, your vision comes mainly from within, but a classroom teaching environment and a good mentor can help you get to the next level. This course was designed with that in mind, so you can develop competence and confidence as a photographer while mastering aperture, shutter speed and ISO.

In Photo I, you will learn basic design and composition rules to capture more compelling images, as well as study fundamental photographic principles. Learn to make critical decisions in the selection of digital photographic equipment, as well as how to define and explain common digital photography terms and concepts. Lastly, gain essential understanding on how to effectively use digital camera settings for optimal results. Assignments will also be an integral aspect of learning in this introductory photography class.

The theories you learn in the classroom environment are, of course, best practiced — that is what assignments are given for. No amount of lecturing on theory is going to matter much until you put the theory to practice—so you will enjoy plenty of time putting what we learn into practice!

What You Will Learn:

  • Essentials of the craft through weekly shooting assignments and demonstrations, discussions, and class critiques to help make the most of digital imaging technology.
  • An introduction to Adobe Lightroom that focuses on digital workflow.
  • Fundamentals of image management, types of files, image exports, how to make basic adjustments, and file resolution.
  • How to make critical decisions in the selection of digital photographic equipment.
  • Common digital photography terms and concepts.
  • Use of digital camera settings for optimum results.
  • How to use light, composition, and expose to improve photographs.


Quarters Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer | Online
Course Fee: $425
Prerequisite: none   
Materials/Software/Hardware: Fully adjustable DSLR camera or prosumer camera. Creative Cloud Photography Plan required (or full Adobe Creative Cloud plan). Lightroom Classic needed (not Lightroom Creative Cloud). Tripod recommended.
Note: Required course for the Photography: Images and Techniques professional certificate. 
Contact: For more information about this course, please email unex-digital@ucsd.edu.

Course Information

Online
3.00 units
$425.00
Notes: Required course for Professional Certificate in Photography. Fully adjustable DSLR or prosumer camera required. Adobe Lightroom required.

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This course applies to these programs

Photography: Images and Techniques

Course sessions

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Section ID:

188556

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.

Textbooks:

No textbook required.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 4/4/2025
  • Early Enrollment Discount: $400 ($425 if enrolled after 3/3/2025)
  • Early enrollment advised
  • No UCSD parking permit required
  • No visitors permitted

Note:

This is an Online Asynchronous course. All instruction and course materials delivered and completed online between the published course start and end dates. You will have access to your course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed, if you enroll on or after the published start date. To login to your course, go to your MyExtension account, select My Courses, select this course and then click the link that appears under Online Provider.

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
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Instructor: Elizabeth Norris, M.A.

Elizabeth Norris, M.A.

A photo educator and fine art/freelance commercial photographer for the past 25 years and teaches photography in person for the Art Institute in San Diego

Ellyn Norris is a seasoned photographer with over 25 years of experience capturing compelling images across various genres. Her expertise spans portrait, landscape, travel and fine art photography, where she skillfully blends technical proficiency with a creative eye to produce visually stunning and emotionally resonant photographs. Ellyn's dedication to her craft is evident in her extensive portfolio, which showcases her ability to adapt to diverse photographic challenges and consistently deliver high-quality results.

Ellyn holds a Master’s in Art Education and Photography from the prestigious Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, where she deepened her understanding of both the technical and conceptual aspects of the medium. As a Core Instructor in the Photography: Images and Techniques Certificate Program at UCSD Division of Extended Studies, she shares her wealth of knowledge with aspiring photographers. She teaches numerous workshops and courses, focusing on both the artistic and technical facets of photography. Her teaching approach emphasizes hands-on learning and encourages students to develop their unique visual styles. Ellyn's commitment to education and mentorship has inspired many to pursue photography with confidence and creativity, making her a highly respected figure in the photography community.
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