Hobby Photography BPH001

This course will show you the way. An integral part involves you putting into practice what we teach you about film speed, exposure and composition of photographs, and developing your individual photographic style. Photos which you take are carefully considered by professional photographers who advise you on how to improve your photographic techniques.

The broad principles of photography, whether we use film or digital are often the same or similar and in this respect most of what you read in this course will have relevance to both digital or film. Photography is a craft, the techniques and skills of which we must study and practice learn in order to become proficient. Our craft has a new selection of tools which we should master in order to create beautiful, dramatic, informative images. The tools and technology are the means to the end.

Course Structure: Hobby Photography BPH001

1. Origins of Photography - Image formation, how light works in photography, lenses, understanding photosensitive materials.
2. Understanding Film & Cameras - Parts of film: supercoat, emulsion, backing support, anti-halation layer; film sensitivity. Camera Construction, shutter speed, f stop, ASA/ISO
3. The Camera and it's Use - Camera stability, ways of reducing camera movement, depth of field, filters, fault finding, etc.
4. More on using a camera - Flashes (electronic & manual), flash synchronisation, problems with flash photography (eg. red eyes), using a flash in daylight, special lenses, photo composition.
5. Photographic Techniques - Planning a photo session, Posing for photos, Snapshots, Water photography, The human form, Portraits, Animals, Action, Landscape & Still Life photography.
6. Developing your photographic style

Aims: Hobby Photography BPH001

• Describe how light forms an image in a camera.
• Describe how an image can be captured in a camera.
• Discuss how you can work at improving your capabilities with respect to taking photographs.
• Take photos under a range of more complex conditions.
• Improve your technique for taking pictures.
• Analyse your photographic skills and develop an increased consciousness of your own photographic style.

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the Academy, marked by the Academy's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

This course can be undertaken successfully without sophisticated camera equipment; however, you do need the use of a camera. An SLR camera is best, but any camera will do. Over the time you do the course, you will need to purchase a minimum of 5 rolls of film, and have them developed. (Cheap proof prints are acceptable, if you are restricted in your finances). All photos you take, and written work you submit will be returned to you.