Lesson 1Creative/experimental shot: planning reflections, shadows, unusual angles, and stepwise setup for reproducible effectsPlan creative images on purpose. Plan reflections, shadows, motion, and odd views, then build setups you can repeat to refine ideas, fix problems, and remake good effects.
Scouting reflective and translucent surfacesPlanning with hard light and strong shadowsIntentional motion blur and light paintingExtreme perspectives and camera placementStepwise testing of experimental setupsDocumenting settings for repeatable effectsLesson 2Outdoor daytime scene: planning exposure, using polarizers or HDR, composition with leading lines and foreground interestPlan bright outdoor photos with good exposure, color, and depth. Compare polarizer and HDR, control range, and design compositions with lines, layers, and foreground.
Reading midday and golden hour lightBalancing shutter speed, aperture, and ISOWhen to use a polarizing filterHDR brackets for high-contrast scenesBuilding depth with foreground elementsUsing leading lines to guide the viewerLesson 3Portrait and self-portrait planning: distance, focal length, aperture for subject separation, focus point, and posing guidancePrepare portraits and self-portraits that suit the subject and goal. Plan distance, focal length, aperture, focus, and posing, with light, background, and expression for natural results.
Choosing focal length for flattering facesWorking distance and perspective controlAperture for subject separation and groupsSelecting and placing the focus pointSimple, repeatable posing frameworksBackground and light for portraitsLesson 4Quick troubleshooting guide for common problems when executing each planned shotQuickly fix issues in your plans. Learn checks for blur, exposure, color, and mess, plus adjustments to save the session without losing your creative plan.
Fixing motion blur and camera shakeRescuing underexposed or blown highlightsReducing noise and improving detailCorrecting color casts and white balanceSimplifying messy or distracting framesAdapting the plan when conditions changeLesson 5Indoor object still life: selecting subject, background, aperture and focus choices, and step-by-step shooting planBuild still life indoors with simple objects and light. Choose subjects, backgrounds, props, then set camera height, aperture, focus for clean arrangements.
Selecting a clear subject and supporting propsChoosing background color and textureNatural window light versus artificial lampsCamera height and angle for still lifeAperture and focus stacking decisionsStep-by-step still life shooting workflowLesson 6Templates for writing the subject/place, goal, camera settings plan, composition, and light for each photoUse templates to plan each photo. Define subject, place, intent, then map light, composition, settings so ideas become clear, repeatable plans.
Describing subject, place, and contextWriting a clear visual goal statementPreselecting exposure and focus strategyPlanning light direction and qualitySketching framing and composition notesReviewing and revising the written planLesson 7How to adapt each plan for smartphone-only setups vs. cameras with manual controlsAdapt plans to your gear. Learn phone alternatives to manual, use apps and add-ons, and match exposure and composition between phones and cameras.
Matching phone modes to camera exposure modesUsing phone exposure and focus controlsLens choices versus phone focal length optionsStability solutions for phones and camerasRAW capture and editing on mobile devicesWhen to favor phone or dedicated cameraLesson 8Detail and close-up shots: macro approach with available gear, focusing techniques, aperture selection for sharpnessGet a macro way with any camera or phone. Control focus distance, depth, movement, shape light and backgrounds for sharp, clean small subjects.
Working distance and minimum focus limitsSingle-point autofocus and manual tweaksAperture choices for depth and sharpnessManaging motion blur at high magnificationBackground simplification and separationUsing reflectors and diffusers for macrosLesson 9Low-light evening scene: tripod/steady techniques, shutter speed choices, ISO management, and smartphone night modesMaster evening scenes by steadying camera, picking safe speeds, managing ISO noise. Compare long exposures, handheld, and phone night modes for detail in low light.
Choosing tripod or improvised supportsSafe handheld shutter speed guidelinesISO trade-offs and acceptable noiseLong exposure techniques for light trailsUsing smartphone night and astro modesColor balance and mixed light at nightLesson 10Shot lists and pre-shoot checklist items to ensure consistent planning (materials, timing, camera settings)Make shot lists and checklists for smooth sessions. Plan places, times, backups, check batteries, cards, lenses, settings to cut errors and focus on creativity.
Defining the session goal and constraintsBuilding a prioritized shot listTiming and light planning for each shotGear checklist and backup optionsCamera settings and format checksOn-location review and adjustments
