This module introduces learners to the fundamental concepts of digital photography. Learners will gain an understanding of how the digital camera produces a digital image, how images are stored and how images are displayed. Specifically this module aims to introduce the learner to:
- the fundamental principles behind image production as it applies to photography (pin hole camera/camera obscura);
- the fundamental operation and setup of a modern digital camera;
- common photographic concepts such as exposure, white balance, sensitivity (ISO), depth of field, lenses and how each of these concepts should be taken into consideration depending on the subject matter and the environmental conditions such as strong sunlight, indoor lighting, cloud cover or low light;
- different photographic compositional styles such as landscape, portraiture, sports, journalistic, and architectural. Learners will also be introduced to the history and practical issues surrounding image composition. For example, learners will be introduced to landscape composition techniques such as the use of triangular poses and the rule of thirds;
- basic image workflow and manipulation software. Learners will learn how to store and catalogue their digital images, carry out basic image manipulation activities such adjusting exposure, contrast, colour saturation, image size/quality/cropping and some basic effects such as applying sepia tone and conversion to back and white.
History of photography
Early photographs, The Camera Obscura, Eastman Kodak, first digital image capture devices. The development of photography and its importance to society.
The process of digital image creation
Basic components of a modern digital camera. Sensor technology, CCD, CMOS. Image storage, file formats, compression, JPEG V’s RAW. Image transfer techniques USB/other.
Digital capture
Focus, Exposure, Aperture priority, Shutter Speed priority, Manual, Program, Metering, Sensitivity (ISO), White balance
Crafting images
Light sources (Direction, form and quality), Metering modes, Depth of field, Movement, Perspective, Composition, Flash photography, Photographic situations, landscape, portraiture, sport, wildlife, journalistic, product/macro, street…
Digital Image Workflow
Transfer of photographs from camera to computer. Backup of photographs to external drive or DVD. Image management, tagging and identification. Image manipulation and correction using contrast, brightness, colour temperature, exposure, red eye removal and noise reduction. Image resolution, resizing and cropping. Image effects such as black and white, blurring, sharpening, vignette, sepia tone…Colour calibration for print and screen.
Digital image presentation
Printing digital photographs. Sharing digital photographs on the internet (web galleries). Emailing digital photographs (compression). Use of digital photographs in documents and as web graphics. Production of digital/traditional albums.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |