Lesson 1Creative/experimental shot: planning reflections, shadows, unusual angles, and step-by-step setup for repeatable effectsDesign creative pictures on purpose, not by chance. You will plan reflections, shadows, motion, and unusual views, then build repeatable setups so you can improve each idea, fix problems, and remake good effects later.
Scouting reflective and see-through surfacesPlanning with hard light and strong shadowsIntentional motion blur and light paintingExtreme views and camera placementStep-by-step testing of experimental setupsDocumenting settings for repeatable effectsLesson 2Outside daytime scene: planning exposure, using polarizers or HDR, composition with leading lines and front interestPlan bright outside photos with sure exposure, rich color, and strong depth. You will compare polarizer and HDR use, control dynamic range, and design compositions that guide the eye using lines, layers, and front interest.
Reading midday and golden hour lightBalancing shutter speed, aperture, and ISOWhen to use a polarizing filterHDR brackets for high-contrast scenesBuilding depth with front 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 flatter the subject and fit your aim. You will plan distance, focal length, aperture, focus point, and posing, while matching light, back, and expression for steady, 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 fix guide for common problems when doing each planned shotQuickly find and fix issues that come up while doing your plans. You will learn fast checks for blur, exposure, color, and mess, plus simple changes that save a session without losing your original creative aim.
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 5Inside object still life: selecting subject, background, aperture and focus choices, and step-by-step shooting planBuild still life scenes inside using simple things and controlled light. You will choose subjects, backs, and items, then improve camera height, aperture, and focus to create clean, planned arrangements with steady results.
Selecting a clear subject and supporting itemsChoosing background color and textureNatural window light versus made 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 structured templates to plan each photo before shooting. You will define subject, place, and aim, then map out light, composition, and settings so your ideas become clear, repeatable shot plans instead of vague thoughts.
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 phone-only setups vs. cameras with manual controlsAdapt every shooting plan to the gear you have. You will learn phone-friendly alternatives to manual controls, use apps and add-ons wisely, and translate exposure and composition choices between phones and real 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 ways, aperture selection for sharpnessBuild a real macro way using any camera or phone. You will learn how to control focus distance, depth of field, and camera movement, while shaping light and backs to make small subjects sharp, clean, and visually strong.
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 ways, shutter speed choices, ISO management, and phone night modesMaster evening and night scenes by steadying the camera, choosing safe shutter speeds, and handling ISO noise. You will compare long exposures, handheld choices, and phone night modes to keep detail and color in low light.
Choosing tripod or made-up supportsSafe handheld shutter speed guidelinesISO trade-offs and acceptable noiseLong exposure ways for light trailsUsing phone night and astro modesColor balance and mixed light at nightLesson 10Shot lists and before-shoot checklist items to ensure steady planning (materials, timing, camera settings)Create sure shot lists and checklists so sessions go smoothly. You will plan places, timing, and backup ideas, then check batteries, cards, lenses, and settings to cut mistakes and keep focus on creativity.
Defining the session goal and limitsBuilding a prioritized shot listTiming and light planning for each shotGear checklist and backup optionsCamera settings and format checksOn-location review and adjustments
