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Course

Smartphone Photography

ART-40734

Smartphone Photography: Tell Your Story
6 Weeks | No Prerequisite

With the evolution of digital photography, current smartphones have quality built-in cameras that allow us to take images of anything, anywhere! Aside from the point-and-shoot basics, there are features, formats, and techniques we can employ to best capture quality still images and videos. From composition and lighting tips to employing helpful camera editing features and apps, this course will have you actively making photos and videos - all on your smartphone. 

This 6-week course will cover content that will aid amateurs to aspiring digital marketers on your photo journeys. Whether capturing a spontaneous street scene, crafting a visual narrative, or recording video clips, this course equips you to transform everyday moments into compelling images and videos.

What You'll Learn

  • Analyze and choose the best smartphone camera and editing tools.
  • Master the ability to capture technically proficient images that tell a story or convey a concept (both single and series).
  • Plan and compose expressive visual narratives using design and light principles.
  • Explore advanced techniques for portraiture, video, and night photography.
  • Refine your editing skills to enhance images and videos using tools and apps for maximum impact.
  • Apply lighting fundamentals to create accurate exposures and images with intentional mood.
  • Capture video clips (both main and Broll footage)
  • Edit videos by trimming and combining clips, and adding music and titles to create short videos.

Course Information

Online
2.00 units
$395.00
Notes:

Quarters Offered: Summer
Equipment/Software: Current or recent smartphone (iPhone, Android, Google Pixel). A computer for uploading, compiling, and submitting coursework. Lightroom Mobile app (free). Compression software for folder submissions. YouTube or Vimeo subscription for video sharing.
Optional but Recommended: A tripod with a smartphone mount.
Flexible Enrollment: This course is an Elective Course for the Photography: Images and Techniques Professional Certificate but is open to all students, even if you're not enrolled in the Certificate program. 
Academic Calendar: The Academic Calendar shows the open enrollment dates and term start dates for each quarter. Courses do not necessarily start on the first day of the term.  

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This course applies to these programs

Digital Design and Creative Strategy Photography: Images and Techniques

Course sessions

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Section ID:

199300

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: 7/10/2026
  • Early enrollment advised
  • No UCSD parking permit required
  • No visitors permitted

Note:

This is a asynchronous, web-based course. Synchronous attendance is NOT required but there is a start and end date and weekly assignment due dates, beginning week 1. You will have access to your course on the published start date OR 1 day after your enrollment is confirmed, if you enroll after the published start date. SCBWI/MOPA/SDMA members can receive a $25 discount for one course prior to course start date. Discount is applied upon enrollment over the phone or in person with proof of membership.

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 UC San Diego 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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