Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization

Q: 1. How long does the specialization take, and is it self-paced?

Spans 5 courses , estimated at 3 months of study at 10 hours per week . Other sources suggest a pace of 2 months at 4 hours per week , totaling approximately 8 weeks , depending on your schedule. Fully self-paced , so you can progress according to your own timeline.

Q: 2. Do I need photography experience or special gear to start?

No prior photography experience is required—ideal for beginners. Works for all camera types—from smartphones to DSLRs or mirrorless devices.

Q: 3. What topics and practical skills will I develop?

You’ll cover: Camera basics & exposure : Understanding aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and camera types. Manual control : Light metering, depth of field, motion effects, and mastering manual camera modes. Composition & editing : Design principles, color theory, digital post-production, and Adobe Creative Cloud tools. Lighting & storytelling : Use natural and artificial light creatively, craft visual content, and learn effective sharing methods. Capstone project : Create a personal portfolio with peer feedback and final project presentation.

Q: 4. What are the specialization’s strengths and limitations?

Strengths: Excellent reputation—rated 4.8/5 by over 5,400 learners. Balances technical camera skills with creative visual storytelling. Includes hands-on learning and opportunities for peer review. Limitations: Doesn’t delve into advanced gear, studio lighting setups, or specialized genres. Post-production tools may require access to external software. Peer review feedback quality can vary across learners.

Q: 5. Who benefits most from this specialization, and what advantages does it offer?

Ideal for hobbyists, content creators, students, and aspiring photographers who want a strong foundation. Helps develop a professional-quality portfolio of photographs. Offers a shareable certificate from Michigan State University—great for resumes or social media.

An ideal starting point for anyone looking to transform their passion for photography into professional-level skills.

Explore This Course

access	Lifetime
level	Beginner
certificate	Certificate of completion
language	English

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Description
Additional information
FAQs

What you will learn in Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization Course

Master camera settings and exposure controls to take full control of your photography.
Understand and apply principles of photo composition and design elements.
Develop skills in digital image post-production to enhance and finalize photographs.

Explore various lighting techniques, including natural and artificial light, to improve image quality.
Create a cohesive photography project that reflects personal style and vision.

Program Overview

Cameras, Exposure, and Photography

⏱️19 hours

Learn about different types of digital cameras and their functionalities.
Understand the basics of exposure, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
Explore framing and vantage points to create compelling images.
Discover useful photography accessories and gear.

Camera Control

⏱️13 hours

Gain proficiency in manual exposure modes and light metering.
Experiment with ISO settings and their effects on image quality.
Use shutter speeds creatively to convey motion and time.
Apply depth of field principles for controlled focus effects.

Principles of Photo Composition and Digital Image Post-Production

⏱️ 15 hours

Study design elements and principles to enhance photo composition.
Learn post-production techniques for digital images.
Utilize software tools for editing and refining photographs.
Understand color theory and its application in photography.

Photography Techniques: Light, Content, and Sharing

⏱️ 16 hours

Explore the use of natural and artificial lighting in photography.
Understand the role of content and storytelling in images.
Learn techniques for sharing and presenting photographs effectively.
Prepare for the capstone project by applying learned techniques.

Photography Capstone Project

⏱️ 20 hours

Develop a personal photography project that showcases your skills.
Receive feedback through peer reviews to refine your work.
Compile a portfolio that reflects your photographic journey.
Apply all concepts learned throughout the specialization.

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Job Outlook

Photography skills are valuable in various industries, including media, marketing, and art.
Proficiency in digital photography can lead to roles such as photographer, photo editor, and content creator.
Understanding composition and post-production enhances employability in creative fields.
The rise of digital platforms has increased demand for high-quality visual content.
Freelance opportunities abound for skilled photographers with a strong portfolio.

9.8Expert Score

Highly Recommended

The Photography Basics and Beyond Specialization is an excellent starting point for aspiring photographers. It blends technical instruction with creative development, giving learners the tools to build a compelling portfolio.

Value

9.5

Price

9.3

Skills

9.8

Information

9.7

PROS

Covers both creative and technical aspects of photography.
Includes DSLR and smartphone techniques, making it accessible.
Practical projects help develop a strong portfolio.
No prior experience required.
Taught by expert instructors from a top institution.

CONS

Limited focus on advanced gear or studio lighting setups.
Post-production tools may require additional software access.
Peer feedback quality may vary in the capstone project.

Specification: Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization

access	Lifetime
level	Beginner
certificate	Certificate of completion
language	English

FAQs

1. How long does the specialization take, and is it self-paced?

Spans 5 courses, estimated at 3 months of study at 10 hours per week.
Other sources suggest a pace of 2 months at 4 hours per week, totaling approximately 8 weeks, depending on your schedule.
Fully self-paced, so you can progress according to your own timeline.

2. Do I need photography experience or special gear to start?

No prior photography experience is required—ideal for beginners.
Works for all camera types—from smartphones to DSLRs or mirrorless devices.

3. What topics and practical skills will I develop?

You’ll cover:

Camera basics & exposure: Understanding aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and camera types.
Manual control: Light metering, depth of field, motion effects, and mastering manual camera modes.
Composition & editing: Design principles, color theory, digital post-production, and Adobe Creative Cloud tools.
Lighting & storytelling: Use natural and artificial light creatively, craft visual content, and learn effective sharing methods.
Capstone project: Create a personal portfolio with peer feedback and final project presentation.

4. What are the specialization’s strengths and limitations?

Strengths:

Excellent reputation—rated 4.8/5 by over 5,400 learners.
Balances technical camera skills with creative visual storytelling.
Includes hands-on learning and opportunities for peer review.

Limitations:

Doesn’t delve into advanced gear, studio lighting setups, or specialized genres.
Post-production tools may require access to external software.
Peer review feedback quality can vary across learners.

5. Who benefits most from this specialization, and what advantages does it offer?

Ideal for hobbyists, content creators, students, and aspiring photographers who want a strong foundation.
Helps develop a professional-quality portfolio of photographs.
Offers a shareable certificate from Michigan State University—great for resumes or social media.

Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization

Description
Additional information
FAQs

Explore This Course

Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization