Photographer

Program Outline

Instruction Sets
Your program consists of seven Instruction Sets designed to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you'll use in your new career.

Here's how it works: Your first Instruction Set will be sent immediately after your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so you will always have training materials to work with. Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your lessons:

Instruction Set 1

Learning Strategies

Indentifying and implementing a successful study method; planning when, where, and how you'll study; creating effective and efficient study tools; using study tools to improve chances for success.

The Exciting World of Photography

Opportunities available in the field; purpose and application of photographer's tools; how to make a living as a photographer.

Instruction Set 2

Photography Basics

Loading and unloading film; parts of a camera; focal length and angle view.

Camera Basics

The camera shutter; viewfinders; camera accessories; operating a camera; exposure meters; using an exposure guide.

The Nature of Light

How light affects photography; adjusting exposure according to light source intensity; applying the basic principles of lighting to photography.

Instruction Set 3

Lighting for Photography

Achieving outstanding results in daylight lighting conditions or with "available" light; determining proper exposure when using a flash; setting up for studio lighting.

Choosing Your Subject

Determining the purpose of a photograph; identifying the visual component of a picture; organizing a photographic image.

Instruction Set 4

Image Design

Developing a personal style; applying the principles of linear design; framing the subject; creating visually balanced photos.

Development and Processing of Photographs

Processing black and white films; processing color films; safe handling of chemicals used in film processing; troubleshooting and correcting defects in negatives.

Graded Project 1

Instruction Set 5

Printing Black and White Photographs

Acquiring the facilities, equipment, and materials to make black and white prints; adjusting and operating an enlarger; developing, stopping, and washing photographic prints; finishing; storing, mounting, and titling prints.

Printing Color Photos and Slides

Organizing and equipping your darkroom; processing and mounting color slides; printing and enlarging color photographs; making color prints from slides.

Instruction Set 6

The Joy of Photography Study Guide

Recognizing and distinguishing among different shapes, lines, patterns, textures, angles, and forms; arranging, composing, framing, and cropping photos.

Presentation Skills

Common methods and materials used to preserve artwork; techniques for public presentation of artwork; identifying the various components of a portfolio.

Textbook: The Joy of Photography

Instruction Set 7

Digital Photography

Definition of digital photography; technical terms unique to digital imaging; options for manipulating and outputting a digital photograph.

Video Photography

Identifying camera formats and accessories needed to get started; maintaining and caring for your equipment; applying professional secrets such as shot selection, sequencing, and in-camera editing.

Business Skills for the Photographer

Equipment needed to launch a professional photography business; basic darkroom requirements; key areas of professional opportunity.

Graded Project 2

Graduation Set

Textbook: The Photographer's Market

Textbook: How You Can Make $25,000 a Year with Your Camera

 

Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and to assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.

You must have access to a 35mm single lens camera to complete your training.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.