Taking better photographs is a snap with this first-hand look at the creative process of award-winning National Geographic photographers who have mastered the trade. During class, you’ll gain rich insight for your own images and develop a toolkit of simple but effective techniques to use again and again. Your journey begins with adventure photography, as you see how to reveal the culture of a locale through silhouette, leading lines, the vastness of a landscape and anticipation. Then, learn how panning and incorporating the environment will lead to better photos of wildlife in your own backyard. Want to harness light for more impact? Take a deep dive into the four kinds of light: diffuse light, sidelight, backlight and “magic” light, before learning the “personalities” of colors. Plus, conquer the three key elements of any great landscape — light, composition and the moment — and end class with simple strategies for emotionally compelling storytelling.
Overview
Syllabus
- Class Preview
- Redefine Adventure (Adventure)
- Broaden Your View (Adventure)
- Show What No One Has Shown (Adventure)
- Set the Scene, Get Close (Adventure)
- Understand the Animal (Wildlife)
- Use All the Tools (Wildlife)
- Make a Difference (Wildlife)
- Go Back, Get It Right (Wildlife)
- The Joys of Nature (Landscape)
- Exploring Landscapes (Landscape)
- Guide the Eye (Landscape)
- Moment in Landscape (Landscape)
- Gaining Trust (People)
- Uncover the Human Condition (People)
- Build Relationships (People)
- Use the Background (People)
- Good, Bad & Magic Light (Color & Light)
- Wait & Work the Shot (Color & Light)
- Compose With Color (Color & Light)
- Write With Light (Color & Light)
- 50 Years of Telling Stories (Storytelling)
- Moment, Gesture, Place (Storytelling)
- Engaging the World (Storytelling)
- Raising Awareness (Storytelling)
Taught by
12 Photography Masters
