Online Courses
We now offer several courses in an online format, accessible to anyone with high speed internet access regardless of location. The courses are delivered using Blackboard CE, a state-of-the art educational delivery platform that students have access to whenever they choose.
Basic Digital Photography
Basic Digital Photography is a course designed to introduce the student to the exciting world of photography in the digital era. Using your own digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR), you will be guided step-by-step through the basics of your camera's functionality and, just as importantly, the critical photographic controls necessary to produce consistently good photographs.
Based entirely on the 'live' course offered through Langara College’s highly- acclaimed Certificate Photography Program, this online version will provide you with the necessary skills to make your picture-taking more enjoyable and the results more satisfying, as well as a solid foundation on which to build a potential career in photography. As more courses are added online, there will eventually exist the opportunity to attain certification in photography without ever having to attend the college, or allow continued education when your work or personal situation might otherwise interrupt your studies.
Covering the traditional aspects of photography such as exposure, depth of field control and composition, this course also delves into basic digital controls such as histograms and white balance as well as the use of internal flash and built-in filters. Learning is accomplished through fully-illustrated text and self-directed practical exercises designed to guide the student through the technical process while offering creative stimulation to make it fun!
Students are delivered learning materials weekly through the Langara College website link to Blackboard CE, a state-of-the art educational delivery platform, in the form of illustrated texts, web links and streaming video. They are then given assignments relative to the week’s topic, which they submit to the instructor for evaluation and one-on-one feedback. There will also be opportunity for group discussions amongst course participants, to provide an atmosphere similar to that found in a traditional classroom. Students work at their own pace, to a certain degree, though are expected to follow a schedule and timetable for submission of assignments. Upon completion of the course, and attainment of a minimum grade (C), students are awarded credit for Basic Digital Photography in the Continuing Studies Certificate Photography Program.
Required equipment:
- DSLR Camera and lens
- any sort of lighting that can be moved around (household lamps will suffice)
- computer with high-speed internet access
- basic picture management software (comes with camera, e.g. Nikon Capture;
Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop are not required, though certainly very useful) Students require no previous photography experience, though must have basic computer skills and an excellent command of English.
Photo by Jenn Rodriguez
Digital Intermediate Photography
Digital Intermediate Photography is a natural extension of the basic level course, beginning with a general refresher of elemental controls such as exposure, depth- of-field and composition. It then explores several genres within the photographic world, specifically landscape, still life and people photography, each with its foundation firmly rooted in lighting control and creative content. Some retouching and digital image enhancements are also covered, with the use of Adobe Photoshop, which is recommended software for this course. Studio lighting is also explored, with an emphasis on the use of off-camera flash for portraiture. Ideally, students will have their own speedlight(s) to accomplish such lighting.
photo by Robert Mackie
Practical Lighting
Practical Lighting picks up from where Intermediate Photography left off in the realm of studio lighting. The course begins with a general overview of studio flash photography using power pack and moonlight systems, including safety issues and basic setup/teardown procedures. It then delves into lighting for still life photography, specifically objects made of glass, metal and textured material, offering a thorough exploration of the methodology used to optimize the appearance of such subjects in a polished and professional-looking still life photograph.
Finally, the professional lighting technique known as 'key shifting'is utilized in an outdoor shoot mixing strobe with natural light. For this course, students will require their own studio strobe kit, ideally with a minimum of three lights, in addition to light modifiers such as umbrellas or softboxes.
Photo by Steve Jackson
The Photographic Portrait
The Photographic Portrait explores people photography as it relates to a number of genres, from traditional studio and location portraiture to that of illustrative fine art. All aspects of portraiture are embraced including lighting techniques, posing, design, ambience, rapport with your subjects, aesthetics and presentation.Through online lectures, multi-media presentations, studio and location shooting assignments and critiques, the student is provided an environment in which to thoroughly explore his or her potential and speciality within this very challenging and rewarding field. Beginning with traditional studio portraiture, the course then tackles the techniques and aesthetics of location portraiture as well as editorial, advertising and fine art applications. Students are encouraged to raise their creativity to new heights and will ultimately compile a professional-looking portfolio of portraits.
Students need their own strobe lighting equipment for this course.
Photo by Andrew Tripp
